Tuesday, 20th. Traveled about 18 miles in a circuitous direction, first west and then south. Country was extremely dry and dusty — no game seen but a few antelope — encamped on Big Sandy, having come about 18 miles.

Or, as Jimmy John wrote: “Traveled hard all day and did not get more than eight miles in a straight line.”

I don’t know why they were wandering around like that. Maybe looking for grass, maybe for game. Grass was scarce and the oxen, mules, and horses couldn’t get far without it.