Big Springs Ranch sits at the end of a dirt road 10 miles south of I-80. It was a crucial detour from the straight line to Flower Pass. A good supply of water made the detour necessary. The HCO sign, top left, and middle right, stands next to an old log shed. James John was at this site with the Bidwell- Bartleson party. This spot was important for a decision made here as well as for water. John Bidwell wrote in his journal on Sept. 15: " We were obliged to go so much further, in order to get along with the wagons: We concluded to leave them, and pack as many things as we could." This would cut travel time a lot. HCO trail goes south, along the Pequop Range, right.