{"id":48253,"date":"2020-01-31T05:40:03","date_gmt":"2020-01-31T10:40:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=48253"},"modified":"2026-04-14T11:14:12","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T15:14:12","slug":"btr-sourdough-starters-21-january-2020-by-bztrailriders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=48253","title":{"rendered":"BTR Sourdough Starters #21 – January 2020 (by BZTrailriders)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: Use the photo from Gabrielle where the four Cartwrights are riding to the mountain as a prompt for the Sourdough story.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rating: G, Word Count: 2647<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

by\u00a0BettyHT<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u00bb\u00a0<\/span>Wed Jan 01, 2020 12:25 pm<\/p>\n

\n

Four men rode resolutely across the snow-covered valley as an eagle flew above. It seemed so appropriate to see that eagle as they rode toward Carson City but none of them were focused enough on the significance to catch the connection as they rode through Eagle Valley to the old Eagle Station. Instead each was consumed by his own thoughts and looking at the back of the man in front of him wondering what the other was thinking. A man had accused Adam of murder because he had jerked a man from a horse in a confrontation, and the man had died after Adam threw him to the ground.<\/p>\n

“I don’t understand my son’s reluctance to go face his accuser to clear his name of these ridiculous charges. Tarnation, he wanted to head to Denver and then perhaps east on an extended trip. I insisted his behavior in that case would only convince people there was some merit in these fool accusations. I told him that no son of mine would run from the law and leave a stain on the family name. I could only imagine what it would have been like for the rest of us if he had done as he wished. When we’re done with all this, his reputation will be restored so it’s like the snow here, bright and white under a glistening clear sky.”<\/p>\n

“I see Pa riding up there, all tall and sure of hisself, but I know Adam’s plenty worried. I kin see how he’s leaning as he rides. Now there’s got to be more to what’s going on that none of us know. Ole Adam likes to keep things pretty close to the vest, but he usually is willing to talk to me except not this time. That tells me that whatever worry he’s got is about someone else in the family. Well I know it ain’t me so it’s got to be Pa or Joe. Adam woulda likely talked to Pa by now ifn it was about him. I’m guessing that this has something to do with Joe. I wish I knew what it was.”<\/p>\n

“At first, I thought my oldest brother was afraid, but now I don’t know what it is or maybe I do. Hoss keeps looking around at me like I know something. I don’t, but that tells me that he thinks that whatever is bothering Adam has something to do with me. I was in Carson City when Adam got into that tussle with the man who died, but I don’t think that’s what killed the man because he was already shot and bleeding. That has to be what killed him. Adam stopped him from getting away. That was all. We’d been looking for him because he stole some horses from us. Why is there all this fuss about a horse thief dying? There’s a lot more to this, and maybe Adam knows what it is.”<\/p>\n

“I should have left last night when I thought of it. I waited, and now I could hang. If they’re in a mood to convict, I have no defense. If I tell them what the man said to me before he died, I’ll take the noose from my neck and put it around Joe’s. I can’t do that. There’s no way out for me now. I don’t understand any of this. It’s as if someone created a perfect storm for us, and we got caught in it. I feel as cold inside as the weather is here. It’s a perfect scene for my mood: bleak and empty.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
\n

by\u00a0Lizabeth<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u00bb\u00a0<\/span>Thu Jan 02, 2020 3:01 pm<\/p>\n

\n

The dreamer watched the four horsemen as they rode. He was flying, like a bird circling, although much closer to the group than a bird. He stared at each man and knew that they were very familiar. His family.<\/p>\n

It was a cold, crisp winter\u2019s day. The sky was clear azure. There was a layer of new snow on the ground and trees. It was beautiful, and he took a moment to appreciate it. The only sounds were those of the horses\u2019 hooves crunching through the snow, their sometimes-harsh breathing and the creak of leather.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, he found himself as the last horseman. The horse hesitated as the rider adjusted in the saddle. The dreamer felt Joe\u2019s passionate emotions and volatile temper. Ever since Joe had been a child, he\u2019d wanted to have the same responsibilities and privileges as his older brothers. Now he was bringing up the rear, which fit with how he\u2019d always felt he needed to catch up with them. The dreamer understood his pain and urged the horse faster to reach them.<\/p>\n

