Stuff

Strawberry

Strawberry is a town in the midst of a transformation. Founded as a logging town, Strawberry attracted many who wanted to escape the encroaching civilization coming from the east. The mayor himself left the urbanized New Jersey for the simple life of a Strawberryian. Although Mayor Nicholas Timmins is hoping to bring the kind of change that most Strawberryians see as very un-Strawberry like.

Mayor Timmins hopes to attract wealthy tourists to come sample the simple life. He says the wealthy do not wish to truly live the rough life, but if Strawberry can offer the rough and rugged life wrapped in luxury, they may come for a bit. And if they come for a bit, they’ll spend a lot, so he hopes. Not all the residents are keen on his changes. The least popular, perhaps, is his war on alcohol. He proudly supports the Temperance Movement and has forbid the consumption of alcohol in Strawberry. However, the law enforcement are not quick to enforce rules they themselves are breaking, especially when the law breaker is a tougher than average cowpoke.

While there is no saloon, one can obtain alcohol at the general store if they are discreet. Strawberry also has a full service post office, where employee Hector offers jobs on behalf of the townsfolk. The Welcome Center offers lodging and a place to bath, while the Trackers Hotel offers longer term stays. On the west end of the town an apartment is for rent, ready for anybody prepared to settle down in Strawberry.

Hunting is one of the most popular activities among those who visit Strawberry. As such, the butcher is a busy man. For those who want a trophy, they can visit Strawberry’s local taxidermist.
Stuff – Hawks Eye Creek – Taxidermist

Old Tom’s Blind – Lenora View

Fort Riggs

Stuff

Black Bone Forest

Stuff – Beryl’s Dream

Dakota River

Stuff

Monto’s Rest

A beautiful timber forest now owned by the Appleseed Timber Company, Monto’s Rest is likely to disappear from this world very soon. Be sure to enjoy the view while you can. While you’re there, head just east and behold Diablo’s Ridge, a series of step cliffs you would not want to fall from.

Bard’s Crossing

Big Valley is known mostly for its natural wonders, however an amazing feature of human engineering occupies the land as well. Crossing over the Dakota River from Big Valley, West Elizibath into the Heartlands, New Hanover, Bard’s Crossing may be the greatest marvel you will ever see. Sure, the natural wonders millions of years in the making leave you in awe, but so too should the sight of man conquering the inconquerable.

Riggs Station is the last stop before the train makes its journey in the skies over the Dakota River. If you do not trust this amazing feat of engineering, it is your last chance to get off the train. However, you’ll need to hire a coach to take you across the Dakota and to Flatneck Station, where no doubt your previous train will have long departed. Take a chance, or be delayed.

Little Creek River

Little Creek River runs through the northern most area of Big Valley and connects to the Dakota River. While the river itself offers little to the wandering explorer or hunter, being too shallow for more than a quick face wash, it does attract the local wildlife. A careful hunter can take down herds of animals if they are so inclined in this open area with an abundance of animals.

On the northwest end of the river is Hanging Dog Ranch. The folks here are not friendly and they do not offer many warnings. East of the ranch and just off the river hidden behind the forest is a small cabin with an old lady always looking for cowpokes willing to get their hands dirty… real dirty. And if taking in the sites is more your thing than just south of this river you will find a trail that winds partly up Mount Shann that leads to a location the locals call Valley View. It is so named for the amazing view of the valley below.

Mount Shann

Mount Shann is the dominating feature of Big Valley. While most will visit Big Valley for the fertile hunting grounds, none will miss Mount Shann. Those brave enough to traverse the massive mountain will be rewarded with amazing views. From Mount Shann one can see Blackwater, Bard’s Crossing, the Dakota River, and even Strawberry if it weren’t hidden behind the forest.

The mountain also hides a cave for the daring explorer. It is dark and so you will need light and if you make the wrong step you will hear the echos of your screams for help, but they will go unheard beyond the cave.

Owanjila

Meaning, “stays in one place,” Owanjila is a beautiful lake to those eyeing the natural beauty of the world and those eyeing the great American profit. Muskie often swim into the shallows on the eastern short of the lake in the rocks, just north of Owanjila dam. The muskie are eager to bite on lures, but if you are not in the mood for a fight, a bow works well in the shallows. Bring a horse drawn cart or wagon and load up for a nice profit by selling at the butcher in Strawberry.

Stilt Shack

A stunning, yet simple shack built on stilts can be seen west of Hanging Dog Ranch. It is a mystery as to who built it or why, but one can hazard a guess. The stilts elevating the cabin offer protection from wildlife and wild men. It is a curious cabin worth a quick look.

Wallace Overlook

Another site to behold on your trip to Big Valley is Wallace Overlook. This natural formation offers a stunning view of Cumberland Falls(?). Just southwest is Wallace Station, where a Central Union Railroad employee named Angus may reluctantly speak with you and reluctantly offer you a job.