February 28, 1855 Here begins the journal of Josh Harrison, formerly a pharmacist. Tomorrow we leave Independence behind to begin our journey west to Sacramento. We must still purchase the supplies that our large farmwagon will hold to sustain us during our long trek. I hope that the following skills will prove of some use along the trail: medical, carpentry, farming/animals, botany, cooking.

My old friend, Glenn McLaird, wrote to me and my wife, Julia, telling us about Sacramento. Hearing about his journey nearly scared us to death, but when we heard about Sacramento's lush hills and flowing rivers, not to mention the gold, we decided to go. Well, after we got on that steamboat, I knew that there was no turning back now. We arrived in Independence day before yesterday after a 2 week journey on a steamboat. Tomorrow we set out for our new life. I hope we avoid the early winter snows and drowning in fast rivers.

March 1, 1855 Took advantage of the package deal offered to me. What a relief not to have to shop for all that individually! Purchased 20 boxes of 20 bullets, 2 25-lb. kegs of gunpowder. Purchased 10 oxen. Purchased 20 blankets, 8 canteens, 5 fishing nets, 5 fishing poles, 3 fishing spears, 6 lanterns, 30 16-oz. tins of lantern oil, 12 water kegs. Purchased 12 chickens. We will press on until we are exhausted each day. Went gathering. We found edible Ground Cherry berries, edible Burdock roots, edible Sunflower seeds and edible Blackberries. Today came to Blue River. The ice looks like it will hold the wagon... So across we go. Our train lost 9 wagons and 17 people crossing the river today. The good people of the wagon train hired me as their trail guide. Our wagon fell through the ice. We lost 60 pounds of bacon; 1 box of 20 bullets; 5 pounds of cheese; 7 pounds of coffee beans; 3 10-lb. sacks of cornmeal; and various other items. Sam Ingram has internal injuries. We plan to make patient comfortable. Had a pleasant talk with Miss Whitney today in the vicinity of Westport.

March 16, 1855 Another step on the trail; today we reached New Santa Fe.

March 17, 1855 Enjoyed some good fiddle music today during our nooning near Lone Elm.

March 18, 1855 Sam Ingram has a sprain. I decided it is best to immobilize affected joint. Today came to Blue Mound. The wagon train reached Lawrence this day.

March 19, 1855 Passed Topeka today.

March 20, 1855 Reached Kansas River about noon--about time! Caulk the wagon and float it across, that is the way to go. We saw a small party of coyotes today, just a mile or so west of Saint MaryÕs Mission.

March 21, 1855 Today we have traveled 100 miles. After some concern that we were lost, we saw Red Vermillion River in the distance. Decided to ford the river. Got a late start; passed Scott Spring.

March 23, 1855 Stopped at noon near Alcove Spring and rested from our morningÕs labors. Traveled past Big Blue River this afternoon. Decided to caulk the wagon and float it across. Misplaced my guidebook at St. Joseph Road Junction today. Luckily we found it before leaving.

March 26, 1855 The weather turned very cold, and I decided to continue as usual. Arrived at The Narrows, despite some ÒhelpÓ from Nicholas J. Tillman.

March 27, 1855 The weather turned very cold, and I decided to continue as usual. It is mighty cold today. WeÕre going to continue as usual.

March 28, 1855

April 1, 1855 We lost a chicken today.

April 4, 1855 Travis I. has a bad cold. We're going to rest here awhile. As expected, we made it to ÒThe Coast of NebraskaÓ today.

April 5, 1855 Played cards with Mr. Tillman today while nooning near Fort Kearny. I suspect he cheats.

April 6, 1855 Arrived at Plum Creek, despite some ÒhelpÓ from Nicholas J. Tillman.

April 10, 1855 Our expectations of reaching OÕFallonÕs Bluffs were fulfilled this day.

April 11, 1855 Sam Ingram has a sprain. I decided it is best to immobilize affected joint.

