This story is from James Greet, written in 1991 about his life as a cowboy in the 1940’s.
(continued from last week)
Back on the trail again after our overnight stay at the Mahogany Buttes. Our travel was always gaining elevation to Cottonwood Pass.
Our next camp would be at Bate’s Creek. We would put our beef herd in an enclosure for the night. This was a lovely place to camp by the little stream. We came past a sight where you could see three round circles of stones made there by the Indians where they had pitched their teepees.
The next day would be Wednesday. We would go over Cottonwood Pass and start down the other side. Our goal this time was the Okie Cabin and sheep corrals. There was water here, in the small brook. The corrals were designed for sheep, but they were sufficient to hold our beef herd if nothing spooked them, for they could just jump out if frightened.
Thursday took us to Lysite. This side of the divide is drier than the north side, so we wouldn’t see any water again until we got to the reservoir that the railroad had just put in to accommodate the stockmen that came to ship their stock by rail.
We trailed on the county road for about two hours, then we went down to a dry creek bed that was part of the old stagecoach route.
Along here, there is a large old buffalo skull partly exposed. It had been covered with about three feet of dirt.
After quite a distance, we came out of the creek bed by a steep narrow pitch, and were back on the county road. I would be back here, again in the middle of the night, much to my surprise.
Find me here!
I can hardly wait to see what happens. As everyone else has said, he’s a talented writer.
I agree with everyone else that you should publish this into a little illustrated book. I loved the map and pictures of the various sites. I think both adults and older children would enjoy this story as a part of living history.
Carol, If you collect James’ writings into a book, I would buy one, for sure. I think others would, too. He was such a gifted writer. Thank you for sharing.
I, too, enjoy this history told first hand. The map you included with earlier segments was very helpful.
I am so enjoying these stories and the history behind them!
Another fascinating, true-life story. The many details that he could remember from that cattle drive is wonderful. I think it would make a great little book! And you could illustrate it, and add that map of his journey.