Copyright © 2010 by Baron Rod (baronrod.macf@gmail.com) Four to California (nosex historical) *=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=* Pursuant to the Berne Convention, this work is copyrighted with all rights reserved by its author unless explicitly indicated. Reproduction for profit is forbidden. Any distribution must include this note and the author's email address. Don't be caught attempting to make a buck off me! Warnings and disclaimers: This is adult entertainment! Be warned! I don't write stroke stories and this story has less sex, mostly implied, than my usual. If you want graphic depictions of sex, this is the wrong story for you! If you're too young to be legally reading this, move along! This is a work of fiction. It is not intended to reflect any particular person or persons, and the incidents portrayed exist in their current form solely in the writer's imagination. You get the idea. *=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=* *=*=* February 9, 1848 - Thursday Here begins my journal. I arise today a new man. My past is that of a cad, my future, if I have one, will be that of an emigrant farmer. I am Christopher Hanlon, 23, born October 12, 1824. I am 5' 6", 150 pounds, moderately good looking with brown hair and a beard which I keep well trimmed. I grew up on a farm in up state New York and left home as soon as I could. I had found employment at a stock brokerage firm in New York City. In the last eight years I have come to know the ways of the City and of the markets. I had a portfolio that was worth several thousand dollars. But I can not continue. I was a cad, a scoundrel, a bounder, a roue, a hound... I could go on but I think my point gets across. In the last three months I had degraded not one but three wonderful and beautiful ladies. Marion Crawford is a tiny girl of twenty. She is 5' tall and weighs maybe a hundred pounds after a big meal. She has hair the color of clover honey, hazel eyes, and her breasts are tiny cones, a perfect mouthful. She works at a firm that is located on the same floor as my own. We had been flirting on and off for months. Then I began seeing her after work and one evening we found ourselves in bed together. Katrina Mueller is also twenty, and is my height and weighs about fifteen pounds less. Her hair is spun gold, her eyes sky blue, and her breasts are large and heavy. She works at the central library. I often go there for research. She is a highly intelligent person and easy to talk to. She had been widowed a year and a half earlier. We began taking lunch together and then progressed to noontime dalliances. Grace O'Riley is nineteen. Rich auburn hair, green eyes, and breasts that just fit my hand, she stands 5' 3" and weighs about what Katrina does. A sturdy girl. She was waiting for an omnibus trolley when she was accosted by a trio of street ruffians. I laid them out with fists and cane, but not before she had her dress torn. My apartment was near to hand. She had to remove her dress to repair it and one thing lead to another. Was I any better than the street trash? That evening led to others. I have continued seeing these three ladies and having passionate sex with them for months, being careful that they never found out about each other. I cannot continue. I have made my plans. My portfolio has been converted to cash. The lease on my apartment will be up the end of the month. I have sent my parents and siblings various things that I loved, but would not be able to take with me. I arranged with a friend the removal and sale of anything I left in my apartment once I am gone. I have invited all three ladies to my apartment for an early Sunday dinner. If I survive the encounter I will leave for California the next day. *=*=* February 13, 1848 - Sunday I am in shock. One shock is that I am both alive and also not broken or bleeding. The other shock... The ladies arrived within minutes of each other. The atmosphere in the room was much colder than the mid February chill outside. Dinner was deliberately in an hour. I sat with them in my parlor and introduced them to one another. Then I professed my sorrow that I had dishonored them all, taking the virginity of two of them and all of them for my lovers. I affirmed strongly my love for them all. Since there was no way for me to choose any one or them over the others I saw no other way than to leave them entirely. I would not demean them farther by offering money as a sop to my conscience. A clean break in which their righteous rage would heal their hearts faster and allow them to get on with their lives. I would leave the City never to return. Yes, they screamed at me. Yes, they called me all the names I had called myself and more. Yes, they called on the heavens to destroy me and threatened to see what secular law could do. It was during this last that