It was necessary to ford the river at this place, and it was a hazardous undertaking as the river was one mile in width at the ford… It took all of one day and a part of another to take the entire train across the river. When a team started across they were not allowed to stop an instant for fear that both team and wagon would be drawn down into the treacherous quicksand.

-William McCormick

SHOSHONE WARRIOR

Ten days later, as you approach Colorado, a spring snow squall sets in. It snows for six straight days, the high plains all around you blanketed in snow. Talk turns serious, and your friends from Brooklyn bring up the Donner Party.

“Don’t speak of the Donners,” you say, but suddenly everyone’s attention shifts to the right of the wagon train.

As if in a dream, a line of charging horses emerges from the snow, each topped by a barechested Shoshone. A few of the warriors appear to be carrying muskets. They ride alongside your caravan, their horses kicking up snow behind them.  Your eyes lock with one of the Shoshone, and you look away. Suddenly, the horses peel off and disappear into the thick snow without explanation.

FORDING A RIVER UNDER IDEAL CIRCUMSTANCES

As you push into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the air grows thinner.

The driver calls from his post to brace yourself — you’re about to ford the Arkansas River, wading across it at a low point.

The wagon train attempts to ford the Arkansas River in Colorado, and your schooner lists heavily to the right as soon as it touches the water.

You are inches from capsizing. Passengers scream and scramble, the wagon pitching below.

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