Colorado

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1867 edition. Excerpt: ... XIII. THE UTE PASS, MIDDLE PARK. Breckenridge, Blue River, July 2,1866. We arose from our moist couch on the banks of Grand River, to find the stream still rising, and a thick mist, foreboding rain, spread over the face of the earth. Mr. Byers's friend, Dr. Wharton, who was encamped at the Springs, came down to the opposite bank, and some notes, tied to stones, were exchanged. I received in this way a pink malva, which made the airy journey without damage. Our further route gave rise to a serious consultation. In three days more I had appointed to be in Breckenridge, at the head of Blue River, about seventy-five miles from- the Springs. There was no probability that we could ford the Blue, in the present swollen condition of all the mountain streams, and the regular trail lay beyond that river. We were aware, indeed, that the Ute Indians made use of another trail on this side, striking directly across the Middle Park (the diameter of which is nearly a hundred miles), but none of our party had ever traversed it, or knew anything about it beyond the rumor that it was exceedingly difficult and dangerous. Yet there was no alternative -- we were limited to the choice of this unknown route. It was a matter of great regret that we had failed in reaching the Hot Springs, and I proposed to start for Breckenridge in company with White, leaving the rest of the party to cross the Grand at the upper ford if they preferred. They decided, however, that we should keep together, and we made immediate preparations for departure. We first retraced our trail for two miles or more, then, turning westward, crossed a high ridge wooded with aspen, and descended toward the Grand over aromatic slopes of sage-bush. The mist rolled into clouds and hid all the...