The Nevada journal., 1857-02-20
For the Journal
For the Journal
A BEAR STORY.

Trip across lne sulnullI, as we naQ little |
or nothing to do, on account of the scar
city of water in the creek, which at that |
season of the year, is very low. So,
having made all the necessary prepara-
tions for the journey, we started on foot,
with two horses, well packed with pro-
visions and cooking utensils, together
with pick, shovel and pan, so that in
case we came across likely looking
spot,'' we could prospect it. We start
ed early one fine morning, armed cap-a-
pie, brimful of glowing anticipations,
(for we fully calculated on tagging a
brace of bear apiece, and in fact, l be-
lieve we had bet on it, with some of the |
boys J and after passing through most
beautifully variegated country, arrived
on the fourth day at about 2 o'clock p
M. on the highest Part of the summit
road; and after tying our horses to
tree, we clambered up to the top of '.the
summit" which is but short distance
l.
there, we were nearly blown off our feet
being unprepared for such a hurricane
as then assailed us. probably Dame
nature thought us rude, in thus ventur-
ing to examine her charms, and imagin-
ed she could drive us off by raising the
aeiad" about our ears.) But speedily
adjusting our equilibrium, we found our
selves gazing upon scene, which, to
our enraptured, though acdtery eyes,
seemed second to none we had ever be-
held. Before and below us lay Truckee
lake-a beautiful placid sheet of blue
water, surrounded by rich woodlands
and grassy plains; while in the distance
could be seen the Truckee river, along
side of which there seemed to be an In
dian camp, for we could distinctly per-
ceive two or three strcaks of smoke is
suing thence Behind us we beheld no.
BILE valleys and majestic mountains -
foremost amongst which stood the cele-
brated Fremont's Peak, in all lis soli-
tary grandeur and in the midst Of the
forests, we could discern, here and there,
a CLASSY lake. While IN contrast to
the summer-like appearance Of the
scene beneath, we found ourselves up
to the ankles in snow. Wei did the
view repay us for the trials of the jour
ney. But all things must have an end
- and so we scrambled down to the
horses again, and managed to reach the
further end of the lake before sundown,
where we found a capital camping
ground. Next morning about daylight
] awoke, and getting up quietly, so as
not 10 disturb my companions, | ram
bled forth, rife i'll hand, in search of
bear. | soon discovered tracks which
appeared to be those of big bear and
two cubs, and following them | came
upon the place where they had passed
the night. 1t was at the base of a col
lection of large rocks, and as l looked
up confess [ felt slightly scared, at
the thought of an encounter with a griz-
ely in such a place - for there were no
trees of ally kind within two or three
hundred yards of me but moving round
the immense pile, | found, TO my inf
mite relief, that bruin wasn't there; and
mentally accusing myself fer being like
the Malone sojer." who diligently
seeks work, but prays to God he may
never find it, turned back, and found
the boys had just cooked breakfast =
after partaking of which, we all went
off to fish in the creek. We caught
about sixty small speckled trout, and at
night, after supper, We resolved to try
our luck in the lake so after playing a
game of euchre, to see who should stop,
and look after the camp, Henry and l
walked down to the beach he with a
long fish line, &c. and l with my rife
We soon found suitable place, and
having kindled an immense fire, we sat
down, patiently awaiting bite But
we were doomed to disappointment; and
after waiting some two or three hours
without getting so much as a Rib6le, we
were just preparing to return, when to
our astonishment we perceived NJ ap
preaching. We soon learned the cause
He had fallen asleep, shortly after we
left him, but was awakened by the loud
noise the horses made, which were kick
ing and snorting wildly, as if terrified
by the vicinity of some beast of prey.
Starting to his feet, the first thing that
struck his startled vision, was grizzly
bearl sitting on its launches and watch
ing him, at distance Of about sixty
l. G i. G u. l. |