The next spot the tramily regrouped at was called Pioneer Mail Picnic Area.
This has been a tourist rest stop since the 1930s. It was so-named because at the time, historians thought the “Jackass Mail” line went through here. Later, researchers determined the stage route went a different way, but the picnic area’s name stuck.
The route was notable because it provided California's first interstate mail delivery. The stage line ran between San Antonio, Texas, and San Diego from 1857 to 1861. This route is said to have been called the “Jackass Mail” by San Francisco residents, who were jealous of the stage coach service.
There was, however, another reason for the name. Mules were used to carry passengers and mail across the Colorado River at Yuma, Arizona.
I didn’t see any mules here, but I did see a dog, which belonged to a hiker named Alex. They were sitting together in the shade of a tree as I walked by. Suddenly, Mona barked, leaped up and bit me in the thigh.
I admit I didn’t take kindly to this. I said a few harsh words to the dog and Alex, but quickly calmed down. It helped that Alex was appropriately apologetic and I realized that the dog was just being territorial.
The bite didn’t tear my pants, but I couldn’t tell if it broke my skin. It definitely hurt.
Captain later remarked how I was able to remain polite and composed, but I didn’t feel that way.