In a heartbeat, the dreamer found himself as the next horseman, the middle brother, Hoss. He was a gentle giant who loved all creatures big and small. He was both more quietly stubborn and more guileless than his brothers. The dreamer understood why Hoss had so easily fallen for Joe\u2019s more outrageous schemes. Hoss was also the peacemaker between his brothers. They were both his best friends.<\/p>\n

By now the dreamer had gotten used to the unexpected changes, and the horse beneath him never hesitated. He was the oldest brother Adam, whose brief childhood had died as he watched the light leave his Mama Inger when she was killed. Like the others, he was stubborn. Adam was the only son who would stand toe-to-toe with their father, never giving up. Adam had been given responsibility without authority long before he was ready which was a harsh way to learn. The dreamer understood why he\u2019d tried to make things easier for the younger brothers who never appreciated what a gift it was to have a more carefree childhood.<\/p>\n

And then he was at the head of the column. He felt the powerful horse beneath him. Ben was proud of his three strong sons, all fine men. He fiercely loved each and would gladly give his life plus everything he had to save any one of them. With grit and determination they\u2019d realized his vision of creating an empire from the wilderness. His heartfelt wish was they\u2019d continue his dynasty. The dreamer felt Ben\u2019s sadness at the lack of wives and grandchildren.<\/p>\n

Continuing to move from one to the other, the dreamer ended up in the one he felt most comfortable. He knew he\u2019d found his way home.<\/p>\n

Without warning, he was pulled from his horse, hands grabbed him, and one covered his mouth. The other three horsemen continued riding, seemingly unaware of his absence. His horse disappeared, and he was restrained, unable to call for help.<\/p>\n

With a start, he awoke silently and alone. He realized he was safe in his room. His recurrent nightmare ended differently from before. Usually he only remembered the pain of separation and betrayal.<\/p>\n

Most details of the dream vanished as before when the last vestiges of sleep left. But now he knew he was one of the four horsemen, and each horse bore a pine tree brand. Most of all, he knew he was loved.<\/p>\n

To a man with amnesia alone among strangers with no identification, it was more than enough.<\/p>\n

It was the start of going home.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
\n

by\u00a0AC1830<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u00bb\u00a0<\/span>Fri Jan 03, 2020 7:50 pm<\/p>\n

\n

All I can recall of that day was how numb I was and it wasn\u2019t from the cold, even though it was bitterly cold. The mid-afternoon sun brought no warmth as it bounced off the snowy landscape, nearly blinding us as we rode. Puffs of warm breath from our horses drifted through the still air and up to the clear azure sky.<\/p>\n

As Pa led us across the icy meadow closer to the tree-lined ridge, no one spoke. No one dared, for fear of losing our tenuous hold on hope. Silently we pushed our horses farther and higher.<\/p>\n

As we neared the final trail, my grip tightened on Cochise\u2019s reins, holding him back. This was where it had happened, where I\u2019d lost my niece. Fear of what we\u2019d find grabbed me once more. Suddenly it all flashed before my eyes again (was it really just hours earlier?) For days, Adam had promised to take his five year old daughter to the ridge to see the wintry lake but the trail was still too snowy. Finally, this morning, it had melted a fair amount but Adam had come down with a cold. He suggested I take her. The snow was soft so we rode part way, and hiked the rest of the way to the ridge. She and I were enjoying the view of the lake when she slipped on an icy patch. My arm jerked as her hand slipped from my grip, leaving her mitten behind. I spun around in time to see her slide down a hidden embankment and, oh God! I couldn\u2019t reach her. She didn\u2019t move when I called, and the rocks were too loose and slippery so my only choice was to get back to the house and get help. I marked the spot, told her I\u2019d be right back with help, then ran off. Her silence haunted me all the way home.<\/p>\n

As I raced into the yard, screaming for help, I\u2019ll never forget the faces of my father and brothers – shock and horror, and condemnation from Adam.<\/p>\n

