After deciding that he really did want to undertake his massive journey, and after crossing the Vandozen river, Mr. Johnson gives us our first glimpse into a particular habit of travelers in 1880s California.

“Went on again, coming to the same river, which I had again to ford. I did not stop but drove down into the river and across all right. Ascended the bluff, leaving the river to my right, and soon came once more in sight of the river. I am now ascending a bluff; on my right down hundreds of feet is the river; the road is just wide enough for one team only. There is a precedent established for those traveling these bluffs. It is this: on ascending a bluff, mountain, or canyon, you are required to carry a horn or bell. On arriving at any turnout, stop, blow your horn or ring your bell. Should you hear no bell or horn in answer, go on to the next turnout and stop, ring bell or blow horn, and no answer, go on as before.

“Should you meet a team, the one ascending is required to back down to the turnout. This mode of proceeding has become a law, and so understood by those who travel.”