mommato3boys

As I came out of the fog this morning, I wasn’t quite sure where I was. It wasn’t the inside of my wagon that was for sure. As I sat up it took a minute for the room to stop spinning. All I could think about was what day was it and where was I and what was that nasty stuff he forced me to drink? I found clean clothes and my toothbrush just as SF came in and was surprised to see me up. He reminded me we were at the lodge and that the P&N had gone to help the Q’s get their place in order. W&A had gone to work on the homestead and we were at the lodge because I had been so sick. I had lost 4 days. He was wondering if I was up to a ride in the wagon and I assured him that as long as it meant I didn’t have to sit on a horse I would be good to go as soon as I was dressed and found some food. He handed me the deed to our new home place I was thrilled. He had the boy’s deeds also. As we gather our things from around the room and headed to the kitchen to find Chef Mr. S waved us down and told us that we had a few packages in the back and a couple of letters. He also told us that they were going to try get out mail runs once a month on the first so if we had anything that we wanted mailed we needed to have it here no later than the 20th of each month so they cold decide if it was worth the trouble to send someone out. I told him I would have one letter but after that I wasn’t sure I would be sending anything. We thanked him for all he had done. I headed to find Chef and SF went to gather our packages and so we could head out. SF found me at the wagon finishing the biscuit and scrambled egg that Chef was good enough to fix for me. I didn’t realize that SF had the wagon hitched up ready to go. I asked him if he had planned on leaving me and he said no that he was just going to toss me in the back and take me along whether I was awake or not. I just looked at him and said geezzz don’t I feel the love. He laughed and said no he had planned on leaving me behind if I wasn’t awake and sending A back to stay with me. That he wanted to get the garden broke and ready to go. Not only that but he wanted to start felling trees for the barn while the weather held. Many were discussing the spring rains and felt that we would be getting more rain shortly and SF wanted as much in the ground as possible by then. He handed me the letters that came for us and there was a note from Mother as well. I was surprised to see some of the packages that had arrived. I also was disappointed that our supplies had not arrived and probably would not arrive. Thank goodness I had not counted on them when I packed the wagons or we would be in worse shape than what we were in. As it stood, we would be ok until the crops started coming in. We would be sick of dry beans by then but we would survive. Hopefully I could find lots of wild greens for us to supplement our diets. So as we set off I pulled out paper and started making notes as SF talked. First was the garden then we would take survey of the cabin and see just how much had work had to be done to it. But we had to get a barn built quickly. I told him I would handle the chicken coop tomorrow while they worked on breaking ground for the garden. For now the animals are the homestead with W&A. I know the animals are just glad to get out of the cart and freedom to move around. SF told me that we now have a couple head of cattle and some sheep. He asked if I remember talking about trading a half of the oxen for cattle and pigs for sheep. I told him yeah that I remember something about that but I thought I was dreaming. So as of right now the plans are: Break ground for garden. Build barn and put up fencing. Build green house Build workshop Repair cabin…if at all possible if not we will add a room on the barn. Riding along I was still amazed at the beautiful landscape. The river was back within its banks and was gently rolling along. We rode for what seemed like hours before stopping to water the horses. SF said we turn away from the river here and would not have water until we got to our place. So we stopped and watered the horses and had lunch. SF said we probably had another 2 hours to go. It seems our place is the farthest form the lodge. As we pulled in to the homestead in the late afternoon I was surprised to see P&N there. I thought they would be at Q’s place working but they said they had finished the garden there and had felled some trees for Mr. Q before leaving. They are going to check back with them towards the weekend to see if they need anything else. They had started breaking ground for the garden. N had plowed all of his useable land and had sowed corn. P had plowed all of his useable land also and had sowed wheat. They had worked together yesterday and today and had two plots finished. W&A are going to plow half of their usable land also for crops. I asked why such huge gardens (not that I was complaining I knew we were going to have to over grow things to survive the winter but I was surprised by their answer) P said they had heard talk that we would not be getting our supplies in and he knew that I had ordered extra just to have in case our first garden didn’t produce so they all talked and decided that they would sacrifice their lands this year and over plant the gardens just so that we would be good through the winter. A had staked out where she wanted the green house. She had drawn out the land and had watched the sun yesterday and today and noticed what place close to the house got the most sun and decided that is where her green house would go. She took me on a tour of the house and I was surprised at what all she had accomplished in just the short time she had been here. The windows were crystal clear and the whole places smelled of