"finished crossing and took breakfast on the south side of the Platt [ ] took a walk to the Fort and then resumed our journey [ ] We were joined here by three families of the Brethern that had come from Pueblo where they had wintered [ ] distance traveled 8 1/2 miles [ ] had a light shower in the evening"
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They are now nearing Guernsey, Wyoming. It was this area that was rough traveling. It is also this area where there are still very deep wagon ruts from all the overland emigrants spreading out about 20 years. At least until 1869 when the railroad came in. This is also the place called Register Cliff. Emigrants carved their names into the white rock.
After leaving Fort Laramie they came to a very steep hill and had much trouble descending it. They had to attach ropes to the back of the wagons to hold them in place while going down. Eventually it became known as Mexican Hill. Origin of the name is unknown.
The Mississippi Saints joined them here for the trek into Utah increasing their population by 17 people and their livestock to about 300 head ... cattle and horses. The number of people in this trek is now 161. Traders talked to the pioneers about the Bear River Valley in Idaho and tried to convince him that it was a very desirable land with timber, water, fish, grasses and very calm winters. It was of no use. They knew where they were going, and the Bear River Valley wasn't that place.
