MR No. 1467—Camping and Traveling in the Colorado Mountains
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Walling's Mills, [Colorado], Monday, September 1, 1873—We visited the berry patch. Could gather but six quarts. The rain drove us home. It was raining nearly all day. Willie and myself rode to Black Hawk. It rained hard, but we did not take cold. We had a very pleasant ride home. No rain. We had a good long letter from Elder Loughborough, and one from Brother Canright and Butler.20MR 205.1
Walling's Mills, Tuesday, September 2, 1873—We went to Rollinsville to the raspberry ground. We took our tent and stove and a change of clothing. We did not go out to pick berries until late. We brought home about 25 quarts. Willie was not with us. He was obliged to go for Brother and Sister Downs, who wrote us that they would be at Black Hawk Tuesday. Willie came for us about six o’ clock. We were glad to meet Brother and Sister Downs. Our visit with them was pleasant.20MR 205.2
Walling's Mills, Wednesday, September 3, 1873—Brother and Sister Downs went with us to gather raspberries. We took dinner in the tent and had a very pleasant time with our brother and sister. We gathered about twenty-six quarts. Lucinda canned about eleven cans in the tent. We brought home about ten quarts of berries. My husband invited Mr. Parker, the editor, to come home with us. We had a very social chat with him. Preparing his supper and getting supper for two hungry men made our work hard. Sister Hall had to bake. We sat up till ten helping her. For two nights she did not get to rest until midnight.20MR 205.3
Walling's Mills, Thursday, September 4, 1873—Willie took Mr. Parker and Brother and Sister Downs to Black Hawk. Brother Downs has decided to go to Oregon and settle. Mr. Parker is to remain for the present at Central. We are too tired to do anything with comfort. We had Sister Downs cook her food for her journey to Oregon. We felt that it was a privilege to supply them with material for cooking. We prepared dinner for them all before they went. A young man took dinner with us. My husband employed him to work for us today.20MR 205.4
Walling's Mills, Friday, September 5, 1873—We went out to gather raspberries upon the mountains. Lou Walling passed by in the stage for Middle Boulder.20MR 205.5
Walling's Mills, Sabbath, September 6, 1873—We had a rainy day. About nine o'clock a gentleman on horseback inquired if we had seen two men pass. I had seen them about midnight going by our house. They stopped to drink at the spring and then started up the hill on the road to Black Hawk upon the run. These men had been stealing and the authorities were in search of them. Mr. Walling and an officer rode up to the door. Mr. Walling ate a lunch, changed horses and drove on. I wrote to Elder Loughborough. My husband also wrote a letter; sent by Mr. Walling.20MR 205.6
Walling's Mills, Sunday, September 7, 1873—We had a special season of prayer in the log house. Sister Hall and I did a large, two weeks’ washing. In the midst of the washing Mr. and Mrs. Lasley with their two children came to visit us. Mr. Walling also came. We laid aside the washing and visited and sewed on a sheet. I made an entire sheet by hand, hemmed three ends of sheet, made a pair of pillow cases. This was my day's work. I had quite a long conversation with Mr. Walling in reference to his children. Mr. Walling tarried with us overnight.20MR 206.1
Walling's Mills Monday, September 8, 1873—We prepared an early breakfast for Mr. Walling. My husband talked with Mr. Walling in reference to the house, which seemed to be leaning forward. I rinsed out a portion of the washing, hung them out to dry. We then went to Black Hawk. While trading we were much surprised to see Brother Glover walk into the store. We met very unexpectedly. We were very happy to meet Brother Glover. He rode up to Central with us. We purchased some things and returned home with Brother Glover an extra passenger. He had come to Colorado on business. His son Eli was sketching Denver and was going to Boulder City to sketch from that place and Brother Glover to canvass for him and take orders. Brother Glover spoke with great tenderness of his wife who has recently died. He feels her loss deeply. May God comfort him in his affliction.20MR 206.2
Walling's Mills, Tuesday, September 9, 1873—We had a very precious interview with Brother Glover. We went to Excelsior to look after our tent pitched in the raspberry bushes at the foot of a high rocky mountain.20MR 206.3
We gathered a few quarts before dinner and we had an excellent dinner. My husband, Brother Glover, and myself rode over to Middle Boulder to see Mr. Walling and Bertie. Bertie was doing well. We could tarry but a few hours. We returned, taking both Addie and May with us. At Excelsior I sat in the wagon while Brother Glover and my husband crossed the creek and helped Willie and Lucinda take down the tent and bring over our things which we had used in camp. We arrived home about dark.20MR 206.4
