Original upload date: Tue, 29 May 2018 00:00:00 GMT
Archive date: Sat, 11 Dec 2021 15:27:28 GMT
"The route is prolific in interest to the naturalist, the mineralogist, and all who love to contemplate nature in her wildest varieties, and throughout the whole 2,700 miles the interest is not allowe
...
d to flag. I have found the deserts teeming with curious plants and animal life, the mountain passes prolific in the grandest scenery, and the fruitful valleys suggestive on an earthly paradise;" - Waterman L. Ormsby, "The Butterfield Overland Mail" printed in the New York Herald, Thursday, 11 November 1858.
The Butterfield Overland Mail Stagecoach Route was the first interstate system in the United States of America, and pivotal in our development as a coast-to-coast thriving economic powerhouse... it was the predecessor to the Pony Express, railways, and the interstate systems we all use today.
In April and May of 2018, I traversed a large section of the trail from Southern California to Texas. This is my account of the adventure... enjoy!
Day 1 kicked off by getting on the road, and joining my cousin and friend at Alps Village in Palm Desert. From there it was down the highway, passing the Salton Sea, and leaving the Coachella Valley behind.
I traveled to Font’s Point, one of the most iconic areas in Anza Borrego to watch a joint sunset and moonrise.
Camped at Culp Valley camping area, the highest elevation campground in the park, and enjoyed the Dark Sky night sky.
Finally linked up with the trail and pushed farther down the road to the location of the Vallecito Stage Station, my first stop at an actual station from the original trail!
Tunes complements to Gillicudy & Jason Shaw via Free Music Archive!