Grace fell quiet and then declared that even with the proof of my unfaithfulness she still loved me and she would cleave unto me even as Ruth said 'for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge'. I was dumbfounded! So were Marion and Katrina. They looked at Grace, then at each other, then at me. This cycle went on for minutes. Katrina broke the cycle saying that she could not believe that Grace would so demean herself. Marion blinked and sadly said that she was sorry that Grace laid her claim first. She too felt strongly about me and averred that she too would have gone with me. She then reached out and hugged Grace to her. Katrina broke down crying. Grace and Marion went to her and enfolded her. I felt I had no right so I stayed quietly in my chair. Grace asked my plans. I had not made any reservations, but had thought out my trek into obscurity. I told the ladies that I planned to travel by railroad to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania which should take four to six days. From there the plan was to go by riverboat to St. Louis, Missouri, which should take eighteen to twenty days, then take another riverboat to Independence, Missouri, another six to seven days. If I left here tomorrow I would be in Independence by mid March. This would give me time to purchase a wagon and supplies so as to leave the beginning of April. I had planned to join a wagon train to Sacramento, California. That should take six to seven months, arriving in September or October. Katrina spoke and ordered me to go to a local store and procure a bottle of white wine. I almost pointed out that I already had white wine in the apartment, but realized that the ladies wanted to talk without my input. I left to get the wine. When I returned it was to find three naked ladies. Katrina declared that the three of them would accompany me. They had little in the way of possessions and could be ready to travel by mid week. I was informed that if this caused problems with my planning I could change my plans. Then it was declared that I join them in their nudity and give pleasure to all three of them. I did what they asked. If they had not actively helped I would not have succeeded. *=*=* February 15, 1848 - Wednesday We boarded a train today that will take us to Baltimore where we will transfer to a train bound for Pittsburgh. The news of the day is that the war with the Mexico is over with the peace treaty being signed on February 2. It seems that we will not be leaving our home county, as California is now the property of our fair country. We cannot indulge our passions on the trains, but we discussed our arrangements for when we could be alone. It was decided that the ladies would alternate each night with a night's break between starting the cycle over again. The schedule will be adjusted for the times of their monthlies. We look forward to Pittsburgh. *=*=* February 20, 1848 - Sunday We arrived in Pittsburgh in the early evening, found a hotel. We are starting to be able to ignore the looks of disapproval that our little group generates. I am not sure how the ladies arranged their rotation, but Katrina came to me this night. *=*=* February 21, 1848 - Monday After looking at the newspaper shipping schedules I went down to the docks to look at the several riverboats that were leaving in the next few days. Finally decided on one, the Tioga, that was leaving on the morrow. She was a 170 ton sidewheel packet and had a cabin that could fit the four of us in two decent sized bunks. Its only drawback was that it was only going as far as Louisville, Kentucky. However, that would split the trip up into two more or less equal sized pieces. I secured the cabin. Marion had my attentions this night. *=*=* February 22, 1848 - Tuesday Sailed from Pittsburgh today. Traveling down the Ohio River is pleasant. Grace can be loud and we were embarrassed by having had to assure all that everything was more than fine with us. *=*=* March 2, 1848 - Thursday Arrived in Louisville this morning. Found lodging and began looking for our next riverboat. It was tiring walking along the riverfront and I am glad it is my day of rest. *=*=* March 3, 1848 - Friday I was beginning to give up hope of finding transportation I would feel both safe and comfortable on. Then the Globe pulled into the dock. She was a sidewheel packet of some 240 tons. I waited until the first flurry of activity was over, then asked if I could come aboard. Captain Maxwell impressed me and when I asked his schedule I was informed that he would be leaving sharply at eight in the morning on Monday bound for St. Louis, Missouri. I asked to see his best cabin and when I saw it I booked it immediately before anyone else could grab it. Informed the ladies and spent the night with Katrina. \March 6, 1848 - Monday We boarded at seven and the Globe pulled