"The “Washoe Zephyr” (Washoe is a pet nickname for Nevada) is a peculiar Scriptural wind, in that no man knoweth “whence it cometh.” That is to say, where it originates. It comes right over the mountains from the West, but when one crosses the ridge he does not find any of it on the other side!
"Originally, Nevada was a part of Utah and was called Carson county; and a pretty large county it was, too. Certain of its valleys produced no end of hay, and this attracted small colonies of Mormon stock-raisers and farmers to them. A few orthodox Americans straggled in from California, but no love was lost between the two classes of colonists. There was little or no friendly intercourse; each party staid to itself. The Mormons were largely in the majority, and had the additional advantage of being peculiarly under the protection of the Mormon government of the Territory.
Ford Bauchmin's Creek 13 times in 8 miles. After 2 miles along a small water-course ascend Big Mountain , whence first view of Great Salt Lake City, 12 miles distant. After 14 miles, Big Kanyon Creek . Six miles farther the road leaves Big Kanyon Creek, and after a steep ascent and descent makes Emigration Creek. Cross Little Mountain , 2 miles beyond Big Mountain ; road rough and dangerous. Five miles from Emigration Kanyon to Great Salt Lake City. Road through " Big Field" 6 miles square................. 29 miles 7 am to 7:15 pm Aug. 28, 1860
Road runs down the Valley of the Weber. Ford the river. After 54 miles is a salt spring,where the road leaves the river to avoid a deep kanyon , and turns to the left into a valley with rough paths, trying to wheels. Then crosses a mountain , and, ascending a long hill,descends to Bauchmin 's Creek , tributary to Weber River. Creek 18 feet wide, swift, pebbly bed , good ford ; grass and fuel abundant. The station is called Carson 's House ; accommodations of the worst.......
22 miles 4:30 pm to 7:45 pm Aug.24, 1860
Road runs by Needle Rocks ; falls into the Valley of Egan's Creek . “ Cache Cave" on the right hand. Three miles below the Cave is Red Fork in Echo Kanyon ; unfinished station at the entrance. Rough road ; steep ascents and descents along Red Creek Station on Weber River, which falls into Salt Lake south of Bear River........... 36 miles 8:15 am to 2:30 pm . Aug. 24, 1860
Rough country. The road winds along the ridge to Quaking-Asp Hill, 7900 (8400 ?) feet above sea level. Steep descent; rough and broken ground. After 18 miles, Sulphur Creek Valley ; stagnant stream , flowing after rain ; ford bad and muddy. Station in the fertile valley of Bear River, which turns northward and flows into the east side of the lake; wood, grass, and water. Poor accommodations at Bear River Station .................... 20 miles 12 noon to 5:30 pm Aug. 23, 1860
Road runs up the valley of Black 's Fork . After 12 miles, Fort Bridger, in N . lat.41°18 ' 12'', and W. long. 110° 32' 23'', on Black 's Fork of Green River. Commands Indian trade, fuel, corn ; little grass. Post - office, sutler's store, grocery, and other conveniences. Thence rough and rolling ground to Muddy Creek Hill ; steep and stony descent.Over a fertile bottom to Big Muddy Little Muddy Creek which empties into Black 's Fork below Fort Bridger . At Muddy Creek Station there is a Canadian, provisions, excellent milk ; no stores.A .M . P.M . 25 8 30 , 12 15 Aug. 23
Ford Ham 's Fork . After 12 miles the road forks at the 2d striking of Ham 's Fork , both branches leading to Fort Bridger. Mail takes the left hand path. Then Black 's Fork, 20 x 2 , clear and pretty valley, with grass and fuel, cotton-wood and yellow currants. Cross the stream 3 times. After 12 miles, “ Church Butte.” Ford Smith 's Fork, 30 feet wide and shallow , a tributary of Black 's Fork Station at Millersville on Smith 's Fork ; large store and good accommodation ..... 20 miles 2 pm to 5:15 pm Aug.29, 1860
Diagonal ford over Green River ; a good camping ground in bottom . Follow the valley for 4 miles; grass and fuel. Michel Martin 's store and grocery . The road leaves the river and crosses a waterless divide to Black 's Fork, 100 x 2 ; grass. and fuel. Wretched station at Ham 's Fork ..... 24 miles 8 am to 12 noon Aug. 22, 1860
Desolate road cuts off the bend of the river ; no grass nor water. After 12 miles, “ Simpson 's Hollow ." Fall into the Valley of Green River, half a mile wide, water 110 yards broad . After 20 1/2 miles, Upper Ford ; Lower Ford 7 miles below Upper. Good camping-ground on bottom ; at the station in Green River, grocery, stores, and ferry-boat when there is high water.................. 32 miles 1:45 pm to 6:30 pm Aug.21, 1860