April 13, 1855 Sore feet today, but I'll manage. Saw South Platte River. The ice looks like it will hold the wagon... So across we go.

April 14, 1855 Today we have traveled 500 miles. We were treated to a remarkably beautiful sunset near Ash Hollow.

April 16, 1855 The weather turned very cold, and I decided to continue as usual. Traveled past Courthouse and Jail Rocks this afternoon.

April 17, 1855 Passed Chimney Rock about noon. Our expectations of reaching Scotts Bluff were fulfilled this day. Mr. Lumare figured we would reach Mitchell Pass today, and he was right.

April 20, 1855 Today our labors were rewarded with the sight of Laramie River. Decided to caulk the wagon and float it across. Reached Fort Laramie. Encamped a while near Register Cliff.

April 22, 1855 Felt somewhat weary today. Passed Ayers Natural Bridge.

April 24, 1855 Reached North Platte River. Decided to ford the river. Reached Mormon Ferry Trading Post about noon--about time! Reached Emigrant Gap.

April 25, 1855 The trail brought us to Willow Springs today.

April 26, 1855 Today we reached Independence Rock. Saw a mountain lion not far from DevilÕs Gate.

April 27, 1855 We got caught in a blizzard. I reckon we'll continue as usual. Today our labors were rewarded with the sight of Split Rock.

April 28, 1855 We were treated to a remarkably beautiful sunset near Three Crossings. Found ourselves at Sweetwater River this day. Got a nasty splinter in my thumb, but extracted it without too much difficulty. Not much else to do, but cross our fingers, and hope the ice holds.

April 29, 1855 The weather turned very cold, and I decided to continue as usual. Encamped a while near Ice Spring Slough.

May 1, 1855 Our wagon tipped over. We lost 60 pounds of bacon; 4 boxes of 20 bullets; 1 pound of cheese; 4 pounds of coffee beans; 1 coffee mill; and various other items.

May 2, 1855 Saw a mountain lion not far from Lander Trading Post. Felt somewhat weary today. Passed Final Sweetwater River Crossing. Fording the river looks to be our best option.

May 3, 1855 Had a bit of a run-in with another wagon party today near South Pass, but we patched up our differences before nightfall. Mr. Lumare figured we would reach Pacific Springs today, and he was right. Today we saw Dry Sandy. What a sight! Passed ÒParting of the WaysÓ about noon.

May 4, 1855 Another step on the trail; today we reached Haystack Butte.

May 6, 1855 One of our wagon axles broke, and I decided to try to repair it. We were unable to make the repair. We were able to replace it from supplies. We rested a while not far from Green River. Caulk the wagon and float it across, that is the way to go.

May 7, 1855 Terrible fog during the early part of the day. We chose to continue as usual.

May 8, 1855 Today we have traveled 1,000 miles! Had a bit of a run-in with another wagon party today near Branley Pass, but we patched up our differences before nightfall. Arrived at Emigrant Spring.

May 9, 1855 Had a pleasant talk with Miss Whitney today in the vicinity of West End of the Sublette Cutoff. Today we saw Thomas Fork. How sublime it appears by moonlight.

May 10, 1855 It was extremely foggy early today. We figured it was best to continue as usual. Passed SmithÕs Trading Post Site about noon.

May 11, 1855 We lost a chicken today.

May 12, 1855 Much grumbling today about Nick Tillman near Soda Springs.

May 13, 1855 Reached another prominent landmark today: Hudspeth Cutoff at Sheep Rock.

May 14, 1855 Tom Felton has been bitten by a snake. I'm going to use tourniquet/suction method. There was a wedding in camp today not far from Buckskin Mountain. A joyous occasion in the wilderness!

May 15, 1855 Nooned at Marsh Creek.

May 16, 1855 The fog is as thick as pea soup. I reckon we'll continue as usual. Much grumbling today about Nick Tillman near Little Malad Spring.

May 19, 1855 The fog was awful this morning. We decided to continue as usual.

May 20, 1855 Reached another prominent landmark today: Raft River.

