Buffalo+Bill

= = = Welcome to my Journal/Memoir about "The Wild, Wild, West" =

=__Journal Entries__= September 2, 1888 - Today was my first day on the trail. I think its gonna be a long three months. I have so much to learn. This is nothing like my life back East. I hope I make it to the railhead.

September 10, 1888 - I have been too tired to write anything. I never thought the job of a cowboy would be so hard and long. I tired out 3 horses today. I have to get a little shut eye because I have night duty last tonight.

September 30, 1888 - Today it rained. There is no place to get dry. I reckon the rain is needed, but it makes it difficult when there is no roof over your head. Sure hope I see the sun tomorrow.

October 5, 1888 - The sun is so hot during the day. I am sure glad for my hat, it keeps the sun outta my eyes. I have been on the trail almost a month and we're not even half way there. I could sure use a bath and nice bed to sleep in. = =

=__A Cook__= The job of the cook was the most important job on the cattle drive. The cook was the doctor, the dentist, and more. The cook was usually an older cowboy. He had to arrive ahead of the others, so he often left very early in the morning. The most important thing the cook had to do before the drive was begin the sourdough starter. He needed this to be able to make cakes and bread.

=__A Cowboy__=

The cowboy couldn't take many items with him, so all of his gear would be able to be used for many purposes. His gear was only what he could carry with him. His clothing was simple: a hat, bandana, boots, spurs, and jeans.

=__A Boss__= As you might guess, a boss was the leader of the cattle drive. He was the one in charge of the whole operation. The boss would ride ahead of the others to scout out the trail. He was the one who paid everyone at the end of the trail.

=__A Wrangler__= Wranglers were usually young boys that were learning to be cowboys. Their main job was to take care of the horses. This was really important because cowboys used many horses every day.

=A Tall Tale:=

Here’s a story that been passed around, from campfire to campfire as the “doggies” settle down...

Long, long ago in ole Mississippi there a young cowboy named Boomer McBride. They called him "Boomer" because his voice was so loud that everyone had to cover their ears when he just whispered.

Boomer's parents realized that their son was "special" when he was just a young lad. When he was only 6 months old he began to cry because he was so hungry (his mom forgot to feed him). It was said that his crying was so loud that it could be heard in the next town.

Sometimes Boomer would get excited and start to yell (temporarily forgetting his unique ability). The other cowboys would fall to the ground in pain because the noise was so loud. Although this was often an annoying occurance, one day Boomer's extraordinary ability came in handy. As the cowboys were traveling on the trail, they cam upon some rattlers. Well, there must have been over a thousand of them critters and you know how they spook the cattle. The cattle started running every which way and before you know it a stampede was about to begin. Knowing how dangerous a stampede can be, Boomer yelled, "Stampede!" His voice was so loud that the earth began to crack. The earth divided into a gap a couple of miles wide. This stopped the cattle right in their tracks. Tons of people travel to see this divide today. It is known as The Grand Canyon. But we all know who created it!

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