Walling's Mills, Wednesday, September 10, 1873.—We have been praying earnestly to know our duty in regard to leaving our present location and temporary home for California. We have prayed earnestly for light but got none. We feel rather unsettled. We desire to know our duty and we feel willing to do whatever it may be. We went to Central. Called to see Mr. Parker. We found him no better. He was very glad to see us. My husband promised to come in Friday and give him fomentations. We purchased several things at Central in the line of dry goods. Brother Glover and Willie spent the day hunting, but found nothing. Mr. Walling came at midnight. We talked with him in regard to Central Park. Mrs. Lasley, her two children, and Mrs. Toll took dinner with Sister Hall in our absence.20MR 206.5
Walling's Mills, Thursday, September 11, 1873—In the morning Mrs. Lasley rode to the door with two children. She was going to Central. We had Willie go with her to get provisions for Central Park. Mrs. Lasley waited for my husband to write several letters. We were disappointed when Willie returned to find so little mail. Brother Glover and my husband rode out on horseback.20MR 207.1
My husband and myself had a special season of prayer for God to direct us in regard to our duty. Mrs. Lasley and her children took supper at our house.20MR 207.2
Walling's Mills, Friday, September 12, 1873—We have decided to go to Central Park. We went to Central around by McCameron's [?]. She was not at home. We lost our journey. We drove as fast as possible to Central. We called upon Mr. Parker. We took with us fomentation flannels. My husband gave treatment to Mr. Parker, which seemed to work favorably. He is certainly in a very bad way. His throat is distressingly inflamed, making it very painful for him to swallow even liquid. We are trying to improve his condition. Mrs. Johnson, with whom he boards, seems to be a very kind, benevolent lady. We took dinner at her table. We hope our visit was not unprofitable.20MR 207.3
We traded some in Central and Black Hawk. We arrived home a little before sundown. Received letters from Brother Canright, also Mary Gaskill and Daniel Bourdeau, giving us an account of camp meeting. When we reached home we found John Cranson there. We felt sorry he should come to see us on the Sabbath. We do not like to have visitors to entertain upon the Sabbath, who have no respect for God or His holy day. Poor John, he has not hope in God.20MR 207.4
Walling's Mills, Sabbath, September 13, 1873—We arose early and walked out to have a private prayer in the grove. We feel perplexed to know just what is our duty. We decided to write to Mr. Walling to defer going to the Park until we could hear from Eli Glover. We depend upon him and his wife to keep our house while Brother Glover accompanies us on the trip to the Park. I wrote some upon life of Christ for Instructor. We had an early season of prayer. Willie rode on horseback to Black Hawk post office. Did not return until half past nine o'clock. He got half of the Review and one letter from Brother Uriah Smith. We were rejoiced to read its contents. He confesses his wrong course the few months past. If the scales are falling from his eyes, we praise God.20MR 207.5
Wallings Mills, Sunday, September 14, 1873—Mr. Walling unexpectedly drove up and said he was ready to go over in the Park. He hurried us all up and we were packed, about ready to start at eleven o'clock. We drove out about six miles and took dinner. We spread our table by the side of a stream, built a fire, and had some warm food. We enjoyed it much. We rested one hour and then drove on. We made good time through the woods, and we thought that we might have time to pass the Range by daylight. We ascended the Range slowly. The road was worse than we anticipated, and we had to move very slowly. We did not get to timberland the other side of the Range until after dark. We made camp about nine o'clock and did not get to rest until about midnight. We had a flaming camp fire which was very grateful after sitting sometime in the wagon waiting for a good camping spot to be found. I was sick and could not sleep at night.20MR 208.1
In the mountains, Colorado, Monday, September 15, 1873—We took breakfast and then packed our bedding to move on. My husband, Willie, and myself were seated on our horses. My husband and I rode on. Mr. Walling and Sister Hall where in the wagon.20MR 208.2
We left our spring wagon because the road was so rough we could go no farther. We rode about two miles when Willie called us to come back. Mr. Walling had broken down. We rode back and saw that the axletree of the wagon was broken, and we must make camp where we were. We rested a while and Mr. Walling took his three horses and the spring wagon back and was to send us the axletree or bring it Wednesday. We made a very comfortable camp and had plenty of bedding. The nights are very cold. There is ice on the water and the ground nearly freezes nights.20MR 208.3