away from the dock on the tick of eight. *=*=* March 12, 1848 - Sunday Today we came to the Mississippi River and turned north toward St. Louis. *=*=* March 15, 1948 - Wednesday Arrived in St. Louis early in the morning and by evening I had our penultimate transportation arranged. We leave tomorrow morning on the Eliza Stewart, a 169 ton sidewheel packet. We can stay aboard her tonight, saving us the trouble of finding lodging. *=*=* March 16, 1848 - Thursday We left St. Louis and traveled up the Mississippi a short distance to the mouth of the Missouri River and turned up it toward Independence. *=*=* March 22, 1848 - Wednesday We arrived in Independence and immediately obtained lodging for at least a week with a delightful old lady, Susan Jenkins. She wanted to know our religion. I am an Episcopalian, Marion is a Methodist, Katrina is Lutheran, and Grace is Roman Catholic. It appears that she has no use for Mormons and was pleased at our answers, even though somewhat askance at our grouping. She has a big old house on a nice bit of land. She says that we can bring our wagon and oxen here once we have them. *=*=* March 23, 1848 - Thursday Today was spent scouting the various merchants. We quickly found that a consortium of merchants had put together a standard inventory package that actually cost less than buying the items individually. Just before supper I found a large farm wagon that looked sound and I bought it. While I was inspecting it I left a mark on the underside so that when I brought a team to take it to a loading area I would get the same wagon. *=*=* March 24, 1848 - Friday Found a stockyard by following our nose and picked out six good oxen. At least I hoped that I remember from my farming days what I should be looking for. Took two of them and got the wagon. No problem there. Hitched up the other four and went to the merchant's warehouse where we loaded our pre-selected inventory. *=*=* March 25, 1848 - Saturday After looking at the inventory we spent the day purchasing additional items the ladies and I felt were necessary. Several medicines weren't included as well as cooking implements. A wagon cover, tent and blankets would be useful. Various tools and some more food items, along with a pair of chickens for an occasional egg. When we finished loading our wagon was at about 85% of its rated capacity. That's if we all walked. With one of us handling the team we were right close to the limits of the frame. Once we are under weigh and eating the food there will be less weight and then two can ride while two walk. We made certain to buy extra boots and socks. *=*=* March 26, 1848 - Sunday We had noted that during the original package load and then our shopping spree yesterday that the items we were carrying were not packed in any particular order. We plan on spending the next couple of days off loading and then loading in a more orderly manner. *=*=* March 29, 1848 - Wednesday The reload took longer than expected, due to a brief snowfall, but today we began looking for a wagon train that was planning on going to California, although Oregon seems to be a popular destination. We did find three groups heading for California. It is our opinion that the group with 52 wagons will take a long time getting going each day and the group with twelve wagons is just too small. We joined a wagon train of 24 wagons carrying 74 souls west to Sacramento guided by Mr. George Crandall. He was unsure of taking us in his train because of our unusual relationship, but said he'd give us a try. If things weren't working out by Saint Mary's Mission, ten or so days away he would let us know. That would be the last bit of civilization for quite a piece. There was a contract that the others would be signing before we left Independence. If we worked out we would sign at the Mission. With us included that would be 25 wagons and 79 people, 52 adults and 27 children ranging in age from two to sixteen. *=*=* March 31, 1848 - Friday Today dawned both good and bad. The good was that the snow of a couple days ago was melted and gone. The bad news is that Marion was ill this morning, throwing up. I hope it is nothing too serious. Mr Crandall held a meeting of those that he will guide. He had us introduce ourselves and those traveling with us. The names of the 74 other people went by in a blur, but no doubt we would know each of these people very well after the first month. We were given odd looks and some undisguised glares when we made our introductions. Mr. Crandall then set out his philosophy for a good and safe journey. We would be up at dawn and out of camp an hour later. On Sundays it would be two hours later to allow for a prayer service. We had Reverend Nehemiah Scudder and his family with us and he would lead the service. As we must be over the Sierra Nevadas before the snow flies Sunday will not