As winter sets in, it gets very cold and a lot of snow falls. Going to Lytton can't wait any longer. Your horse has a tough enough time in the current conditions, but then it begins to snow hard and the wind picks up. The blizzard is so intense, you fear that death is near. When you reach Lytton you are very cold, and have to sit by the fire for many hours before you gain feeling again in your hands and feet.

Next day you purchase two oxen for $425. They will be helpful this winter by hauling logs, and you will need many logs for the new roadhouse you plan to construct. You also pre-order potatoes and a variety of cows, heifers or steers totalling forty, all for next year. For the Roadhouse you go to Mr. Ball to pay for another 1800 acres of land measured for the roadhouse.

When you get back, everything is running smoothly at the ranch. Charles has been running things, and has done a good job. You are charging $1 a night for anyone who wants to stay the night in the cabin's attic, but there are not many traveling through these parts now.

Building the roadhouse was the next task. On December 5, 1862, you hire a couple of whipsawyers to saw 6000 feet of plank. They say it can be done in 10 weeks, and for 4 cents per foot plus grub, so you hire them.