Go West, Young Man!
The Oregon Trail Interpretive Center near Baker City, Oregon tells the story of the pioneers along the Oregon Trail.  It was a two thousand mile journey of approximately six months duration.
One would be very fortunate not to be bitten by a snake, killed by a wild animal, starve, get cholera or another illness, die in childbirth, drown in a river crossing, etc..
Despite the above possibilities, most pioneers made it across the plains and on to a land that they hoped would fulfill their dreams.