"the weather fine [ ] traveled 16 1/2 miles this day [ ] I shot a badger"
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The pioneers are now entering Wyoming. They are following present day Highway 26 which used to be a prehistoric Indian trail and near what will later be Torrington, Wyoming. They are also following an old trail that is headed directly to Fort Laramie.
Norton Jacob entry for today:
"Monday 31st [ ] A white frost this morning but a fair & pleasant day wind West [ ] Traveled 9½ miles before noon & halted [ ] Br John Higby Killed a Deer & Charles Harper a Badger. There is manny Rabbits or Hares along this Valley of a large size [ ] Afternoon made 7 miles over a sandy road & camped on a creek of muddy water 12 feet wide that well may be called sand creek for it is the character of the whole country around with scattering bunches of grass [ ] my Horses have got verry poor, while cows that were poor when we started are thriving [ ] they are decidedly the best Team for this Journey. Mules stand it well [ ] I was on guard until 12" map. (Torrington)
They have discovered Prickly Pear cactus and found them ... as Wilford Woodruff stated..."delicious and pleasant to eat, although a little tart."