be a day off from traveling. The Reverend supported this decision. We will be taking a repair day every ten to twelve days, depending on the availability of grass and water for the animals, or when we reach a major supply point. On the travel days we would stop after four hours for an hour break. Then another four hours and we camp for the night. If we are within an hour of good water we might continue, but that would be his decision. Tomorrow we leave Independence behind to begin our journey west to Sacramento. *=*=* April 1, 1848 - Saturday Today we left Independence and made it to Blue River. Mr. Samuel J. Vaughn is already making a nuisance of himself by his universal knowledge of everything. I fear he is going to be a pain in the neck (or somewhere lower) on this journey. Fording the river looks to be our best option even though Mr. Vaughn thinks we should wait for the river to go down a bit more. Actually if it gets any lower we might get across without getting our boots too wet. After a bit, we came to Westport and lay over for the night. We have placed our wagon at the edge of the group in consideration of our travel companions. It's Grace's turn tonight and she can be loud. *=*=* April 2, 1848 - Sunday Katrina has a sprained ankle. I decided it is best to soak in warm epsom saltwater. It looks as if she will be our drover for the next few days. Passed some time near New Santa Fe. *=*=* April 3, 1848 - Monday Made our way past Lone Elm late today. Trail could be better, but Katrina is learning her new role as a drover. *=*=* April 5, 1848 - Wednesday Made an early start this morning; passed Blue Mound. Katrina now has a bad cold. We're going to increase her fluid intake and I'm having her wear her long underwear to keep her warm. Mr. Oliver Selkerkson brought out his fiddle at camp this evening. It was a jolly time and he has been begged to hold regular concerts. *=*=* April 9, 1848 - Sunday Now Grace has came down with a cold, and I decided to increase her fluid intake and dress her warm also. After much travail, we came to Kansas River, 600' wide, and decided to take advantage of the ferry. Mr. and Mrs. Thurgood came by for a visit when we camped; had a very nice chat. They are a couple in their late thirties and have two early teenage daughters. Mrs. Thurgood gave us a recipe for a cold medicine and when she heard of Marion's morning problems she opined that Marion might be pregnant. She asked a lot of rather personal questions and went from 'might be' to 'probably is'. Figuring on what Mrs. Thurgood says, the baby was probably conceived on the Tioga and may arrive in late November. *=*=* April 10, 1848 - Monday Passed the hundred mile mark today. Had a lengthy chat with Mr. Crandall today near Saint Mary's Mission. He said that he liked how we were fitting in with the train. While several people had initially been against our inclusion because of our living arrangements, and some still were, several other people, notably the Thurgoods, supported us. A surprising note was that Rev. Scudder had not denounced us and in fact had told Mr. Crandall that while misguided we were good people. We were causing less trouble than Mr. Vaughn, who leads the people who look down on us. He opined that anyone Mr. Vaughn disliked was probably an all right person. He would have us continue with his wagon train. We signed the trek contract. We purchased some food to replace what we've eaten and got another blanket. *=*=* April 12, 1848 - Wednesday Found ourselves at Red Vermillion River this day and used the $1 toll bridge. Got a nasty splinter in my thumb, but extracted it without too much difficulty. We continued on to Scott Spring. Both Grace and Katrina are over their colds and Katrina is walking normally again. We will go back to rotating who gets the wagon seat. *=*=* April 14, 1848 - Friday Today we reached Alcove Spring and then we saw Big Blue River, 180' wide. What a sight! *=*=* April 15, 1848 - Saturday We were delayed at Big Blue River. There were a lot of travelers and we decided to wait our turn to cross. Not using the ford is dangerous. *=*=* April 20, 1848 - Thursday Didn't know that the waiting time would be five days. Decided to caulk the wagon and float it across. We lost a wagon and an entire family, the Carters and two of their three children, when their wagon tipped over in mid-stream. The Murchasens, a childless couple, took the newly orphaned six year old boy in with them. We laid by today near St. Joseph Road Junction. Rev. Scudder held a service for the lost family. *=*=* April 22, 1848 - Saturday We lost a chicken today. Must have cooked it wrong because we were all queasy and Marion was throwing up even more than usual. We all had a dose of peppermint, with Marion getting a bigger dose. *=*=* April 23, 1848 - Sunday Feeling better after a night's sleep. We must