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But the journey took no more than the four to six months it would take to travel overland (and sometimes took much less than that - the record was 89 days, set by the Flying Cloud). Plus, it was considered to be a safer, and much more comfortable trip. The ships were built to withstand the vagueries of the oceans' weather, and during good weather the men had the advantage of enjoying the beauty of the sea and stops in exotic ports along the way. One of the downsides of this trip however, was that the men did not (could not) bring their families with them. Those who traveled overland by covered wagon at least had the option. There were stops along the way to resupply, with the ships taking on food, water, and wood for the steam engines. Between stops were long spells of boredom that were occasionally interspersed with periods of abject terror - as when the ship traveled through dense fogs, bringing on fears of collision, or through fierce storms and heavy seas, leading to visions of the ship being rent asunder with all hands lost at sea! A shorter route, but one wrought with its own perils, was to cross Those who chose this path disembarked at Chagres, Panama, used river canoes and mules to cross the Isthmus through rainy, seemingly impenetrable jungle, and reached Panama City on the Pacific side within about three days. If they didn't contract a tropical disease like malaria, and if a ship was waiting for them in Panama City, the timing for the total trip could be as little as six weeks - twelve weeks at most! All in all, sailing to San Francisco seemed like a good idea to many - over 25,000 traveled via sailing ship. And, it didn't cost any more than going overland; both trips could be done for about $400. If you're interested in how other 49ers got to California, check here: Going to California Overland by Covered Wagon For what they did once they arrived, try these pages: San Francisco Gold Rush Follow the Sacramento River Old Sacramento Sutter's Fort Please continue your exploration of what Northern California has to offer by using the Nav Bar at the left, by using the links at the bottom of the page, or by using the customized search box below to find the specific topic that interests you. Like what you're finding here at DiscoverNorthernCalifornia.com? Then please share with your Social Network (see the buttons in the NavBar to the left, or at the bottom of the page). For more pictures of Northern California and other great stuff, check out my facebook page, www.DiscoverNorthernCalifornia.com. Become a fan, write on my Wall, contribute to the Discussion Board, post a Review -- join in the fun! ![]() Return to California Goldfield Routes from Around the Horn Return to Discover Northern California Home Page from Around the Horn }; New! CommentsHave something to add to what you've seen here? Please leave your comment in the box! ;D |
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