Lovers there were, to whom the journey was tinged with rainbow hues of joy and happiness, and strong, manly hearts whose constant support and encouragement was the memory of dear ones left behind in homeland.
"The wonderment which all experience in viewing the scenery along the line of the old emigrant road was peculiarly vivid to these people.
Few descriptions had been given of the route, and all was novel and unexpected.

In later years the road was broadly and deeply marked, and good camping grounds were distinctly indicated.

The bleaching bones of cattle that had perished, or the broken fragments of wagons or castaway articles, were thickly strewn on either side of the highway.

But in 1846 the way was through almost trackless valleys waving with grass, along rivers where few paths were visible, save those made by the feet of buffalo and antelope, and over mountains and plains where little more than the westward course of the sun guided the travelers.

Trading-posts were stationed at only a few widely distant points, and rarely did the party meet with any human beings, save wandering bands of Indians.