watch what we're doing because life is too fragile. *=*=* April 25, 1848 - Tuesday Reached The Narrows. Strangely beautiful country with the Little Blue River on the left and a steep bluff on the right and an aptly named very narrow trail between. *=*=* April 28, 1848 - Friday Reached 'The Coast of Nebraska', which gives a overview down to the Platt River, which we will follow. *=*=* April 29, 1848 - Saturday Traveled to Fort Kearny this afternoon and stopped for the day re-supplying and also picked up a 30' length of chain which may come in handy on the steep hills ahead. *=*=* April 30, 1848 - Sunday Terrible fog during the early part of the day. We chose to slow down rather than lose the morning. *=*=* May 2, 1848 - Tuesday Stopped at noon near Plum Creek and rested from our morning's labors and did some hunting. I shot a couple antelope and obtained 93 pounds of meat for my effort. Shared it out with some other families as the only way we have to preserve the meat would be to salt it. Smoking would take too long. *=*=* May 3, 1848 - Wednesday We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll slow down. *=*=* May 5, 1848 - Friday The eternal dust of the wagons ahead of us is most troublesome. It slows our progress. *=*=* May 7, 1848 - Sunday We laid by today near O'Fallon's Bluffs. *=*=* May 11, 1848 - Thursday We were treated to a remarkably beautiful sunrise near South Platte River. Decided to ford the river. Our wagon tipped over. Marion was thrown into the river and almost drowned. While I rescued Marion from the river Katrina and Grace saved our animals and helped others to right our wagon. We lost a bunch of food supplies and not much else except the coffee pot, which will be sorely missed. But the fact that we are all alive makes up for any minor inconvience. We camped a mile from the river at the base of California Hill. As she was recovering from nearly drowning Marion started to have terrible abdominal cramps. Grace ran for Mrs. Thurgood. In the late evening Marion miscarried. By God's Grace Marion herself was spared. The day that had started so beautiful had turned tragic. *=*=* May 12, 1848 - Friday The women of the wagon train laid down the law to Mr Crandall . There would be no travel for a couple of days to allow Marion to recover as much as possible. They knew that there might be other women who might need the break at some time on the trail. Of course Mr. Vaughn loudly complained at the delay over a whore. I 'reasoned' with him. We were separated and his broken nose will heal, although a bit crooked. *=*=* May 14, 1848 - Sunday Rev. Scudder made it a point to invite us to his prayer meeting today. He used Mary Magdalene as the pivot of his sermon. Then there was an odd and lengthy discussion that started out defining what was a whore. This segued into the differences between 'slut' and 'whore'. A whore accepts money or some other reward and provides sex in return. A slut is a woman who enjoys sex. A whore can be a slut, but doesn't have to be. A slut usually enjoys sex too much to charge for it. Grace stated that a woman should be every inch the lady when in public and an absolute slut when alone with their men. Most men are sluts. Give a man a chance at sex and its unlikely that he will pass it up. After a lot of debate Katrina asked the ladies to raise their hands if they enjoyed their times with their men. Of course my three ladies had their hands up almost before Katrina stopped talking. The others were slower, but after Mrs. Thurgood and Mrs. Scudder raised their hands it sped up. Of the 24 women 19 raised their hands. I noticed that Sam Vaughn's wife hadn't raised her hand. *=*=* May 15, 1848 - Monday While we want to let Marion recover more we must push on. Mr. Crandall has agreed to slow down the pace for the next few days to make it easier on Marion, who is very depressed. We climbed California Hill by double teaming the wagons. *=*=* May 16, 1848 - Tuesday We used our chain to descend Windlass Hill. *=*=* May 20, 1848 - Saturday Today we have traveled 500 miles and came to Ash Hollow. *=*=* May 24, 1848 - Wednesday Heard news of a murder and hanging last night near Courthouse and Jail Rocks. Enough to send shivers down one's spine. Although if Mr Vaughn doesn't quit slighting us I might be moved to such a heinous act. *=*=* May 25, 1848 - Thursday Got a late start; passed Chimney Rock. *=*=* May 26, 1848 - Friday Arrived at Scotts Bluff. *=*=* May 27, 1848 - Saturday We stopped at Robidoux Pass Trading Post and purchased supplies to replenish what we lost at the river, including a coffee pot. It is sad that we cannot ease Marion's grief as easily. *=*=* May 31, 1848 - Wednesday Got to the Laramie River. Decided to take advantage of the $4 ferry. Found a clean, well-formed ox skull a short ways from Fort John, which is just the other side of the