By the time we were ready to leave, the sun had moved passed its zenith and the temperature was dropping fast. The few inches of snow on the trail she and I had taken had turned icy so we were forced to take a safer but longer route to the ridge.<\/p>\n

Pausing at the edge of the forest, I watched my father and brothers move on, then I nudged Cochise forward. No matter what we find, I will face this head on, even if it means losing any bond with my family.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
\n

by\u00a0AH83<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u00bb\u00a0<\/span>Wed Jan 08, 2020 11:45 pm<\/p>\n

\n

It had finally stopped snowing when the Cartwrights went out in search of Hoss\u2019 wife. They had got a ransom for her that day. Lydia had been home when she had been taken. Hoss was heading to his own house from the Ponderosa when he saw the house was burned down.<\/p>\n

\u201cLydia. Lydia!\u201d He yelled.<\/p>\n

He ran to the barn, but nobody was there. Her horse was gone too. He turned and saw a note tacked to the inside of the door. It was a ransom note. He shoved the note into his vest pocket and got on his horse and raced to the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d he called out.<\/p>\n

He got off his horse and ran in the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss looked at Ben\u2019s office. He pulled out the note.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I found this tacked on the barn. Our house is burned down. Lydia\u2019s gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss handed the note to Ben and he read it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know where this house is. It\u2019s the old Jenkins place.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam and Joe are in the barn.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss grabbed his brothers gun belts and took them out to his brothers explaining they had to find Lydia. Adam and
\nJoe put their gun belts on and jumped on their horses.<\/p>\n

They rode in a line. Ben was in front followed by Adam, Hoss and Joe. Hoss was antsy. What if they didn\u2019t find her? What if\u2026he didn\u2019t want to think of the alternative. They had to find her. He pulled his coat around him. The cold bit right through the coat. He saw Adam hunch into his coat. The only sound Hoss heard was the crunching of snow under the horse\u2019s hooves.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow much longer, Pa?\u201d Hoss called out.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot much longer. Just over the hill here,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, they heard shots fired.<\/p>\n

\u201cLydia!\u201d Hoss yelled.<\/p>\n

The four men raced to where the sounds came from. They saw the house. They jumped off their horses and rushed to the cabin. The door was wide open. They saw two bodies in the front room. Hoss and Adam rushed into the house and saw a woman dead and another woman at the bottom of the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cLydia,\u201d Hoss whispered.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
\n

by\u00a0Hart4Ben<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u00bb\u00a0<\/span>Fri Jan 31, 2020 10:40 pm<\/p>\n

It\u2019s been a long, hard day of riding in the snow and cold. What I wouldn\u2019t give for some of Hop Sing\u2019s good cookin\u2019 and my own bed tonight. At least the sun is shinin\u2019 and givin\u2019 us some warmth against the bitter wind. It\u2019ll get colder than a banker\u2019s heart once the sun drops behind the mountains. Amazing how snow-capped mountains look so beautiful from a distance and how tough they are to ride through.<\/p>\n

I hate the feelin\u2019 of Pa and Adam and Hoss starin\u2019 at my back and not knowin\u2019 what\u2019s going on in their heads. Glad Pa\u2019s back riding point now again. At least nobody\u2019s lookin\u2019 at me. Probably off the hook \u2018cause we\u2019ll have to find somewhere to camp for the night pretty soon. Just hope they don\u2019t ask any questions. I know they all said that the accident wasn\u2019t my fault, but it sure feels like it was. I guess Pa\u2019s right about some things. People are gonna talk no matter what.<\/p>\n

Guess I got my wish. Pa and Adam and Hoss talked about just about everything but the accident, but I could tell it was on all our minds, even when we got back to the ranch. Bet Pa wishes almost as much as I do that he hadn\u2019t sent me up to the logging camp on that errand. Gosh, it was great to see Trace again. It all started out so harmless with the men jokin\u2019 about us bein\u2019 old school mates and all. Then somebody grabbed Trace\u2019s hat and started tossin\u2019 it around. Damn! Why did I have to get involved. I shoulda just given it back when I had the chance instead of playin\u2019 along. I wish I could erase that vision of Trace running backwards and tripping over the downed tree. I can still hear the thud. Makes me want to grab my ears and scream. Just like that, he was gone — such a likeable, hard-working fellow. Why? Why did that rock have to be in that exact spot! It just isn\u2019t right — a good man dyin\u2019 like that over something silly and stupid!<\/p>\n

