Chapter 71
The long grass, while beautiful to look at, and a boon for the grazing animals, proved to be a problem for those who walked beside the wagons, making it almost as difficult as wading through water. Some resorted to riding, enduring the bumpy ride for as long as they could. When they could take that no longer, they went back to walking, trying as best they could to place their feet in the wagon ruts. This, too, was problematic as they had to be careful of the oxen, which trudged along behind them. More than one close call came when an unexpected stumble put someone in danger of being trampled or falling under the wheels of the heavily loaded wagons.
As they moved farther north and west, herds of buffalo began to appear on the plains. Sam marveled at the size of these herds. The Tuckers had no trouble providing an abundance of fresh food for the travelers. The aroma of cooking meat, the sounds of fiddle music, happy conversation and laughter filled the evenings.