September 10
Camp Name
The Ravine (The Gorge)
Camp Name (Spanish)
El Barranco
Brightness of the Moon
5%
Distance Traveled
3 leagues / 7.75 miles
Daylight
12 hours / 44 minutes
Water Resources
none
Journal Description for September 10th
On the 10th— because, according to the interpreter, the guide kept saying that the next water source was too far away and that we could not reach it today even if we started early—we decided to cut the day’s march in half; and so we set out after midday from El Río de San Clemente toward the northwest over rockless hills and brief plains with neither pasturage nor trees, and of very loose soil.183They traveled over what is now the Rangely Oilfields. Their description fits very closely the terrain of Raven Park. Then, because night was approaching and the terrain was not negotiable and perilous in the dark, we stopped in the box channel of an arroyo which we named El Barranco.184“The Ravine.” Probably on one of the dry arroyos near Stinking Water Wash. Perhaps this place itself. It provides the best level spot, with high walls which could help form a corral. There was neither water nor pasturage in it, and so it became necessary to keep a watch over the animals and have them herded together all night. From the river up to here we traveled directly and without a path because, although there are several, they are those left by bison herds which come down to winter hereabouts. Today three leagues.185Slightly over 7¾ miles.
Notable Event
Their guide told them that they could not reach the next water in one day, so they decided to go halfway. They did notice trails made by buffalo.Miller Report Summary
Because Silvestre informed the fathers that the next water was more than a day’s journey distant, the expedition decided to rest at the White River camp until noon, then continue for a half-day. The route was toward the northwest over not too difficult terrain where numerous buffalo tracks had blotted out any sign of a regular trail. The route was east and north of present Highway 64. About eight miles northwest of Rangely the company was forced to make camp without water or forage for the animals.
