Third day of rain…not complaining. We come in wearing mud for shoes.

It’s also cold.  We had to start a fire again.

Now if it is just snowing in the mountains……………….

Stagecoach Travel Rules

• If the stage teams run away or are pursued by Indian, stay in the coach and take your chances. Don’t jump out, for  you will be either injured or scalped.

• In cold weather abstain from liquor for you are subject to freezing quicker if under the influence than as though you were cold sober.  But if you are drinking from a bottle, pass it around.  It is the only polite thing to do.  Be sure to procure all stimulants before leaving the station, for the ranch whisky is not nectar.

• Don’t smoke a strong cigar or pipe on the stage, especially when women and children are present. If chewing tobacco, spit to the leeward side.

• Don’t swear, snore or lop over on neighbors when sleeping.  Let others share the buffalo robes provided in cold weather.

• Don’t shoot firearms for pleasure while en-route, as it scares the horses.

• While at stations, don’t lag at wash basins or privies. Don’t grease your hair with bear grease or buffalo tallow, as travel is very dusty.

• Don’t discuss politics or religion. Don’t point out sites where robberies or Indian attacks have taken place.

• Don’t imagine you are going on a picnic, for stage travel is inconvenient.

Linda