Joining together at Parting of the Ways

FARSON -Historic Trails Wagon train spends today in camp at Farson before resuming its journey
on Monday. The train forded the Sweetwater River and crossed South Pass Thursday, made it to Parting of the Ways Friday, and had a wedding there before heading into Farson on Saturday.

Bridegroom John Nelson of Rock Springs said he and Jeanne Edwards chose Parting of the Ways for their wedding site because he thinks it is sentimental and romantic. "I think how sad somc people
must have been when they had to part and leave their friends." Nelson said.

The crossing of South Pass took place in a brisk wind as the clouds descended on the Wind River Mountains to the north. Of the crossing Wagon Master Morris Carter said:

"When I'm traveling and reach one of the major points 1always go back in time to think of how many people would have been here. Would there have been a steady stream of traffic. . people hollaring at each other! "

Assistant Wagon Master Ben Kern said:

"Even though it was the lowest part of the divide it was still quite a task to get over it and I think we done it a lot easier than (the emigrants) did. You're kinda on a downhill go from there because you have crossed over the divide which is quite an accomplishment. "

Casper Star-Tribune correspondent Candy Moulton writes:

"The trail is wide here, the route is deep and clear of brush to the side of the swale. There is not much grass, just bitterbrush and sage. After we crossed South Pass it rained. We left Pacific Springs for Parting of the Ways traveling on the original trail. Much of the day we saw only the rolling hills, antelope and native plants. The sagebrush stems are dark and black, the leaves bright green, and a misty rain is falling. We note the landmarks, like Plume Rock and inhale the sweet smell of sage. "