In the mountains, Colorado, Tuesday, September 16, 1873—We rested well last night but we are very tired and lame today. Our drive was too tedious and we took cold, which makes us feel as though we could scarcely move. We had a very pleasant day. We should have enjoyed the scenery had we been less weary. Our camp is in a grove of heavy pines. There is a small open space of ground, with grass for horses. On the south rises a high mountain of rocks. Trees seem to grow out of the very rocks. They tower up high but seem to cling or lean upon the rocky mountainsides. East, west, and north are gigantic evergreens. Through these thick trees is our road to the Central Park. We have had several seasons of prayer. My husband and myself had very profitable conversation in regard to our work. I felt relieved.20MR 208.4
In the mountains, Colorado, Wednesday, September 17, 1873—We have another beautiful morning. No rain has yet come to trouble us. We have some wind which draws down the canyon. We have to move our little stove several times in the day as the wind changes from one end of the tent to the other. We had a season of prayer this morning alone by ourselves.20MR 209.1
We are anxiously waiting for Brother Glover or Walling to come to our camp. We expect them today. Travelers came by with wagon and men on foot driving sheep. They said there were thirteen hundred in the flock. They have taken up land in the Park and will spend the winter there and feed their sheep. Two other travelers passed.20MR 209.2
In the mountains, Colorado, Thursday, September 18, 1873—We have another beautiful day. Cold nights and mornings, warm in the middle of the day. We expect Brother Glover or Mr. Walling or both today. We have had a good season of prayer in the woods, my husband and I. Two travelers and one horse returning from the Park came by our camp. We gave them bread as they said they had nothing to eat but squirrels and pork. They brought some fine specimens and curiosities from Willow Creek.20MR 209.3
In the mountains, Colorado, Friday, September 19, 1873—It commenced storming early in the morning and snowed hard until noon. The atmosphere was not chilly so the snow melted soon after falling; but it did not clear off. It was cloudy. We built a camp fire in the evening, which made it very pleasant. I was quite sick through the day.20MR 209.4
In the mountains, Colorado, Sabbath, September 20, 1873—The sun shone out beautifully in the morning but it soon became cloudy and snowed very fast, covering the ground and lodging upon the trees. It looks like winter. All around us is white. Here we are just this side of the Range in our tent, while the earth is sheeted with snow. This day has been a day of perplexity and trial. We feel deeply our need of the grace of God. These small trials are worse to bear than heavy afflictions. Shall I ever learn to be perfectly patient under minor trials? I know that I shall be tempted and proved until self shall be hid in Jesus. My earnest prayer to God daily is for divine grace to do His will.20MR 209.5
In the mountains, Colorado, Sunday, September 21, 1873—It was a severe night, and today the storm is over and it is very pleasant. We devoted the day to earnestly seeking the Lord. We had our hearts melted and broken before him. We see a great work to be done and we know that we are not fitted for the work. We have too little spiritual strength. We must have help from God. We want a right spirit renewed within us. My husband and myself went up upon a high hill where it was warmed by the rays of the sun, and in full view of the snow-covered mountains we prayed to God for His blessing. I earnestly desire to do the will of God. We had some comfort in the Lord and felt, both of us, to resolve to be more careful of each other's feelings and to ever treat each other with becoming respect and dignity. We both wept before the Lord and felt deeply humbled before him.20MR 210.1
In the mountains, Colorado, Monday, September 22, 1873—It is a beautiful day. Willie started over the Range today to either get supplies or get the axletree of the wagon Walling is making. We cannot either move on or return to our home at the Mills without our wagon is repaired. There is very poor feed for the horses. Their grain is being used up. The nights are cold. Our stock of provisions is fast decreasing. We have had precious seasons of prayer today. The comfort of the Holy Spirit is with us in a measure, but our souls still cry out for God. We must have more close and constant communion with our Redeemer. Without the light of His love we are indeed in a cold, cheerless world. Nothing can give us happiness. With His love the most dreary desert is a paradise.20MR 210.2
Willie and Brother Glover returned today. Brother Glover was on his way with the new axletree when Willie met him. Willie was beyond Rollins Camp. He returned with Brother Glover. We were glad to see them and made preparations to start the next morning for Grand Lake in Middle Park. We had a cold night but our noble bonfire of big logs and our little stove in the tent kept us comfortable.20MR 210.3