I wanted to run right then and there, but I told the men I would go and tell his family and his girl. I think it was the hardest thing I\u2019ve ever done. Stayed for the funeral, but after that I couldn\u2019t stand it anymore. I just had to go. I felt so small and worthless. Couldn\u2019t stand the whispering everywhere I went. So I packed a few things and rode up into the mountains. I wanted to get lost and figured that was a good place to do it. Not too smart, though, I guess now looking back. It\u2019s a wonder Pa and my brothers were able to find me. Guess I should\u2019ve known they wouldn\u2019t give up even when I was the one bein\u2019 stupid.<\/p>\n

Things were just startin\u2019 to get back to normal until Lance showed up at the ranch the other day. He\u2019d gotten a telegram thinkin\u2019 it was gonna be an announcement about Trace and Darla getting married, but instead it said that his younger brother was dead. The look on Lance\u2019s face said he\u2019s got vengeance in his heart. Thought he was going to kill me right there in front of Pa just for spite. Have to admit, I was scared. I couldn\u2019t say anything. What\u2019s there to say? Pa talked him down. Don\u2019t even remember what he said. All I know is that the load of guilt hit me like a rock just like the day Trace died.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A Note from the Brandsters.\u00a0 This was originally written and published on the Bonanza Trail Riders site.\u00a0 Brand is happy to offer this story a new home.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary: Use the photo from Gabrielle where the four Cartwrights are riding to the mountain as a prompt for the Sourdough story.<\/p>\n

Rating: G, Word Count: 2647<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12475,"featured_media":62121,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1323],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-48253","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sourdough","wpcat-1323-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":14,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTR.png?fit=442%2C255&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":14461,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14461","url_meta":{"origin":48253,"position":0},"title":"Mountain Eagle (by Becky S)","author":"BeckyS","date":"July 10, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Hoss and Joe work to figure out what's troubling Adam. \u00a0 Rating: \u00a0G \u00a0(2,000 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Abigail.jpg?fit=510%2C680&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":48263,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=48263","url_meta":{"origin":48253,"position":1},"title":"BTR Sourdough Starters #26 – June 2020 (by BZTrailriders)","author":"BZTrailRiders","date":"June 30, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Ride Like the Wind - Use this photo (Adam and Joe racing in The Hayburner) for inspiration for your scene or story.\u00a0 Rating: G, Word Count: 1676","rel":"","context":"In "Sourdough Starter"","block_context":{"text":"Sourdough Starter","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1323"},"img":{"alt_text":"Preserving Their Legacy","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTR.png?fit=442%2C255&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":5293,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5293","url_meta":{"origin":48253,"position":2},"title":"The Paiute Pony (by Cinderella)","author":"Cinderella","date":"April 30, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0A short story of how Cochise and a new friend came to Joe. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (1,190 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Quality-of-Mercy-8.jpg?fit=747%2C569&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Quality-of-Mercy-8.jpg?fit=747%2C569&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Quality-of-Mercy-8.jpg?fit=747%2C569&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Quality-of-Mercy-8.jpg?fit=747%2C569&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12323,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12323","url_meta":{"origin":48253,"position":3},"title":"Shortcut to Terror (by Debbie B)","author":"DebbieB","date":"December 1, 2005","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Ben and Joe choose what they believed to be the shortest way home, but instead, they found themselves on the shortcut to terror...terror such as they had never known. \u00a0 Rated PG \u00a0WC 14,900","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":48273,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=48273","url_meta":{"origin":48253,"position":4},"title":"BTR Sourdough Starters #31 – November 2020 (by BZTrailriders)","author":"BZTrailRiders","date":"November 30, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u201cMay I\u2026?\u201d - This one is a little different. 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