Sunday, July 30.
We came fifteen miles to-day, but have not overtaken the California
train. It must be that Neelie is no worse, and their traveling
yesterday did her no harm, or they would have waited over to-day; we
shall hope so anyway.
Dr. Howard rode with me this morning. We are traveling on Bitter Creek,
which is considered the very worst part of all the road. I had heard
so much about the desolateness of this part of the country that I
expected to find a barren waste. It is not so bad as represented. There
are long distances where there is not sufficient pasture for the stock,
but in places the feed is plentiful. The captain and two or three men
are off the road the greater part of the day hunting pasture; we stop
when they find it at whatever hour it may be.
* * * * *
Monday, July 31.
We came twelve miles, passed one station; it was built of stone and
seemed a very comfortable place. Mrs. Hardinbrooke has been quite sick
to-day. I have taken care of little Annie. We have not had any word
from Neelie. I trust that no news means good news. Sim was able to sit
up in the wagon for a while this afternoon. I think with care he will
be well in a few days. We have had delightful weather, since we passed
the summit. The roads are quite dusty, but not like they were before we
came to Barrel Springs. The water in Bitter Creek is not so nice as
the mountain streams and springs, but it is not bitter, as I thought it
would be from its name.
* * * * *
Tuesday, August 1.
We are at Point of Rocks, the place is rightly named; one who never saw
them could hardly imagine such enormous piles of rock; they are high
as mountains, with scarcely any dirt among them, the sides are smooth
and even, the stone is soft like slate or sandstone, and the whole face
of the enormous pile, as high as man can reach, is literally covered
with names, dates, and places of former residence from all over the
United States. I looked in vain for some familiar name. I left my name
in a conspicuous place, so if any of my friends look for my name they
will not be disappointed. There are springs flowing from the clefts in
the rock; and oh, with what pleasurable anticipation did I hasten to
partake of the pure water, as I, of course, supposed it was.
I had been riding with the captain as he came ahead to find a camping
place when the train came. I rode to our wagon, got a cup and crossed
Bitter Creek to get a drink of nice, cold spring water. I took one
swallow. Oh, oh, oh; the horrid stuff. I was glad there was no one
with me to see the face I made. I think I never swallowed a more
disagreeable dose. It was the strongest sulphur-water I ever tasted.
In my haste and eagerness I did not notice that the atmosphere was
impregnated with sulphur, and the sulphur formations around the
springs, because they were covered with dust.
The wind is blowing as cold as Greenland. I expect we will have to
go to bed to keep from freezing. Mrs. Hardinbrooke is no better; her
symptoms are the same as Sim’s and Neelie’s were at first, and we fear
she is taking the fever. Dr. Fletcher thinks Neelie must be better, or
we would have heard, as Mr. Kerfoot said he would send back for him if
she got any worse.