They were definitely on the downside of the journey over the mountains. Although the travel was treacherous, almost everyone welcomed the daily changes in altitude, which brought warmth and a sense of progress.
Another week saw them arrive at Fort Bridger. This was not a military post, but rather a privately owned supply depot. Garrett told Sam many immigrants hoped Fort Bridger would be a civilized outpost, perhaps something similar to Fort Laramie. Instead, Sam saw Fort Bridger was a crude collection of rough-hewn log buildings. This greatly disappointed him and the other pilgrims. They spent only one night at the fort, giving those who needed it the opportunity to purchase supplies. It was clear to Sam that Garrett had no great affection for Jim Bridger, the fort’s founder. He had a se
