A Truly Horrid Sensation - Oregon Historical Markers on Waymarking.com

This History Marker is located at the entrance to Day Use Area parking lot of Goose Lake State Recreation Area.

Marker Name: A Truly Horrid Sensation
Marker Text: Camp sites along the Applegate Trail were determined by the presence of water, firewood, grazing for livestock, or simply the end of a long day’s journey. This portion of the Great Basin tested an emigrant’s ability to find these primary essentials. An arid environment at best, this region yielded good water sparingly. Even the lakes were deceptive, in some years, like 1853, they filled and expanded with bountiful waters. In other years, like 1849, they nearly vanished, leaving expansive alkali flats and quaking mud to taunt the weary traveler.
”...Mr. Carlton and myself volunteered to go to the lake for water, and with buckets we started.... The distance was about one-half mile to the base, or shore of the lake, where we anticipated finding an abundant supply of water. But to our great disappointment, we found nothing but a field of dry sand. ...We traveled about two miles farther over the dry sand, indulging in the fond hope of soon reaching the waters of the lake, when we would have the privilege and pleasure of quenching our thirst, which was almost unbearable. But we were doomed to disappointment, as we found nothing but a lake of sand -- dry and difficult to travel over; and we returned -- climbed the mountains and lay down to rest as best we could. To be really thirsty, with no means of getting water, is truly a horrid sensation.” Kimball Webster, September 25, 1849

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