May 23, 1855 Fording the river looks to be our best option. Rested the animals near West End of the Hudspeth Cutoff.

May 24, 1855 Passed some time near City of Rocks. Made our way past Salt Lake Cutoff Junction late today. Trail could be better.

May 29, 1855 Every day our journey comes closer to its end. Today we made it to Hot Spring Valley.

May 30, 1855 This morning it was very foggy. We decided to continue as usual.

June 1, 1855 A thick fog rolled in today. Looks like we'll continue as usual.

June 4, 1855 Sam Ingram has a concussion. We're going to rest here awhile.

June 7, 1855 Terrible fog during the early part of the day. We chose to continue as usual. Passed some time near North Fork of the Humboldt River. Decided to ford the river.

June 9, 1855 We have been traveling for 100 days, today. Today we saw Emigrant Pass. How sublime it appears by moonlight.

June 11, 1855 Today we passed Gravelly Ford of the Humboldt River. Decided to ford the river.

June 16, 1855 Passed French Ford Trading Post today.

June 17, 1855 It was extremely foggy early today. We figured it was best to continue as usual.

June 19, 1855 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual. Heard news of a murder and hanging last night near LassenÕs Meadows. Enough to send shivers down oneÕs spine.

June 20, 1855 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual.

June 21, 1855 The eternal dust of the wagons ahead of us is most troublesome. We will continue as usual. Made an early start this morning; passed Big Meadows.

June 22, 1855 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual. Today we saw Humboldt Sink. What a sight! Went gathering. We found edible Prickly Pear pads and edible Yucca flowers and pods. Went gathering. We found edible Prickly Pear pads, edible Sego Lily bulbs and edible Black Mustard greens. We stopped along the trail to fish. We obtained 23 pounds of fish. Traded 34 dollars for 5 blankets. Went gathering. We found edible Wild Onion bulbs and edible Wavy-Leafed Thistle stems and flowers. Went gathering. We found edible Wavy-Leafed Thistle stems and flowers, edible Black Mustard greens and edible Burdock roots. Traded 8 10-lb. sacks of sugar for 7 blankets. Traded 49 dollars for 1 rifle. We stopped along the trail to hunt. We obtained 6 pounds of meat.

June 24, 1855 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual.

June 25, 1855 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual.

June 26, 1855 The eternal dust of the wagons ahead of us is most troublesome. We will continue as usual.

June 27, 1855 We're nearly choking on the dust of the trail. We've decided to continue as usual. A sudden duststorm came up today. It seemed best to continue as usual.

June 28, 1855 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual. We endured a most unpleasant sandstorm today. We decided to continue as usual.

June 29, 1855 The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual.

June 30, 1855 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual. After much travail, we came to Ragtown.

July 6, 1855 The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual.

July 7, 1855 The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual.

July 8, 1855 The eternal dust of the wagons ahead of us is most troublesome. We will continue as usual.

July 9, 1855 The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual. Had a pleasant talk with Miss Whitney today in the vicinity of Eagle Ranch Trading Post.

July 10, 1855 We're nearly choking on the dust of the trail. We've decided to continue as usual. Came to Mormon Station. Had a talk with some of the other folks in the wagon train.

July 11, 1855 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual. Encamped a while near Sierra Nevadas.

July 12, 1855 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual.

July 16, 1855 Our path was blocked by fallen rocks on the trail. We decided to wait for conditions to improve.

July 17, 1855 Our path was blocked by fallen rocks on the trail. We decided to wait for conditions to improve.

July 18, 1855 Our path was blocked by fallen rocks on the trail. We decided to wait for conditions to improve.

July 19, 1855 Our path was blocked by fallen rocks on the trail. We decided to wait for conditions to improve.

July 20, 1855 Our path was blocked by fallen rocks on the trail. We decided to wait for conditions to improve.

July 21, 1855 We came upon some fallen rocks on the trail and decided to wait for conditions to improve.

