Thursday, 8th. This morning we came in sight of Wind River mountains; their snow-enveloped summits were dimly seen through the misty clouds that obscured the western horizon. Made about 15 miles today and encamped on the Sweet Water in full view of thousands of buffalo; 20 were killed. We now began to lay in meat to last us over the mountains to California.

It’s a good idea to begin drying meat but they have left it too late. Whatever meat they try to preserve now will be gone long before they reach California.

Bidwell noted later that, “It was the first time I had seen snow in summer; some of the peaks were very precipitous, and the view was altogether most impressive.” (“The First Emigrant Train”, in Echoes of the Past.)