river, tempted to take it with me, but decided against it. At Ft. John purchased more supplies. Much grumbling today about Sam Vaughn. The man is an ass. We had a wagon train meeting to discuss our current circumstances. Most everyone has enough supplies, except for Sam Vaughn. Mr. Crandall flat out told Sam to buy supplies or be left behind. Marion is starting to smile a bit more every day. *=*=* June 2, 1848 - Friday Camped near Register Cliff. For the first time in weeks Marion laughed today. It does our hearts good to see her almost back to her old self. *=*=* June 4, 1848 - Sunday Nooned near Ayers Natural Bridge. Katrina has started throwing up in the morning. We guess that means, the good Lord willing, there will be a child in January. *=*=* June 7, 1848 - Wednesday From our guidebook, we estimated we would reach North Platte River early today, and sure enough, there it was! Given the price, we will take the ferry. In good spirits we got as far as Mormon Ferry Trading Post where we bought more food. A case of resupply when you can. Sam Vaughn keeps trying to 'help' by pointing out shortcuts and wrong trails. *=*=* June 8, 1848 - Thursday This morning it was very foggy. We decided to continue as usual. We laid by today near Emigrant Gap that evening and we went hunting. I shot a bear for 220 pounds of meat. Once again parceled out what we couldn't eat or salt to our traveling companions. *=*=* June 9, 1848 - Friday The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to slow down. Saw eagles today near Willow Springs. What majestic creatures! *=*=* June 11, 1848 - Sunday Passed Independence Rock. Saw Devil's Gate today where we stopped *=*=* June 12, 1848 - Monday Sang and told stories around the noon campfire near Split Rock. Laughed with my ladies at the look of the rock, although didn't share the observation with the rest of the train, that it had a startling similarity to the ladies' genitals when they were doing a full split. *=*=* June 13, 1848 - Tuesday Got as far as Three Crossings today. Some people in our wagon train are very tired of the journey. Mr. Crandall decided that since the weather had been dry we would take the southern route, making for only 2 crossings of the Sweetwater River. *=*=* June 14, 1848 - Wednesday At Sweetwater River. Decided to caulk the wagon and float it across. We got stuck and had to double-team the animals to try to get our wagon out of the mud. Wasn't quite as deep as we thought it was. A pair of teenagers were finally caught by their parents sneaking out of camp. The girl is pregnant and she should have her baby in January, about the same time as Katrina, God willing. They have been getting together whenever they could since about two weeks after we left Independence. There was much shouting and, of course, Sam Vaughn had to point to our bad example. Even the girl's parents told him to shut his trap. Everyone is very tired of his constant carping. *=*=* June 16, 1848 - Friday A sudden dust storm came up today. It seemed best to slow down. This showed that locally there was a dry spell. *=*=* June 17, 1848 - Saturday Reached another prominent landmark today: Ice Spring Slough and there was a wedding in camp in the evening. A joyous occasion in the wilderness, even though there was a shotgun visible! I really don't think it was necessary as any fool can see that the youngsters are deeply in love. *=*=* June 20, 1848 - Tuesday This morning it was very foggy. We decided to slow down, but got to the Final Sweetwater River Crossing. Decided to ford the river. *=*=* June 21, 1848 - Wednesday Arrived at South Pass early in the day, despite some 'help' from Mr. Vaughn, and camped at Pacific Springs. *=*=* June 23, 1848 - Friday Today we made it to Dry Sandy. We're going to be using the Sublette Cutoff to save us some time and miles. *=*=* June 24, 1848 - Saturday Today we drove our wagons and teams past Haystack Butte. Happened upon a fresh grave today. A reminder of the hazards we all face on the this journey. *=*=* June 26, 1848 - Monday Saw Green River today. The river was high and we decided to wait a bit. *=*=* June 29, 1848 - Thursday After a three day wait we decided that the river isn't going down. Caulked the wagon and floated it across, that is the way to go in these high water conditions. After our last crossing in deep water I was extra careful and had no problems. *=*=* July 1, 1848 - Saturday Much grumbling today about Sam Vaughn near Branley Pass. The man has started to beg everyone for food. Some will give him supplies so that his wife and young son do not starve. Passed the thousand mile mark today and reached another prominent landmark: Emigrant Spring. How sublime it appears by moonlight. *=*=* July 2, 1848 - Sunday Today saw us at the West End of the Sublette Cutoff. *=*=* July 3, 1848 - Monday Came to Thomas Fork in the