The great trail had a branch near here that turned north, and went up a ravine that would seem to reach the snow in a little while.

This was believed to be impassable at this time of year.

This route is known as Walker's Pass, leading over a comparatively low ridge, and coming out the south fork of the Kern River.
We made our camp here because it was as long a march as the women could make, and, for a dry one, was as good a location as we could find.

The cool breeze came down from the snow to the north of us, not so very many miles away, and after a little it became uncomfortably cold.

We gathered greasewood bushes and piled them up to make a wind-break for our heads.
The oxen, even, would come and stand around the fire, seeming greatly to enjoy the warm smoke, which came from burning the greasewood brush, which by the way, burns about the best of any green wood.