bees wax. She was thrilled to discover that the house was plumbed and all that would have to be done was the hand pump they brought installed and primed. She said she did fill the old outhouse and refused to use it. But she had started digging another one a little further from the house. W assured her that he would build a cover walk way from the house to the outhouse. We then went to the barn and first thing I noticed was W had started removing the old roof. He had it cover with tarps for now until they could fell some trees. But it was good enough for now and the animals were safe and dry. A walked me around and introduced me to the new cattle. Sf did a good job in trading. It looked like he got good stock for our oxen. A told me that the chicks were starting to wander form the mother hen and she wasn’t too happy about it. The chickens were laying again and she was getting about an egg a day from all the girls. She was pretty sure that the sows were in heat so she had left the hog with them. She hadn’t seen him mount them yet but she did she the sows had kicked up a ruckus yesterday. I told her we would leave them together until the sows started nesting then we would move the sows in to a stall by themselves so that they would be alone with their piglets. As we come out of the barn SF said we would stay the night here and then in the morning he would help the W fell trees while P&N finished plowing. A said we would go over and check out our cabin while we still had daylight and see what all would need to be done. P, W&N went back to plowing while SF, A and I headed to the cabin. As rode up in to the yard it looked a pitiful as I remember it looking. Dirty windows broken door hinges and sagging front porch. But it was ours and it was home. We opened both the front door and back door and pulled down the moth-eaten blankets that were half covering the windows so we could get some light in there. It was one big room with the sleeping area divided off with a curtain. It had a big fireplace and SF crawled into the hearth and looked up the chimney with a flashlight he said it looked fairly clear. He said there may be an old bird nest or two but no falling rocks or anything. He went out side to check, we heard him on the roof (I waited for him to fall through but he didn’t) checking the top of the chimney. He came back in covered in soot. He said that it all looked good and that the damper was still in good shape. He did say we would not do anything until we had burned a couple of the cleaning logs that we had brought along. He asked A if they had used the fire place at the homestead and she no that W didn’t feel comfortable using it until SF had had a chance to check it out. SF said he would do that tomorrow. We did find a couple of broken windows and a large family of mice and there were squirrels in the pantry. But nothing really serious; it would be sufficient for the first winter. Well after the roof was replaced. You could tell it leaked there were puddles all around us. SF said that we would add a larger sleeping area seeing as the current sleeping area would only accommodate a twin bed. There was no sink but some one had built a cabinet to hold dish pans. I wonder if the dish pans I have would fit. It did have a slat floor which I was thankful for. As we walked around out side it was decided right off that the lean-to would be the first thing to come down, by the looks of it that is where the green house would go it was a good sunny spot in the afternoon and was close to the front door. SF had walked down to check out the watering hole for the animals. It was about the size of a football field and he said from what he could tell it probably was only about 10-15 deep. But it looked like it was feed by a natural spring since there was no other water source near it. He said it was so clear you could see the bottom. He walked a little further down the hill until he came to the stream and said it looked well stocked with fish that he saw brim and bass. Since the cabin was at the base of the mountain our property line ran right behind the place so when we sit on the front porch we will look out over all of our land. We were surrounded by hard woods and there was a good spot that SF said we could clear and plant the fruit and nut trees that we brought with us. I told him I must get those strawberry plants in the ground right away or we would not have strawberries this year. He said I could pick out a place for them tomorrow and then after the garden was plowed we could work on the pyramids for them. I noticed that my patio blueberry bushes that I had babied all the way here were blooming. Since I had them for a while they were used to being potted plants I think I will leave them in pots for now and just move them in the green house during the winter. I didn’t want to risk looking them until my new bushes started producing and that would not be for a couple of years yet. As we loaded back up in the wagon I longed to just pitch the tent right there and stay but I knew that we would be at a disadvantage. We were loosing light quickly here in the cover of the trees and we were not prepared to stay we had no fire wood and our water barrel was empty. So we headed back to the homestead on last time. But tomorrow held promise we knew that we had lost precious time with me being sick and we would have to work that much harder to get ready for winter. As SF drove the team I crawled in the back to look for the box that I had packed all the seeds in and found it with no problem. I opened and took out my inventory list but the packages caught my attention. I remembered Mother had left me a note and I was curious as to the packages. So I gather the packages up and started ripping into them.

