When we were leaving Yosemite an ambitious young man begged leave to join us.

I strongly advised him not to attempt such a long, hard trip, for it would undoubtedly prove very trying to an inexperienced climber.

He assured us, however, that he was equal to anything, would gladly meet every difficulty as it came, and cause us no hindrance or trouble of any sort.

So at last, after repeating our advice that he give up the trip, we consented to his joining us.

We entered the canyon by way of Hetch Hetchy Valley, each carrying his own provisions, and making his own tea, porridge, bed, etc.
In the morning of the second day out from Hetch Hetchy we came to what is now known as "Muir Gorge," and Mr.Clark without hesitation prepared to force a way through it, wading and jumping from one submerged boulder to another through the torrent, bracing and steadying himself with a long pole.