distance. The river is six foot deep and rising. We'll wait. *=*=* July 4, 1948 - Tuesday Celebrated Independence Day while waiting. River crested at nine feet. Much too dangerous to cross. *=*=* July 10, 1848 - Monday We have been traveling for 100 days, today. River is down to five foot. Decided we couldn't wait any longer and to caulk the wagon and float it across. We've waited long enough having lost a week of traveling. Everyone made it across safely. *=*=* July 11, 1848 - Tuesday After crossing a small ridge we came to Big Hill and used our chain to go down it. Later we came to Smith's Trading Post and purchased some food stuff. Mr. Vaughn was again forced to spend some of his money on supplies and even made to recompense those he borrowed from. *=*=* July 12, 1848 - Wednesday A thick fog rolled in today. Looks like we'll continue as usual. *=*=* July 13, 1848 - Thursday Found ourselves at Soda Springs this day. Natural bubbling pools of carbonated water, caused by ancient volcanic activity, have long made Soda Springs an attraction. My ladies and I got up well after dark and by the light of the moon bathed naked in the carbonated waters and made love. We had a scare when we were joined by the newlyweds. They joined us. While my ladies have of course seen each other joining with me I had never before watched another man and woman. It certainly looks different than it feels. *=*=* July 14, 1848 - Friday Today our labors were rewarded with the sight of Sheep Rock. We stopped along the trail to hunt. We obtained 181 pounds of meat from three antelope. Cut my palm while dressing the game. Washed it out with hydrogen peroxide and then iodine and bandaged it. I again parceled out the meat, even giving Sam Vaughn some. *=*=* July 17, 1848 - Monday We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll slow down. *=*=* July 18, 1848 - Tuesday The weather turned mighty hot, so we're planning to slow down. My cut has scabbed over and now all I have to do is keep flexing the hand so that it doesn't stiffen up. *=*=* July 20, 1848 - Thursday After much travail, we came to Fort Hall and bought more food. Don't really need most of it, but better safe than sorry and we still have a lot of cash. Sam Vaughn flat out refused to buy supplies. Mr. Crandall is madder than a wet hen. He wants to leave Vaughn at Fort Hall, but unfortunately Sam has the contract we all signed at the beginning. He can't be dropped unless he does a criminal act. *=*=* July 22, 1848 - Saturday Our expectations of reaching American Falls were fulfilled this day. How sublime it appears by moonlight as I celebrated with my ladies. *=*=* July 23, 1848 - Sunday We saw a small party of coyotes today, just a mile or so west of Raft River. Caulked the wagon and floated it across. That is the way to go. The wagon got stuck in the mud. Had to double-team the animals. *=*=* July 24, 1848 - Monday We saw California Trail Junction in the distance. *=*=* July 27, 1848 - Thursday Today we passed City of Rocks, the sight is most reassuring and reached Salt Lake Cutoff Junction. Even though we've told the people of the wagon train that we aren't Mormons many were surprised when we didn't split off to go to Salt Lake. *=*=* July 28, 1848 - Friday This was a difficult day. First up Granite Mountain and then down Granite Mountain Pass. Our chain got a workout. *=*=* August 2, 1848 - Wednesday Saw another group of eagles today near Hot Spring Valley. Marion and Grace got up this morning and ran to the bushes to throw up. Late March should be interesting. Marion has a mile wide grin. *=*=* August 4, 1848 - Friday We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll slow down. *=*=* August 9, 1848 - Wednesday We rested a while not far from North Fork of the Humboldt River. Fording the river looks to be our best option. *=*=* August 11, 1848 - Friday Reached Emigrant Pass today. *=*=* August 14, 1848 - Monday Reached Gravelly Ford of the Humboldt River. Strangely beautiful country. Fording the river looks to be our best option. We came across an abandoned wagon and decided to search it for something useful. I found a pocket watch. It was inscribed with 'From your true love, M'. A sad thing, but Marion says that it was meant to be found by me. When we next find a jeweler I will add the initials 'K' and 'G'. *=*=* August 18, 1848 - Friday Spotted a group of strangers. We decided to wait to see what they do. They approached us and we talked. It was a government survey team with an artist who was painting landscapes and indian pictures. *=*=* August 22, 1848 - Tuesday Broke a wagon axle today. We tried to repair it and failed, but we were able to replace it from supplies.We saw Lassen's Meadows in the distance. *=*=* August 24, 1848 - Thursday Arrived at Big Meadows and were warned to stock up on water and gather hay for the animals for