The journal begins with Rachel and her parents saying good -ye to their home in Illinois in order to head to California. The Family decides to go to California because of the wonderful letters her Uncle Pete has written about California. The Family begins their journey with 50 head of cattle because they can resell the cattle in California and make a fortune. The Family takes the Oregon Trail until it splits towards California. Rachel describes her journey along the trail and explains all of the obstacles they had to overcome. Rachel's Mother gives birth to a baby girl they name Sierra Nevada. The Family low on food is able to muster up enough strength to make it to California. Their goal was not to pan for gold but instead to live in a community.
