I think after we crossed the Platte to the south side, we traveled along the Union Pacific route.  The only sign of civilization was the construction train which came past every day.  The stage was established with stations along the way, where bachelors lived alone.  While we were traveling along the road as level as a floor, lambsquarter grew thick.  Lots of persons gathered quantities of it and had greens for supper every evening.  Baxter saw a stalk of wheat growing wild.  It was headed.  He said he thought we were traveling over some fine wheat land; if it would grow as fine wheat as that wild, it would certainly raise fine crops when cultivated.

     The first thing of interest was Pike's Peak.  I thought it the most beautiful sight I ever saw, and mountains have thrilled me ever since.  Not long after we came in sight of it, we came to the road which turned to Colorado.  I think fifteen wagons left our train there.  All through Nebraska wood was scarce.  Father always began in the morning to pick up everything in the shape of wood if only a chip until he had enough to cook our two meals.  We had a small emigrant stove of sheet iron that was a great convenience.