Miriam, Nevada
TO me this is most most poignant spot on the emigrant trail. The emigrants had been travelling for months. They had crossed treacherous rivers, skirting Indian encounters, crossed the Rocky Mountains, and survived the Great Salt Lake. They were tired. Anyone who was old enough had learned to walk - riding was not an option. The cattle were exhausted and undernourished.They had already lightened their load significantly of prized family possessions.
With all of that behind them, it was at this spot they would have to make a most difficult choice. Which trail would they follow over the 40 Mile Desert: The Carson Trail or the Truckee Trail. Either way, these hardy souls were about to face the most treacherous part of their journey. Which way to go? There was no right answer - only 40 miles with no water, temperatures in the 100's, and untold hardships ahead!
With all of that behind them, it was at this spot they would have to make a most difficult choice. Which trail would they follow over the 40 Mile Desert: The Carson Trail or the Truckee Trail. Either way, these hardy souls were about to face the most treacherous part of their journey. Which way to go? There was no right answer - only 40 miles with no water, temperatures in the 100's, and untold hardships ahead!