irl i am as sick as a dog fever is now over 102 knocking on the door of 103 typing thos from bed on son's laptop dpnt look for me for a cou[le of days hopefully the fever will break soon

SF woke me around noon yesterday, and made me drink something that tasted horrible. Then again around 3:00 to sign the paper work for the land. Then again around 6:00 to drink that horrible stuff again. He tried to make me eat but it tasted like styrofoam and I just could not swallow it. He kept telling me it was chicken noodle soup that Chef made just for me...styrofoam. He did find a stash of gatorade that I had totally forgotten about and made some up and was forcing it down me every hour. This morning I am still have stuffed up head and can't breathe through my noose. But feel I can ride in a wagon back to our new place. SF said we could stay one more night if I wanted to. I said after my nap we would see. He just chuckled and knew that meant don't wake me anytime soon. The boys stuck their heads in about then to see how I was doing. P& N asked if we needed them right now and SF told them no. They said they were going to ride out with the Q's and help them get their garden broke up and clean their place up. They asked if they could take one of the wagons to sleep in. SF told them yeah that we would get the stuff when we came along. W&A said they were going to ride out also and start work on their place. A pulled SF aside and said she would go to the cabin and give it a good scrubbing and get everything set up so I could come in and rest. As I dozed off they were still working out the details. It worked out that SF and I stayed behind with two horses and the wagon. The guys and A went on they took the animals with them and are going to keep them at W&A until we can get a barn built. They basically emptied our wagon except for the bed. They were not sure if I would need it on the return trip or not. But all that is in there is clothes and the bed everything else went into the other two wagons. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

So that is how I got it..hugging Q - didn't realize I could get sick through the monitor...where is that can of lysol so that I can spray this computer down...LOL Just joking Q the freezing cold weather has forced us to run the heat more and it had dried out the air not only at home but at work so now I have a sinus infection / head cold.

I slept like a log last night. It was wonderful. SF was already up and gone when I woke. As I got dressed and headed down stairs I smell food. But it really turned my stomach. I think all of this rain and cool weather had finally gotten to me (IRL the freezing weather has kicked my butt fighting of a cold) I grab a cup of hot chocolate and told Chef I would be back for food as soon as I found my family. As stepped out side I noticed P W & N were saddled up and headed out to get the rest of the animals. SF and the guys decided that we would stay here for the weekend and take care of the paper work. SF said he would feel better if there were some nurses close since it seemed I was coming down with the flu. He got no argument from me. P W & N blew me kisses said they didn't want to get close. I stuck my tongue out at them, they laughed as they headed towards the river. We will be leaving our female goats here with Mother's buck and come back in a couple of weeks to get them. I noticed that Sf had been playing with Sasha and her puppies. There is one that is following him around, me thinks we have a new member of the family especially since SF is calling the puppy Buster..."all right Buster if you don't move I am going to step on you; Busterboy you had better get back over here with your mother or you are going to get run over" LOL. W&A have talked to mother and they are taking one of the puppies also. SF worked out a deal with one of the benefactor families and we are trading 3 of the little pigs for a male and 2 female sheep. We have also had an offer for two of our oxen. One of the other families only brought horses and they feel that oxen would do better plowing. SF said since we have 8 oxen and that since we were doing community gardening with the boys for a few years then 4 oxen would be more than enough. Especially since we have the draft horses. So SF is working out trading 4 of the oxen for a starter herd of beef. I told him he could not get rid of the horses and we must keep enough animals to be able to produce meet and eggs for us. And when he traded try to get cattle that were not related. I wanted strong blood lines out here he agreed. SF sent A to find Mother to get me some herbal tea and pointed me towards the lodge and the bed again with the promise to wake me when it was time to sign the paper work. I asked him when the wagons arrived to please send proper bedding up stairs that I really didn't not like the sleeping bag. Not only that but I wanted my pillow. With that I headed to bed. I have got to kick this cold or I will be of no use come next week when we break ground for the garden.

I vote that our Saturday in URL is the 4th Sat in May this year and may has 5 Sat.

Ok so I officially put my post up as to what we found in the south. It took two days to write...whew but I think I got everything covered. We are now back at the lodge asleep. We covered a lot of ground today.

