Visiting Pico

In 1840 Pico wasn't a boulevard in L.A. He was one of two brothers destined to serve as governors of Alta California. Andres Pico would be the dude who led the Californios in battle, clobbering the invading American army that had marched from Texas. Pio Pico claimed to be the ugliest man in Los Angeles, but Andres made the same claim. They used to ride around town, at that  time the largest settlement in Alta California, stopping women and asking them to settle the family dispute.

Let's say that it's 1840, and you live in Monterey. You decide to visit your cousin Pio Pico. How would you get there?

You could go by ship, but that would cost money. There is almost no money in Alta California. Instead you walk out in the field near your adobe and catch up a horse. That's not hard. Horses were worth little, maybe four bucks, and the Californios let them loose to graze--but with long ropes hanging from their necks. If you walk up to a loose horse, it will likely shy away from you, but if you walk over to a trailing rope, the horse pays no attention. You saddle your horse and ride all day. Then you find a fresh mount and turn the old one loose. Repeat five or six times and you will be eating huevos rancheros with the Picos, each of whom insists he is uglier than his brother.