Journey to Aravaipa Canyon
Pioneers in the Territory of Arizona
by
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While on the trail, the men discussed routes to California. Both Felt and Collins were familiar with the “wet route” and the “dry route”. The northern wet route took a little longer, but was easier on the womenfolk, kids and animals; it involved crossing mountains, but there was usually a good supply of water and forage available in the springtime to make the trip bearable. “The southern dry route is faster, but the desert can kill you ‘n your critters faster’n greased lightning; better for seasoned hands to travel”, opined Collins. “Only big hazard on the wet route, is that one pass - Donner Pass they call it- if you get socked in there in the wintertime you might not get any further. About 25- 26 years ago, Donner Party got snowed in up there, and ended up being cannibals to survive. “Good God”, said one of the Danes. When they arrived at Independence, Missouri, Carl and Emil had decided to go the wet route, hoping for the best considering they’d not be going near that area in wintertime. Both Felt and Collins decided to take the dry route
They had found wagon trains needing men to ride shotgun on both routes. The two trains traveled together until they reached Topeka, Kansas, where they would part ways. The four men got together at a local saloon to celebrate first of all, the fact that neither Emil or Carl expired on the trip from the East Coast; but mainly to say a proper goodbye to one another in the way that men did: Go to the local saloon, hoist a few and get properly drunk together.
Emil and Carl both had many drinks, played cards with Felt and Collins, visited those irresistibly tempting ladies who invited them upstairs, and decided to call it a night when the alcohol and exhaustion overcame them. The next morning, with hangovers all around, the men gave a brief nod to one another, as the north and south wagon trains separated.
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About the Book
In the late 1800s, two young friends from Copenhagen, Denmark, move to America to seek their fortunes. Emil Kielberg and Carl Birkenfeld begin their lives in their new country by mining gold. They save their money, and in time both men follow the individual paths of their dreams. Carl opens a saloon, while Emil homesteads more than 160 acres of Arizona land.
As time goes on, their businesses flourish. Carl becomes the constable of Tucson, and Emil raises prize-winning fruit. With his finances now in order, Emil is free to send for his lifelong love, Ida, who awaits his summons in the old country. Emil and Ida marry, and Carl marries a Spanish girl named Dolores. The men remain friends, even as they become husbands and fathers.
The families are so close, in fact, that Emil’s son ends up marrying Carl’s daughter. Grandchildren arrive—as does tension, because no family is perfect. But Emil and Carl have a friendship built on a strong foundation, and they will keep their families together, despite the dangers of the Wild West and the rapid changes in the country they now call home.
Based on a true story, this historical novel delves into the lives and thoughts of two Arizona pioneers and their families from late nineteenth century to the Great Depression and beyond.
About the Author
P. J. Kielberg-McClenahan managed and later owned a welding supply company for twenty-five years. She has also worked in the real estate and accounting fields. She and Chuck, her husband of fifty years, have two daughters and six grandchildren and own a ranch in California.