the next bit of trail. Sam Vaughn declared that this really wasn't necessary. Mr. Crandall made sure that he stocked up. He told him that if one or more of his animals died he would lose everything. *=*=* August 25, 1848 - Friday Passed Humboldt Sink today, it's pretty loaded with alkali and not really drinkable. We stopped along the trail to hunt. We obtained forty pounds of meat from a small mountain goat. Even though there is a long dry stretch it has been decided to continue with the main California Trail. *=*=* August 26, 1848 - Saturday Started across the Forty Mile Desert today. Really glad for the two canteens, water keg and the empty pickle barrel. We had rinsed the empty barrel repeatedly, but the water still tasted of pickling juice. We'll use it last, when we are in sore need of any water. *=*=* September 2, 1848 - Saturday We laid by today near Truckee River. Saw a grave dug up by wolves bones scattered about. A most distressing sight! We reburied the bones and added rocks to the grave. Decided to caulk the wagon and float it across. The wagon again got stuck in the mud. Getting to be a habit. Had to double-team the animals again. *=*=* September 3, 1848 - Sunday We found another abandoned wagon. We decided to search it for something useful and did scavenge a wagon axle to give us a spare. We laid by today near Truckee Canyons. *=*=* September 4, 1848 - Monday The weather turned mighty hot, so we're planning to slow down. We came upon some fallen rocks on the trail and decided to try to clear the path. Fortunately it wasn't too badly blocked. An ox yoke broke, and we were unable to make the repair. We replaced it from supplies. *=*=* September 7, 1848 - Thursday Mr. Selkirkson usually doesn't play at our noonings, but today he was inspired to enliven our nooning near Truckee Meadows. We all enjoyed his effort. *=*=* September 9, 1848 - Saturday Commenced early today; saw Donner Lake. The happenings there last year carry a heavy warning to all travelers. It does look as if we will beat the snows. *=*=* September 10, 1848 - Sunday Made our way past Cold Stream Pass late today. Trail could be better. *=*=* September 12, 1848 - Tuesday Made an early start this morning; passed Summit Valley. *=*=* September 14, 1848 - Thursday Rested the animals near Johnson's Ranch where we purchased food and another ox yoke for the last part of out journey. Heard the news that gold had been discovered at Sutter's Mill last January. That news hadn't gotten back to the east coast as yet. *=*=* September 15, 1848 - Friday The weather turned mighty hot, so we're planning to slow down. *=*=* September 17, 1848 - Sunday Another step on the trail; today we reached American River Bridge just before noon and then Sutter's Fort. Purchased some luxuries as we should be in Sacramento tomorrow. Rev. Scudder held forth, thanking God for an easy passage to the new land and enjoined us to continue to pray for the souls of the family we had lost.. *=*=* September 18, 1848 - Monday Arrived today at Sacramento!! At last we have reached our destination! Truly this is the land of opportunity! *=*=* September 25, 1848 - Monday Gold fever has struck us. We have decided to give prospecting 2 months effort. If we are sucessful... Hurrah! If not we will buy some land with the monies I still have left and settle down. *=*=* October 27, 1848 - Friday Got claim certificate #476 from the assay office today, for 244 ounces of gold worth $4,880.00! I'm rich! Again. I'll sell the claim and look around for some land. The ladies are very happy as their conditions were making the effort difficult for them. *=*=* November 7, 1848 - Wednesday Obtained a land deed today from the county for 550 acres in the American River Valley. Now we can begin to build our new life! *=*=* January 16, 1849 - Tuesday Katrina gave birth to our son, Conrad. *=*=* March 19, 1849 - Monday Marion gave birth to our daughter, Felicity. *=*=* March 25, 1849 - Sunday Grace gave birth to our daughter, Allison. *=*=* ...and they live more or less happily ever after. Christopher settled in the American River Valley of California in 1848, building a home on 550 acres of land. After several years of mining and ranching, Christopher decided to move to the burgeoning city of San Francisco, establishing a business that proved both successful and satisfying. During the late 1800s, Christopher wrote a best-selling book about experiences on the Oregon and California Trails and, widely recognized as a prominent pioneer, became a popular guest speaker at civic ceremonies and luncheons. Each of his three ladies had three children, 4 boys and 5 girls. These children grew up in a open and loving family and had their own slew of children. *=*=* The End ...and if you recognize the wagon train section as coming from "Oregon Trail" game you're as big a geek as I am. *=*=*