They urged me to take up winter quarters at the forks of the Platt, stating that if I attempted to advance further until spring, I would endanger the lives of my whole party.

In winter, I plot and plan. In spring, I move.

Our severest winter, commonly called the spring.

Yet all how beautiful! Pillars of pearl Propping the cliffs above, stalactites bright From the ice roof depending; and beneath, Grottoes and temples with their crystal spires And gleaming columns radiant in the sun.

Do not needlessly endanger your lives until I give you the signal.

If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?