Well we were up early and it was decided that we would start out and head south. As we saddled up we were greeted with clear blue skies. Most of the water had seeped into the ground over night but there were still puddles here and there. I couldn’t help but wonder how things were at the river if it was still out of banks or if it had gone down any. Had those that stayed behind got to go on to the lodge, did they find another way across? We will find out tonight. As we got closer to the little creek that ran though the land we saw signs of wagon a passing through…fresh signs of a wagon passing through. Now who is here? As we topped a little knoll we hear hooping and hollering and someone was calling us. As we got closer we saw Mr. & Mrs. Q. They were so excited they had found their new homestead and were headed back to the group to get it deeded. We were so excited for them. Mr. Q told us we were actually standing in his turnip patch. We all laughed and said we would do I best not to trample them. SF told them we were headed across the stream to check out a place we saw from the trapper’s cabin. Mr. Q told us we didn’t have to go all the way around the lake that the stream was shallow and clear that we should be able to cross with no problem which we were thankful. SF asked Mr. Q what he thought his property lines would be since this was the area that we liked also. Mr. Q and SF and the boys walked off checking out the land. Mrs. Q and I chatted I could tell she was so excited about her new home. It seems there is another small cabin of shorts just through the patch of woods. They are going to use that for now until they can get a barn up and the garden in. She was thrilled to learn that we may be neighbors. Like me she was wondering what was going on up river. I told her about the old homestead and how I thought it would be perfect for W&A. The men folk came back and we all said our good-byes. Mrs. Q and I hugged goodbye with the promise of seeing each other at the Lodge later today or tomorrow. I asked her to please let W & A know we were ok and that we should be back by night fall. As we mounted up to ride off to check out the area we saw SF told me that we would not be encroaching in the Q’s if we set up our homestead the other side of the stream that the Q’s were taking the land around the lake. I felt better knowing that we would have close neighbors. As we crossed the stream and turned southeast it was like a valley unto its own. There were many different kinds of trees from pines to oaks. I noticed wild flowers were starting to bloom. We got to the knoll we saw from the trapper’s cabin and decided that we really didn’t like it so we road back towards the stream. We were surprised to find fish in the stream. P & N said they didn’t think that this was the same stream. So we followed it on and discovered that it actually ran into the river. This stream actually comes down out of the mountains and it is crystal clear. It reminds me of the bubbling brook that we stopped at back up in the mountains. We pull out the camera and start taking pictures. As we ride into the standing trees we discover another cabin but this one has what looks like a smoke house with it. It is a one room cabin with a fire place. It is a little larger than the trapper’s cabin it does not have a loft. There is a small lean-to that looks like it was used as a stable for a horse. We would definitely need a bigger barn. This cabin would work but I would want to add to it. I looked around and realized that everyone has left me. I walk out of the back of the lean-to thinking SF had gone to the back to check things out but he is not there. So I head back to the front. I see P & N headed back down towards the stream. SF is sitting on the steps with his pipe and tears streaming down his face, he looks at me and smiles and says welcome home Momma welcome home. I smile and join him on the steps. We are at the farthest south end valley. I didn’t realize just how far up the face of the mountain we had ridden. As we as we sat there looking out over what would be our new home P & N rode back up. It seems they have found a hot spring about 250 yards west / northwest of us. P said it felt wonderful. I asked if he got in it he said no he just stuck he arm in it. SF said we needed to be heading back. I told him I would like to stop by the homestead one last time before going back to camp that I wanted to get pictures for W&A. Since the ground was drier and it wasn’t raining we rode a harder getting back to the homestead. It wasn’t as far as I thought it was. My heart sank as we rode up into the yard, someone was there. Maybe ever who it is won’t like it. We were quite taken back when W stepped out on the porch. We were all taking at the same time and really didn’t hear each other. SF whistled to get us to all settle down. W told us that they headed out to find us because we were out of radio range and that the others had crossed the river yesterday. Mr. H and some of the men had stayed back for a couple of days to make sure everyone was directed to the Lodge. Mr. H was kind enough to watch the other two wagons and our animals until we got back. Yes they had passed Mr. & Mrs. Q and knew we were across the stream but they had wanted to see the homestead. A was thrilled with it. She said even with the damaged barn they loved it. W said it would work perfect for what he had planned. The water had receded and we noticed that the homestead was built right on the river’s edge and the porch was actually a pier. The pier was gone but the pylons were still there. W said it would not take much to replace the pier. By what we could figure this was once a loading dock for barges taking supplies going up and down the river. The barn was large and looked like it was actually a livery stable. There were multiply stalls and a large storage area for hay. P told them about the hot spring he found that he was going to ask for his 40 acres around the spring. N was kind of down in the mouth so to speak. He wasn’t sure where he wanted his acreage. He thought he would just stay and help us then head up to the Lodge and see about getting land near town. He said it is not like all the good places will be gone once everyone is settled. So for now he will play it by ear and be a hired hand. He said there were enough people that would need a strong back and he could hire out to help build and plow. Since he is single he