Several pioneers described the morning of June 11, 1847 as "lovely" with "birds singing." The wagons moved out at 7:35 and followed the south bank of the North Platte River for 17 miles. As he did now regularly along the trail, William Clayton put up a guide board. It was his version of today's mileage markers.

William Clayton:

"SEVERAL OF THE BRETHREN HAVE TAKEN AN INTEREST IN THE GUIDE BOARDS AND WHEREVER THEY SEE A PIECE OF BOARD SUFFICIENTLY LARGE, THEY PICK IT UP AND PRESERVE IT."

This day they saw snow in the mountains above, and one ambitious pioneer even rode over and brought a handful of it back to the delight of his companions.