Scratchings-and-Sniffings |
| Posted: 05 May 2010 09:58 AM PDT
Later, the trail became an important feature of the settlement of the South West and served as the invasion route during the Mexican war of 1846. The first expeditions into this wild country started in the mid 1820's. At first, pack mules were used to carry goods. Once the trade was established, Ox carts took over from Mules because Oxen could pull more weight per unit than a Mule. Horses were not that big a factor as far as freight was concerned. The Mule is a cross between a male donkey and a mare or female horse. They were prized draft animals prior to the development of tractors and engines. Devotees of the mule attest to their temperment and willingness to work. They are said to be more sure footed than an horse, thicker skinned and capable of pulling more weight. During the first years of the Santa Fe Trail trade with Mexico became a prime source of Mule stock for the US. This stock was greatly improved by selective breeding once back in Missouri and the Missouri Mule owes a big dept of gratitude to the Santa Fe Trail. For the first few years of Santa Fe trade mules were highly valued. Unfortunately for the traders Mules were highly valued by the indigenous tribes along the Santa Fe Trail. Pawnee and Commanche warriors would stampede large herds of Mules and make off with as many as they could,  in the confusion.That is one reason Oxen became the draft critter of choice along the Trail. They were far less valuable to the Native Americans as they had plenty of "real meat" or Buffalo. Tough to stampede an Oxen, too. They tend to move at their own pace and that was one reason the drovers preferred them. Smoother ride. Besides that they could pull much more weight. |
| Posted: 04 May 2010 12:21 PM PDT
Chris tossed and turned all night. Her first words this morning were along the lines of, "Maybe I should stay home with Miles."She is terribly smittten with Sir Miles. Me, she can live without for a few days. Ah well, If I have to play second fiddle to another guy, it might as well be Miles. Kind of an honor really. Leaving your pooch or kitty behind can be a serious dilemma for us animal lovers. We've arrived at the Cimarron Crossing B&B and I've got my computer out. I was working on my Droid earlier this afternoon. Convenient but not for the digitally impaired, like those of us with splints on their injured wings. OK, back to leaving the critter. We left Miles at a place called Critter Sitters. We left him there with his girl friend, Riley, when we went to Patagonia earlier this spring. Critter Sitters is owned by a guy named Jerry; a Minnesota native and animal lover fleeing the punishing winters up North. I spent some time talking to Jerry when we left Miles. It was snowing of course. May 2nd and it was snowing in South Western New Mexico. Weird winter, or Spring, I guess, now. I've got spinach chard coming up and I almost planted tomatos last week. Good thing I held off. Jerry keeps Miles in his house with his other dogs. No cage or kennel for our boy. Jerry takes Miles and the others for a walk each day. They are out in the country and sometimes they walk of leash. I asked Jerry to keep Miles on his leash. Lot's of Mule Deer in that country and, as we've mentioned, Miles is a little week on the recall. Jerry would be no match for a herd of Mule Deer. Jerry needed Miles' vaccination records and asked about food. We took his brand so there would be no transition issues. We gave instructions on how much to feed based on knowing that Miles would be less active than normal. We don't want to pick up a sausage when we get home. We're comfortable with the set up at Critter Sitters. It's always a good idea to check things out ahead of time. Even though Riley's mom, Cheryl, recommended the place, Chris got the full tour before our trip to South America. The fact that Riley would be there at the same time sealed the deal for Chris. In fact, Riley was there when we dropped Miles off on Sunday. That was as special treat for our boy. Tomorrow we head off east on The Santa Fe Trail. We'll end up in Council Grove tomorrow night. I'll let you in on the significance of that tomorrow. Animals made the Santa Fe Trail possible. Without Mules, horses and oxen it would never have happened. It's an interesting story. |
| You are subscribed to email updates from Scratchings-and-Sniffings To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
0 comments:
Post a Comment