would not have to provide for a family. P agreed and said he would probably do the same thing this summer and just wait until fall after the harvest to start work on his place maybe even next spring after the plowing was done. Until then they decided that if they needed a place they could always stay at the Lodge or crash in W& A barn or our barn. As we stood there I could not have more proud of my boys. I wasn’t too sure about how they would handle the trip but they have been real troopers. And now the two single guys to put their lives on hold and pitch in and work for those that don’t have family to help or need an extra set of hands and a strong back. They have had their share of problems and yes we have a black sheep among us but (even in RL) they have turned out to be fine young men. As we loaded up N said he would head back to stay with Mr. H and our other two wagons and animals and the rest of us could head on to the lodge. We were set food wise since W& A brought our wagon which is the one I had been using to cook from. We loaded N down with cold biscuits, jerky, and some canned goods. It would be enough to tie him over until we get back. Hopefully it will not take long to get our land deeded and head back across. I can’t wait to get started on the garden and SF is already designing the barn. W& A are talking about where to put their garden in and what changes they would like to make to the house and barn. P even said that he would plow his fields for hay and food for him. Then N got the bright idea that he would go ahead and get land south of the river and plant it all in hay and wheat. He said he was sure that someone would be willing to trade for hay and wheat. He may even plant corn. He said he could do a lot on 40 acres. P & N rode ahead of us discussing how they would use their land to plant stuff that could be used to trade. P is getting his 40 acres from the hot spring back down in the valley so he would have a lot of level ground for farming. There is only a small grove of trees on his property and N decided to take 40 acres on the west side him. W talked A into riding the horse. Told her she was going to have to get use to riding that she would not always be able to take the wagon when she wanted to go somewhere. So SF and I switched and gave them our horses and took the wagon. I happen to glance over my shoulder and see “stuff”…hey W where did all of this stuff come from. He told me that it was floating in the river. Some of the Wagoneers had lost it yesterday when they crossed and he and A saw it this morning on their way down so they stopped and picked it up. Ok so I guess we take it to the Lodge and start a lost and found. AS we road along I couldn’t help but smile at how animated the 4 of them were. SF laughed and said if you had asked him a year ago did he think we would ever be where we are right now he would have laughed and said NOPE NO WAY AIN’T GONNA HAPPEN! He said we had come a long way haven’t we baby. I laid my head on his shoulder and with a content smug smile said we sure have. SF woke me as we got near the river. Mr. H was there and going to help us cross. He said the river was no where near as rough as it was yesterday when everyone crossed; one of the other men suggested going up the river a little further and crossing. It seemed to a little swallower there. So SF and Mr. H rode up stream and found where he was talking about. I went to check on the animals and gather eggs. Babydoll is getting so big, she must be carrying twins. I must remember to get with that benefactor family that wanted to trade a couple of their sheep for a couple of pigs. I will look for them when we get to the lodge. I also need to check with Mother about using her buck to breed my other female. If she agrees I will leave her behind because she is about to come into season again in a couple of days. As I got back to the river SF and Mr. H were back and it was decided that we would cross the river upstream. I wasn’t too sure about this so Mr. H had P lead his horse across and he got in the wagon to take me and A across. She refused to ride the horse across. So she and I crawled in the back just in case and Mr. H took the reigns. We made it across with no problem. Where we went across the water barely touched the bottom of the wagon. It helped also that W& A had emptied the wagon for the most part so it was really light. Mr. H assured us he would watch our animals until we returned. He said we were not the only ones that had left our animals behind because they didn’t want to take the chance with the rough waters and loosing their animals. From what I could see in the waning light this side of the river was just as beautiful but it just does not compare to what we found south of here. As we rode in to the yard late in the evening we saw Mr. & Mrs. Q and Mother. Mother had me wrapped in an embrace before my feet barely hit the ground. She was so excited that we had found a place and not only that but that us and the Q’s were going to be neighbors. As we went into the lodge I remembered the stuff from the river and asked the boys to bring it in. Mother was thrilled that some of the stuff that was lost had been found and said that it could be set on the front porch since it was wet and everyone could come claim their stuff. AS we walked into the lodge it was beautiful and rustic. Just like I wanted my house (I just don’t want it this big) Chef was there and looked to be in heaven. He had an actual stove to cook on now. He waved us over and told us to fix us a plate. Mother assured us that they could find room for us tonight. Two of the guys were headed to barn to sleep in the hay loaf and W& A said they would take the wagon so that just left me and SF needing a place to unroll our sleeping bags. Hopefully there would not be many more nights before I was back in my bed. Dinner was over and Mother was directing me to a room where SF and I could sleep tonight. She said that there was no bedding there but at least we would have a place to lay our heads. I assured her was fine at this point I was past exhausted and really didn't care as long as it was dry. As SF and I headed to our room for the night he told me that there shouldn't be a problem with us getting our deeds tomorrow. I think if I had not been so tired my mind would have gone into over drive thinking about what all needed to be done before we headed south again. Tomorrow is another day....