In the mountains, Colorado, Tuesday, September 23, 1873—We rose early and packed up bedding and provisions for a start on our journey, after committing our case to God for His protection and guarding care. The road was so rough for about six miles, Sister Hall and myself decided to walk. My husband rode a pony. Willie walked. Brother Glover drove the horses. The road was very rough. We had to walk over streams and gulches, on stones and upon logs. We gathered some gum from the trees as we passed along.20MR 210.4
After six or eight miles’ travel on foot it was a good rest to climb up upon the bedding and ride. The scenery in the park was very grand. Our hearts were cheerful, although we were very tired. We could trace the wonders of God's works in the grand towering mountains and abrupt rocks, in the beautiful plains and in the groves of pines. The variegated trees, showing the marks of autumn, were interspersed among the living green pines, presenting to our senses a picture of great loveliness and beauty. It was the dying glories of summer. We camped for the night in a plain surrounding a cluster of willows. We cut plenty of grass for our beds.20MR 210.5
In the mountains, Colorado, Wednesday, September 24, 1873—We were up right early to pack our things and pursue our journey. We had most beautiful scenery most of the way. Autumn's glory is seen in the variegated golden and scarlet trees interspersed among the dark evergreens. The towering mountains are all around us. Rough, rocky, barren peaks of mountains rise above mountaintops that are covered with evergreens. The scenery is awfully grand. We stopped at Grand River for dinner. We had some difficulty in finding a carriage road, but after some delay, and one on horseback searching carefully, we could pass on. We had a very rough road. We arrived at Grand Lake about five o'clock. Pitched our tent in a good dry spot and were tired enough to rest that night.20MR 211.1
Grand Lake, Colorado, Thursday, September 25, 1873—We worked busily nearly all the day in getting settled. We have at last got fixed very convenient. I have two ticks made of woolen blankets which we filled with hay and made very nice beds. We have boards arranged for shelves, and we look very cozy here. Brother Glover went fishing. He caught a few fish. He shot a duck in the morning, but it was lost in the water.20MR 211.2
Grand Lake, Colorado, Friday, September 26, 1873—We have a very lovely day today. Brother Glover went out hunting. The wind was too strong to fish. Brother Glover traveled ten miles but found no game. Willie shot two grey squirrels to make broth for Brother Glover.20MR 211.3
Grand Lake, Colorado, Sabbath, September 27, 1873—This is a beautiful day; not a cloud in the heavens. I spent the day in writing and reading over manuscript for printer, upon the temptation of Christ in the wilderness. I am anxious to get this before the people, for they need it. After we had prayer at the close of the Sabbath, Brother Glover went out fishing. He caught sixteen fish. We urged him to dress them and take them home to his children, as he had decided to take the pony and go the next day to the Mills and get supplies for us, and have Mr. Walling come for us.20MR 211.4
Grand Lake, Colorado, Sunday, September 28, 1873—Brother Glover left the camp today to go for supplies. We are getting short of provisions. We got him the best we could for his meals on the way. He was to send Mr. Walling immediately and to get our mail. A young man from Nova Scotia had come in from hunting. He had a quarter of deer. He had traveled twenty miles with this deer upon his back. The remainder of the deer he had left hung up in the woods. He saw six elk but did not try to shoot them as he knew he could not carry them out. He gave us a small piece of the meat, which we made into broth. Willie shot a duck which came in a time of need, for our supplies were rapidly diminishing.20MR 211.5
Grand Lake, Colorado, Monday, September 29, 1873—We improved a portion of the day in getting hay for horses. My husband swung the scythe. Willie pitched the hay into the wagon and Lucinda and I trod it down. My husband and Willie worked diligently to make a warm stable of an old house nearby, and in securing hay for horses. My husband is encouraged in regard to his health. He can endure considerable physical exercise. His food does not distress him as it did.20MR 212.1
Grand Lake, Colorado, Tuesday, September 30, 1873—Another beautiful, sunshiny day. We have the men who took fish to Central and Black Hawk. They have again come with supplies and to get more fish. My husband and Willie talked with them considerably. Mr. Westcott killed a wolf this morning. It was a large, savage-looking beast. He was caught in a trap and was howling half the night, which seemed very dismal. The fur of the wolf was very fine and thick.—Manuscript 11, 1873.20MR 212.2
Ellen G. White Estate
Silver Spring, Maryland,
September 14, 1989.
Entire Ms.