4th July 1850

It is Independence Day and we have decided to camp for the night at Independence Rock. We celebrate Independence Day by climbing Independence Rock.

Jake and I follow the tradition and carve our names on the rock.

At night the woman prepare a special meal of roast buffalo served with gravy and johnnycakes and muffins. There is singing and dancing and we all gather round the fire to listen to the stories of Captain Wayne's travels. Everyone is tired but happy, what a way to celebrate the 4th of July.

6th July 1850

Half way on our journey we reach a valley in the Rockies, it is 20 miles wide and called the South Pass.

8th July 1850

At 4 am the night watch fire their guns to let everyone know its daybreak. Mother is very worried, we have been awake all night. Little Billy has a fever and has been sick. She is worried that Billy might have measles or cholera. Mother gives him some camphor but he is still sick