I like the idea of natural boundries. Q and I have been PMing back and forth working out the details of how we are going to divide that south east corner. So we are going to be neighbors YAY...boy I feel better having a nurse close by my guys are accident prone LOL.

Beautiful...too bad the lodge is ur it would have looked wonderful over the fire place PS ... it is not the background on my computer.

Ok are we still on yesterday in URL? I don't to get ahead of everyone.

Mother don't you know the #1 rule about water and modes of transportation...they don't mix...LOL You need to watch the news they tell you all the time that if there is water across the road do not drive in to it you never know what is underneath or how deep it really is... Would I cross a swollen river even in URL...nope not gonna happen. Sorry call me chicken but if it is running strong and way out of banks I will sit and wait. However, I was thinking about trying to cross over the top of the dam, you know sort like the Hoover Dam? Any idea what the dam is made of? Is it like a beaver dam and sticks and stone or is it an earthen dam made of sod? Is it wide enough for a wagon? Even though the river is out of banks could we closed the dam long enough to get across on the south side? Or maybe that is what is wrong the flood gates need to be opened so the river can flow and then maybe we can cross up here? Right now we are at the Trappers cabin and headed south. We are going to see what is south along the river.

Well it was decided that we would move our wagons back towards the tree line which I was much thankful of, that rising water was beginning to really unnerve me. We also decided to saddle up the horses and SF, P, N and myself would start searching the land this side of the river. A is not comfortable on horseback and opted to stay behind to tend the animals so W is staying with her. We looked at the map and decided to head south towards the Trapper's Cabin and the old homestead. So with radios in hand and the digital camera the four of us started out. Looking back I saw the concern in Mother's and Mt. Rider's eyes but I promised them we would be extra cautious. We all had side arms and rifles. The signal of 3 rapid guns shots would be our distress call plus we had the radios. I had to pull out my stash that I had bought when we were back at the ranch when P was in the hospital but that is ok this is what I bought them for. As we rode along the land was nothing like we expected to find. Looking past the standing water we noticed the land was rather level much like you expect to find a the floor of a valley. From what we could tell the soil was rich and fertile. Once the ground dries not only will there be plentiful grazing but lots of land for gardens. The river was swollen all the way down to the old homestead and the water was up to the porch so we did not go in. But from what we could tell it would not take much work to make it livable again. There was already fencing up and it look good for the most part. There were a couple of areas that would need work. The barn would need to be replaced. The roof looks like a tree fell though it. SF said he would probably take the barn down and rebuild it. There loft was rotted and the stalls were past repair. As we turned towards the east it was starting to get dark and we pushed to get to the trapper's cabin before night fall. We didn't want to be astride the horses in unfamiliar territory in the dark. As we arrived at the trappers cabin we found it in good condition. Well it was dry at least and there was not standing water around the door. We did find some dry wood to start a fire. We were all wet and hungry. Since the to dark to explore we opted to start the fire and have the biscuits and venison that we brought with us. We will look around more tomorrow but for now we are rolling out our sleeping bags and sleeping somewhere that doesn't have wheels for the first time in many many weeks.

