Posted November 14, 2022
Despite her 'nap' on the train, Emeline was more than ready for bed, and she slept well, awakening refreshed and ready to go. After dressing, she brushed out her hair and started to braid it.
"So, what is our itinerary for the day?" she asked Barnabas. "I'm ready for anything you want to throw at me!" She laughed. "Just don't be throwing too hard!"
Posted November 14, 2022
"Itinerary? I'd say breakfast, catch the coach that takes us to the train, arrive on the hill this afternoon. Just going to be a day of scenery flashing by, though I'm sure the ride through the Washoe Valley, and then along the Carson River before we start up toward American Flat and on to Virginia City will be be something to see, well something we'd not see at all up to Kalispell." Barnabas explained.
Knowing that the train ride was going to take some time, likely there would be a short layover in Carson City, the capitol, to exchange passengers and any freight, mail, or what have you going on to Virginia City. Yet the trip would be worth it, at it's end which would be the International Hotel and the start of their stay on the 'Jewel of the Comstock.'
"There is a view to the east, which one can see a hundred miles, maybe further, and it provides some spectacular sunrises. Hopefully we will have a room with eastern exposure. We'll see, Bill Sharon did let me know reservations were made in our name. He took care of everything." That was cause for a smile.
Posted November 15, 2022
"Hundreds of miles?" She couldn't imagine such a thing, although Emeline knew he wasn't lying. "Well, if we don't have an east-facing room, we'll just have to get up early and take a look!"
It all sounded magical and fantastical, and she was anxious to see everything, and she had little doubt that Mr. Sharon had secured them the best room, and that would mean beautiful sunrises.
Standing, she moved to the window, then turned to face Barnabas. "Besides, who needs a view when you have me?"
She laughed and hugged him, then took his hand. "Well, let's get to this then, I'm anxious to see your old tramping ground!"
Posted November 15, 2022
"Oh you will see her for sure. Carved into the side of Sun Mountain she is a rare sight. I suppose though, that there are other towns built on the sides of mountains with beautiful views, but she is a special place. Saved the Union, built San Francisco, or so they claim, and I have no doubt on either boast. They have gas lights just about everywhere."
He laughed as he thought he sounded like a tour guide. Though it could be said that he was, as he knew the country and willingly shared what he knew. This part of their trip would find him guiding her on a tour of was was called "The Richest Place On Earth."
"Well now, as far as a comparison between you and God's handiwork at days beginning, I think I'll not inherit the wrath of either by simply stating that seeing you together at daybreak would be breathtaking!"
Posted November 15, 2022
"Flattery will get you everywhere!" Smiling, Emeline hugged him, resting her head on his chest, where she could hear his heart beating. "Keep your breath, I like it when you breathe!"
While the dining room here wasn't nearly as elaborate as the one in San Francisco, it was still elegant, and had a good variety of food. "I think I'll have the stuffed French toast," she commented, "and coffee, too. They have great coffee, not as good as mine, of course, but still good."
Among the other good things to come of this trip, Emeline was getting a few ideas for the cafe.
Posted November 16, 2022
"I like it when I breathe too, helps keep me awake." He said softly, the they got up and dressed, then went down to the dining room. He guided her to a table and seated her, removing his hat as he moved to the chair across from her, setting his hat on the empty chair at their table.
"I think I'll have the stuffed French toast," she commented, "and coffee, too. They have great coffee, not as good as mine, of course, but still good."
"Me, it'll be the ham slab an' eggs. and yes their coffee is very good, and no, it is not as good as yours. But, I'm not here for comparison, I'm here for breakfast so we can catch the coach on time." Then he grinned at her. "Always talkin' up the Lickskillet, and well you should, not that you'll see any of these folks up there. Well, if there was a strike, maybe."
Posted November 17, 2022
"Oh, a strike would be a mixed blessing," Emeline observed. "Certainly, it would be a boon to the town, very well could make some of the people there rich. But then, we'd be swarmed by thousands of gold-seekers, and lawlessness, chaos..."
She'd never seen the actual transformation of a settlement, but she'd been through a few that were at their peak, or just starting into decline, and the impact could be devastating. On the other hand, there were towns that continued to survive, even after all the ore was taken from the ground.
She shrugged. "I like Kalispell the way it is, although I know it will change...for the better, I hope. At least a hospital will have a positive impact on the town, if they've finally got it approved."
Posted November 17, 2022
"A strike? Not sure what that would be. According to Speed there's not much in the way of Gold and silver up there. It's mostly to the south, well, so far anyway. He did say there was copper, or at least a hint of it, but I doubt anything that would draw prospectors like gold and silver do." Barnabas put forth.
"The hospital might induce more folks to move to Kalispell and build homes, start businesses and such. I'm sure there's been some movement on the plan, perhaps even had a contract signed and construction started since we've been gone. Maybe send wires when we get to Virginia City, see what comes back."
Posted November 18, 2022
"It would be nice to have a little news," Emeline agreed, "and I haven't wired Clara in a while. I'm sure everything is all right, and even if it isn't, there's nothing we can do about it."
While she hoped everything was fine, she wouldn't fault Clara for any problems, especially since she wasn't dependent on the cafe anymore.
"I don't mind Kalispell growing some, but we don't need a strike of any kind, that's just trouble. We have good industry with the logging and ranching." She shrugged. "And maybe someday people will come there just to see the beauty of the scenery."
Once folks back east heard about the splendor of the mountains, she was certain they would want to come see for themselves, and with the train coming there, it would be easy to get to.
Posted November 19, 2022
"I agree about the problems that a strike could bring, Em, it's just that prospectors are combing the country looking for that next big strike." Barnabas began, "Looking to get rich like they have down in Virginia City, not this one, the one in Montana, Bannack, Nevada City and others. The wealth is really there for the taking early on, then come those who prey on those that are working their claims, that's where the problems come in."
"Fact is, just like the town we're headed for today. Where my wealth was dependent on the turn of a card. Fortunes are made and lost in towns just like it. I was lucky, John MacKay, now he was a mining man, and with his partners, became wealthy early." He explained. "But yes, the area has had their share of bad men, and we already have our share of bad men."