July 22, 1855 Our path was blocked by fallen rocks on the trail. We decided to wait for conditions to improve.

July 23, 1855 We came upon some fallen rocks on the trail and decided to wait for conditions to improve.

July 24, 1855 Our path was blocked by fallen rocks on the trail. We decided to wait for conditions to improve.

July 25, 1855 We came upon some fallen rocks on the trail and decided to wait for conditions to improve.

July 26, 1855 We came upon some fallen rocks on the trail and decided to wait for conditions to improve.

July 27, 1855 We came upon some fallen rocks on the trail and decided to wait for conditions to improve.

July 29, 1855 Went gathering. We found edible Prickly Lettuce leaves, edible Wavy-Leafed Thistle stems and flowers, edible Elderberries and edible Blackberries. Went gathering. We found edible Burdock roots, edible Sunflower seeds, edible Stinging Nettle leaves (cook them first!) and edible Thistle stems and flowers. We stopped along the trail to hunt. We obtained 29 pounds of meat.

July 30, 1855 A wild animal bit I. It seemed best to clean and dress the wound.

July 31, 1855 A chicken died today.

August 13, 1855 Went gathering. We found edible Raspberries and edible Dandelion leaves and roots. Went gathering. We found edible Blue-bead Clintonia berries, edible Black Raspberries, edible Dandelion leaves and roots and edible Stinging Nettle leaves (cook them first!). Went gathering. We found edible Blue-bead Clintonia berries, edible Chickory leaves and roots and edible Plantain leaves. Went gathering. We found edible Sumac berries, edible Stinging Nettle leaves (cook them first!) and edible Milkweed shoots. Went gathering. We found edible Currants and edible Chickory leaves and roots. Went gathering. We found edible Serviceberries, edible Stinging Nettle leaves (cook them first!), edible Blue-bead Clintonia berries and edible Fireweed shoots. Went gathering. We found edible Black Mustard greens and edible Violet leaves. Went gathering. We found edible Elderberries, edible Dandelion leaves and roots and edible Lamb's Quarters leaves. Went gathering. We found edible Black Raspberries, edible Serviceberries and edible Black Mustard greens. Traded 4 sets of clothing for 27 5-lb. sacks of dried fruit. Traded 3 sets of clothing for 45 10-lb. sacks of dried beans. Traded 5 sets of clothing for 40 20-lb. sacks of potatoes.

August 14, 1855 Reached another prominent landmark today: Carson Pass.

August 15, 1855 We spotted a group of strangers and decided it would be best to wait to see what they do. They moved on.

August 18, 1855 Mr. Lumare figured we would reach Placerville today, and he was right. Purchased 65 pounds of bacon, 5 pounds of celery, 10 10-lb. sacks of cornmeal, 50 10-lb. sacks of dried beans, 50 pounds of ham, 5 5-lb. slabs of lard, 50 pounds of pemmican, 1 25-lb. keg of pickles, 17 3-lb. boxes of saleratus, 75 pounds of salt pork, 6 30-lb. kegs of vinegar. Purchased 2 pounds of bacon, 7 5-lb. sacks of garlic, 4 pounds of pemmican, 1 pound of salt pork.

August 28, 1855 Broke a wagon axle today. We will have to try to repair it. We were successful. There was a wedding in camp today not far from SutterÕs Fort Site. A joyous occasion in the wilderness!

We have at last made it. Glenn, his wife, and his twin sons Devon and Aaron greeted us when we arrived at Sutter's Fort Site. Keith Gould, another old friend, married Amber Zbink about an hour after we arrived. We made it here just in time for the wedding! It was so good to see all my old friends who I feared I may have never seen again after they left for this place. And now, here we are! I and Julia are so pleased! We have already made plans to build our home next door to Tess & Nick Faull and their four children: Jacilia, Mitchell, Riveria, and Christopher. One more thing...I am to be a father in November. I am so thrilled, for that will make this place seem like home more than anything else.