Dear Diary, The view coming down yesterday was spectacular there were times I just wanted to stop the wagon and soak it all in. The sun reflecting off the lake was magnificent. I can’t wait to get to our new home. The trees are starting to bud the grass has that spring green look. Yes it looks like spring is in the air. Ever once in a while we catch a glimpse of baby animals, the birds are chirping. Hopefully next week or two we will have a garden planted. I noticed last night that my peppers and tomatoes were starting to come up, the lettuce is about 2 inches high and everything else in starter trays is starting to push through and sprout. Now if the cold will just go away; can’t afford to loose these seedlings. We are finally at the bottom of the ‘hill” as it was so lovingly called only to find a river out of banks and the bridge washed away. To make matters worse it rained all night and by the looks of the standing water outside the wagon there will be no fire this morning. I am not liking this at all. I have been in one flood in before and that was in NOLA and I remember how fast the water rose (IRL it wasn’t even Katrina it was just a normal rainy day and the pump on our canal failed.)SF saw the fear in my eyes and has sent W&N back to the tree line to see where it dries out some. He is sloshing over to Mother, MtRider and Mr. H right now. He is going to talk to them about us moving away from the river some more just to keep me calm. He said if it keeps raining we may need to go back up to the brook where we stopped yesterday. At least there was grass there for the animals. If it keeps raining like this I am not sure how or when we are going to cross the river. Nope don’t like the looks of this at all. What makes it worse this is not a normal rain it is a storm with heavy rains. That river is going to swell even more before the day is over.

Splashing through the mud In an ox drawn covered wagon Through the hills we go Screaming all the way. Wagons tilting and swaying making hairs stand on end Oh What fun it is to ride and sing country songs today, So I am not composer but hey what else is there to do besides hang on the seat for dear life. Besides being towards the back is no fun today. The trail (at least that is what I think we are on) is horrible. With all the rain and other wagons it is rutted beyond repair. Being at the back doesn’t help much either. Our 3rd wagon got stuck so we had to dig it out then lay down branches to get it going again. I lost my shoe the mud sucked it right off my foot. Thank goodness SF was close by so he could retrieve my boot for me. I had my galoshes on and they just don’t do well in mud; should have pulled out my cowgirl boots. The view was still breath taking even though the rain and as the sun come out and hit the lake oh man it was I could do not to stop the wagon and stand up and look. They say we will be at the lodge by night fall I can’t wait. This part seems longer than the whole trail ride put together. So close but yet so far. SIGH...ARE WE THERE YET?!?!?!? Over the hills and through the woods To our new home we go Mud ball battles making spirits light Oh what fun is ride and sing country songs today If the little stream we stopped at noon is in indication of what is to come oh my we are in for a wonderful treat. The water was cool and tasted wonderful. It was nice to go down stream a little and wash the mud off too even though it was still rather cold. I could have sat by that bubbling brook with a book all day it was so peaceful. I was so thankful when SF said he would take over the reigns and ride with me my arms had had about all they could handle after the morning episode of mud wrestling. As we continued down towards the river SF and I talked about where we would like to build our little spot in this paradise…did we want mountains, or did we want the valley or did we want on the water? I asked if we could have all three. As we plodded along it was real quite just the sound of hooves hitting the ground, goats and sheep bleating, chicken’s clucking. Every once in a while you could hear Mt.Rider’s donkey MM but I think even the animals knew we were close and they were content with where they were headed. Wait why are we stopping? Why are they circling the wagons? We were supposed to be at the lodge tonight. As SF sets the brake P rides up and tell us the bad news…the river is out of it banks and the bridge was gone. As SF circled the wagon into place it hit me like a ton of bricks…WAIT the bridge we were to cross is gone? Looking at the clouds and hearing the rushing water my heart sinks to my stomach. That could only mean one of two things…wait until the river goes down and build a new bridge or cross without a bridge…my vote is build a bridge. Oh I do hope my vote counts. We have come this far with just a few problems and one major problem thanks to a certain mayor. I don’t want to cross this angry river without a bridge. You know something honey I like this area just fine. This would make a good garden spot and we could build right up there…..

Well if all else fails ask Michael to email the map to you :-)

