Lenoir

Bear River Valley

Lenoir was taken with the Bear River, with the oxen and cows grazing idyllicly between the mountains. It seemed like a proper place to farm. In the distance stands of fir trees nodded dark bows against the sky.

Near this lovely location they found a tole bridge. $1.00 per wagon and half that for a rider on horseback, half that for someone walking. Babies being carried were generously counted with their mother or guardian. Small children were tossed into the backs of wagons and counted as cargo.

Livestock was swam over, though it was a slimy muddy mess on the steep banks in and out of the water. One of their men chose this moment to sell his lame old ox. He didn't have time to process it and the animal was slowing him down more every crossing.

In the forenoon the trail through the mountains became a mucky mess of slippery ruts. Light showers sprinkled at intervals throughout the morning.

Nooning was a quick meal of cold meats and leftover breakfasts. While they slowed, they kept moving.

They found a camp with good grass for their hungry beasts and a cold, good tasting stream for water further along the Bear River Valley.

The next evening they had dinner at Soda Springs. A true marvel of creation.

The women used the hot water to clean the mud and dust from their well worn wardrobes. And reported that bread made with the water was as fluffy as bread made with yeast. People said the water tasted like artificially prepared soda water. But some of the young children seemed to get sick from drinking too much.