Their horses number nearly two thousand head. They have horse races, games and ceremonial dances. Mr. and Mrs. Budd sell their interest in the first ranch to Hugh McKay and in 1885 take up, as a homestead, the present site of Big Piney. On the bank of the North Piney Creek, they build the characteristic home of the pioneer, a log cabin with a sod roof. A government post office is established in one room of the cabin to meet the needs of the rapidly growing community.
Mail is brought in from Opal once a week.
In the same year more logs are hauled from the mountains and a general store is erected. The post office becomes a part of the store of Budd and Sons. Across the road is built the blacksmith shop. Many pioneers traveling the Lander Trail are grateful for the use of the forge and anvil in mending their wagons and shoeing their horses. Log corrals and barns below the store complete the ranch.