The group sits around the campfire after scouting the ruined Ellsworth. There's plenty of food, in fact, almost so much that some is beginning to spoil. Today, hunters and foragers brought in enough to feed everyone for one day and so the surplus remains at 39 days; however, Artemus--who has been coordinating the supply--determines that five days worth have spoiled and so the final tally is 35 days worth of food. Obviously, you try to eat to use as much of the older food as possible, but with the surplus carried recently, you're bound to lose some over time.
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It's about 30 miles from Ellsworth to Hartville (the dirt road continues).

It's about 25 miles from Hartville to Marshfield (part trail, part trail blaze, part road).

Please describe a general plan for the next 3-4 days of travel (or more if you desire to go slowly).

Silas walks back into camp with his fellow scouts.

"Nuttin' much out there but some wild critter," Silas says, "looks like we be safe enough 'round here. We go some grub ready?"

OOC: Fine call on letting the critter go JM...I'm around this week out of town, just some limited time.

Upon arriving at the camp with Silas, JEB, Travis and Art, Chance partakes with his standard evening coffee and pipe.

"I fear my dear sister, Dora, might have done something rash.  Do any of you men have sisters?  Of course Owen, I know you do.  What would you do if one of them were to quickly marry off, without so much as a letter?"

What brought about this revelation?

But as long as she a woman – ‘bout 16 years, I figure she’s old enough.

Anyway by my calculations we can make it to Chance’s with no further hunting. Seems to me it should be about two and half days at normal speed. We still have some funds from the last sale, so we can even buy some supplies in Hartsville should we wish, and keep right on going. ‘Course we’ll need to hunt when we get there.

Artemus sets out the questionable food. Good eating for the dog tonight.

So, thoughts on going straight on through. . .

"Dora is more than a sister to me.  16 months my younger, she is may friend, confidant and purpose for living.  Anything that happens to her is very important to me.

"I remember my mother's letter that told me of her marriage, 'Dora was married last week.  She so wished you could be there to give her away.  She wept for hours the night before the wedding.  There was no celebration after.'  That is all I know.  I do not even need to look at the letter, which I have with me, to remember every word.

"Damn, the men of these times are terrible.  One wonders the attraction to them."

"What makes you say the men are terrible," Silas asks, "Did the letter say that she was forced into bein' hitched?"

Meriwether gave his friend a brave smile "Come now ole chap! Silas is correct in this. Is there more than that to the letter. Surly your sister just grieves at your absence at such an important occasion. Weddings I have heard tell are quite emotional events. A case of the jitters perhaps?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:27, Thu 26 Mar 2009.

So. . .You think she did something rash. . . three years ago?

Artemus shakes his head. Until there's something to actually worry about, no worries, mate. There's no point in it.

We need to be cautious tonight with cats in the area. Specially with the kids.

"You men are right.  I should focus on the travel and not speculation.  We will be there soon."

Owen responds to Artemus. "Mr. Carson, I get awful tired when we travel faster. But if it's only three days, I can make it. I reckon I'm ready for the end of the trail."

"Art and Owen, I appreciate the situation we are in.  Traveling too fast may well be ill-advised.  I would not want to rush when we leave the trail soon.  Additionally, off-trail might provide for even better bounty.  I feel it is right to hunt and forage each day until we reach Marshfield.  Does anyone else have an opinion on the matter?"

Part of me wants to be home yesterday, part dreads what I will find.  Slower travel will help us keep more energy in reserve for what may lie ahead.

I'm not suggesting we travel "too fast" whatever that means. I was suggesting we could travel normally. But I don't give a tinkers damn if we ever get there. I live free in the world and I'm at peace wherever I am.

Meriwether arched an eyebrow "Well now, I say we travel normal speed & hunt only if we have need of food. Chance appears to be anxious about his sister. I say we get there as fast as we may. However, I shall go along with whatever the group decides."

It aint like we're part of a parade.  Let's travel normally and get to somewhere worth being.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:25, Fri 27 Mar 2009.

In reply to Chance Osterfeld (msg #11):

Since we have enough food to take us the rest of the way, I say we pick up the pace a bit. Not double time, but a steady stride will do.

"Sounds like most of us would prefer to get along at normal speed." Owen yawns. "I oughtta get some sleep, then."

Another fine summer morning rouses the group. Readying yourselves and resuming the normal marching order, the group sets out for the day's hike. You travel more than 20 miles, you reckon, maybe even 25 before the sun bids adieu you find a campsite at the edge of the valley where Hartville lies.

Based on the map, you should be able to reach the burg the next morning. The night passes uneventfully and another glorious sunrise greets you on 7/8/1865.

Art counts 26 days of food left.

At breakfast, Owen tugs on Art's sleeve. "Mr. Carson, will you buy me some ammunition for the Sharps in Hartville? I have the money. I'm down to five cartridges, what with the hunting and target practice."

Sure thing. If you’d like you can come with me and see how I trade the hides and furs of our kills along with some of the meat and other foodstuff for supplies or money. It’s what they call big city commerce, and you can survive on it just fine.

Travis takes advantage of a lull in the morning conversation to pass some info on...

Good morning everyone.  Just a reminder now that we're getting near town We'll use the challenge and reply system I used with the Littlejohn Lightguard.  When you are unsure if someone is friend or foe  Challenge them.  Anyone who has spent time in military camps with guards, won't be offended  Our challenge is a number less than 9 and the reply is the number which when added to it adds up to 9.  For example if I challenge you with 3 the reply is 6.  Got it?  Good.

Like Colonel McNally taught me, we'll also use a duress word.  If someone has a gun on you or is holding a hostage and is watching you say the word...  Petunia  If you hear that word don't take any action let them continue on, don't get them killed.  Then figure out what's going on and get help or get the drop on the varmit who is holding the gun.

Owen spies Silas while Travis reiterates the challenge system. If he catches the man's eye, the boy raises one brow.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:32, Fri 27 Mar 2009.

Silas smiles at Owen at replies, "Hey young feller, already told ya I gots tend fingers...I can count to 9."

The group may continue conversation the morning of travel to Hartville.

It takes less than three hours to spy the town at the west side of the valley. The road leads up to a town square and intersects with a road going north/south. Hills loom behind the town to the west.

The burg is small. Two working farms lie to the south side of the road. The square is composed of several buildings. One of the farms has two oxen. It makes you think of what Ellsworth might have looked like before the war. In addition to the two working farms, there are two desolate, overgrown parcels of land to the north with ruined barns and farmhouses.

Directly across the intersection and town square sits a tall A-frame building. It has a prominent sign reading Trading Post.

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OOC: Let's transact business. What are you buying/selling?