Accordingly, they made their preparations for the terrible venture.
The snow was so deep that it was impossible to get forward without the aid of snowshoes.

Devoting themselves to the manufacture of these indispensable articles, a few were sent ahead to learn how far it was necessary to break a path for the animals.

After a laborious passage, it was found that nine miles would have to be prepared in that fashion.
Carson was with this advance and when they halted, he saw in the distance the green Sacramento Valley.

Although nearly twenty years had passed since he visited that section, he recognized it at once.

Away beyond towered the white peaks of the Coast Range.