Words can not describe my first thoughts looking out over the valley...beautiful, awesome just did not describe the place. Then I saw how we were to get down and I almost lost it right there on the side of the mountain. Hummm I think I like this spot just fine. That last clearing would make a wonder place to build a house. Plenty of trees, we could have a barn up in a matter of weeks. Mother and Mt.Rider both are shaking their heads telling me it will be ok that we will make it down just fine. Looking down the trail again I don't believe them but I do trust them and Mr. H. They have gotten us this far. (I still say this side of the mountain is nice and would make a wonder homesite) It was decided that our wagons would be one of the last going down that there was no way possible we could get them all down in one day so we would stay behind and go down the second day. This is good because they are using our horses as anchors. Mother's was the first wagon down. The guys made it look so easy all though the horses didn't think so at first. Just knew Mother was going to get trampled a couple of times. I was so glad when some one took over for her. SF, W & N were on the trail acting as guides for the wagons. P was working the horses, me I was biting my nails right beside Mt. Rider. At the end of the day I didn't think the men were going to get back up the “hill” A and I had already taken care of the other animals and the horses where given extra care that first night. The next morning it was our turn. Mr. MtR had sent their donkey's back up to pull our cattle cart down since all of oxen were being used to pull wagons and Mr. H didn't want to tandem the cattle cart on the wagon. It was touch and go there on wagon#2 it was the heaviest since it had the cook stove in it. I just knew it was going to end up on its side. The stove shifted even after it was secured the best we could. Wagons 1 & 3 made it down with little or no problem. It was just nerve wracking. The pigs did not like the ride, we ended covering the cart with a tarp so they could not see and they settled down after that. At the end of the day we were all down the “hill” including the animals. It was so good to have the group back together even if we were all bone weary. Mt. Rider was still in her wagon. Hopefully this extra day of rest allowed her to get some of her energy back. She is going to need it on this next downslope. It doesn't look much easier than what we just tackled. Mr. H has assured us that next slope even though it looks bad is way better than what we just came down. He said we would not need the pulley system. By the look in Mother's eyes she is not to sure about it either. But Mr. H is the man with the plan and he will get us down there. He has gotten us this far and the reward is just at the bottom of the “hill” We all set about to tend to animals. The oxen and horses were checked over real well and they were given extra portion. They worked hard the past two days and deserved a treat. Dinner was light, Chef had dinner ready for everyone and we all ate were asleep before the moon was over the mountain. SF and I were up early and were looking out over the valley. The sight was just breath taking. It was hard to believe that we would soon be living there. Sf smiled as he wiped the tears streaming down my face. He wrapped me in his arms and assured me that this had all been worth it even to this city boy. I couldn't help but smile too, I told him I was so proud of him even if he was scared of snakes. He laughed and said at least he empties the mouse traps. Well he had me there. As we stood there looking out over our new home I wondered aloud if Mr. H had ever got a chance to check out the other side of the river. He said next time he spoke to Mr. H he would ask if not he and the boys would ride over and check it out. He asked if I had packed the digital camera and if I thought the batteries were still good...What kind of question was that...MEN...of course I packed the digital camera and I even the packed camcorder and extra batteries he just didn't know it. I couldn't leave behind all of my equipment. People were beginning to stir and PWN were looking at the wagon wheels, none were please as to what they found. The trip down with locked wheels had worn the wheels but not beyond use. Sf said if we had to lock the wheels again then we would have to make sure that the worn part was not on the ground but we should be ok to get down the mountain. Breakfast was a grand affair, Chef had out done himself, he said that he figured everyone would be starved this morning after two days of hard work and eating very little last night. Mother must have helped him, there were sweet rolls, biscuits, eggs, sausage, flap jacks, oh my it was a feast.

Question...Did Mr. H say what the Red R M and X stood for and if they had ever had a chance to check out the side of the lake? OOPS Missed the post about the R is Mt. Rider, M is Mothers and X is Michael and Lori's ...Need to put that over there with the map Michael Any I have picked out mine Also picked out a back up just in case

Mother it is not on the map but on the black bar where it says it has been reduced. In the left hand corner there should be a little magnifying glass next where it says it has been reduced somelike 92%. Actually all you have to do is click the black bar and it should open in the map in another window.

Well I am a southern girl so I hope to get as far south as possible. LOL

To the Bat Wagon Robin...what we are all in wagons on the side of a mountain and you expected me to say to the Batmobile?

Have my house plans almost ready. Have my garden plans almost ready even IRL. Waiting very impatiently to roll down the side of the mountain.

Hey Chef can cook and old boot so that it taste good I figured trouble makers would be a breeze for him Or we could use them as buzzard bait to keep them out of the gardens MT3B slinking off and hiding I promise to behave.

Leah we are just going to shoot the trouble makers and serve them up for dinner Just joking

Oh I see how you are you are just going to leave me perched precariously on this narrow goat trail on the side of this "hill" all the while I am holding my breath trying not to slip off the side. Just so I can get through this pass, around the deathtrap curve to see my new home ...and I have to hang here for two weeks???????? And to make matters worse WITHDRAWALS!!!!!!! Now just what am I going to do while the guys go play with their new toys still love you Mother :24: