Chapter 17, Mono Lake Windstorm, Chapter 18, Thirst Summary and Analysis

The next chapter's events probably occur in 1875 in the summer. The three friends Muir mentions are probably the artist William Keith, and two teachers, John Sweet and J. B. McChesney. Mono Lake is known for frequent storms that begin quickly. In this chapter, Muir's judgment seems to have been obscured by the demands of his friends who want to stay on the water longer.

Mono lake is about two and a half miles long, composed of hard lava and loose ashes. They find the island and explore. Heavy clouds gather around the mountains and at noon a quick wind comes down. The party then quickly leaves to return to the mainland but the storm comes while they were in the water, which forces them to return to the island. His companions...