"clear & cool [ ] traveled 11 miles to a small spring where we baited [ ] then went on 8 1/4 to a swift running stream called Alapier [ ] as large as Big Timber Creek where we camped"
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The 'running stream' he mentioned as Alapiere was actually called La Prele Creek in Wyoming which has a natural bridge.
They found out today from passing traders there was a boat that they left at the Platte River up ahead a few miles who told the pioneers that they could have it. Probably great news for them. They were concerned that the Missourians would get there first so nineteen wagons and 49 men were sent ahead to secure the boat.
From Norton Jacob:
"Wednesday 9 th Started at Sunrise & moved down the creek a mile to get feed. A company of five traders passed us with 12 pack Horses going to the mountains [ ] the party coming down met a Bull Boat of Buffalo Hides up at the crossing of the Platt [ ] the President started 19 Waggons this morning to go ahead & take possession of the Boat before the Emigrants got there [ ] we followed on 4¼ miles & halted for dinner [ ] passed a creek where there is abundance of red ocher in the Banks & Hills [ ] afternoon made 8 miles & camped on La Piere Creek [ ] about the same size as those described yesterday [ ]this creek has cut its way through a high mountain & for ten rods a rock arch [ ]we passed the Arkansaw Traders on the red Earth Creek & they passed us this evening [ ] this country is covered with the wild Sage on the up Lands & Hills & destitute of Timber except on the Streams. Our Boys Killed a Bird that the Traders call a Sage Cock [ ] it lives on the Sage & is a species of Grouse [ ] three of our boys brought in a Deer & an Antelope about 11 oclock at night. My Ten on guard the second watch."
