Ugly late afternoon light at the top of California Hill furnishes a reality check. This is probably close to what the pioneers experienced, except for constant dust from lead wagons.

The "easy" third of the journey is nearly over. The adventure has become a routine...soon to become an ordeal.

The oxen-made escarpments are 6 feet (2 m) high and the ruts are still being used by other bovines. This is an active grazing and feeding area.