02. Life on the Range

The life of a cowboy wasn't easy. After a day spent in the saddle, the only home he had to return to was the chuck wagon. Everything he owned, aside from the clothes he wore and the saddle he rode, was stored inside the wagon. The chuck wagon was the social center of the cowboy's life. It was a place to relax, play cards, swap stories, and tell tall tales. And, of course, it was the place where he got all his meals. The chuck wagon cook, often referred to as "cookie," held an important place in life on the trail. Cookie was second in command behind the trail boss, and was expected to act as barber, banker, doctor, and referee during an argument.