Missouri River, first view of Rocky Mountains — Patrick Gass: May 30, 1805
The party started late and made slow progress against rain that fell throughout the day, covering only eight miles before camping early on the north bank in a small cottonwood bottom. The hills returned close to the river, lower than before, with striking colors—some as black as coal, others as white as chalk—and bare of pines. Numerous fresh Indian tracks and signs were visible along the route, suggesting recent activity in the area.
We did not set out till late in the day. The hills came in
close on the river again, but are not so high. Some of them
are as black as coal and some white as chalk. We see a great
many fresh Indian tracks or signs as we pass along. It rained
a little all day; we went on slow and encamped early on the
North side, in a small bottom with some cotton wood, having
proceeded on eight miles. There are no pines to be seen on
the hills.
Read this entry in modern English AI-translated
We did not set out until late in the day. The hills came in close on the river again, but they are not so high. Some of them are as black as coal and some as white as chalk. We see a great many fresh Indian tracks or signs as we pass along. It rained a little all day; we went on slowly and camped early on the north side, in a small bottom with some cottonwood, having traveled eight miles. There are no pines to be seen on the hills.
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