The weekly union record., 1865-09-16
A Trip to Berry Creek and Vicinity

1oifok Union RECORD Prompted By .
desire to get rid of nervousness caused thro'
the last few exciting days of our political STRIFE
resolved to make a trip into the mountain
regions, to inhale its healing and baluy sir,
and drink the pure and crystal fluid from its
fountains Accordingly, early last Saturday.
| procured charger and started toward the
Whitewssh Trees and Miners Ranch, where
found the road in The best possible order,
although very dusty, which caused me to stop
at both of those places. and take some of their
thirstquenchers, which indeed we're as fine and
delicious as anything of the kind in our town.
10 particular l must make mention of the
friendly and accommodating host of the
Whitewash Tree House, who treated me with
" one of his BEST" the agreeable effect of
which lasted through all my days journey
From Miners Ranch l started through the
long and fear-inspiring cailon towards Bid
wells Bar. Although this canon looks drear
and gloomy like the features of despond-
ent Office seekers, yet its wild aspect creates
some interest to the lover and observer of na-
ture. The road through this barrow valley is
excellent up TO Bidwell's Bar. When l be-
held that place from the bill top this side, it
called 10 my mind the Bidwell's Bar of So
then a snug little town with fine buildings.
thriving aud prosperous-but now, alas ! not
even the shadow of its former days is visible !;
and | thought 10 myself nothing is constant
but chaDgel" The old proverb-" misfor
tune comes Deyer alone was never more re.
allied in its full meaning than here. The re-
moval of the county seat from that place was
the beginneng of its downfall, and the leading
OF the road direct to the bridge, (which by the
way is foe and lasting structure) took away
every hope for its future recovery. From the
summit of the hill the beholder is sIezed with
feeling similar to that of the mourning Jere-
miah when be was sitting upon the ruins of
Jerusalem. A short distance ere l reached
the bridge l had the pleasure to meet our old
townsman, Mr.. Ketcbum. Oh bis way to Orc
vile, who inquired after the result of the cleo
ton. 1 informed him of all knew-how he
liked it | cannot tell-arrved at the tollgate.
met another old acquaintance, Mr.. Buffum,
who looked as stout and hearty as if be had
rejuvenated at least one score of years. He
acted as substitute oll-keeper paid him my
quarter, and with a goodbye crossed the
bridge. Here | Immediately felt the heavy
pressure of suffocating heat, which prevails
all the summer round, it being encircled by
high mountains. urged my horse to a quick
er gate. through zig-zag, rough, and some.
times precipitous way for about two miles,
where for the first time the influence of a
mountain breeze changed the feeling of nv
whole being. | felt refreshed and easy. On
started, higher and higher through a wild
monotonous canon till | arrived at Jack 3
Ranch. Here ! enjoyed the luxury of a
draught of mountain water. Onward and
heavenward again | assembled till passed the
so called Harris saw mill, which once was a
great depot of industry. Nought is left now
of that enterprisDg establishment where the
whstling engine was heard for miles and
cloudy ringlets of steam were rising, and hum
dreds of hands we're busy. l say nothing is
left now but fine looking dwelling house,
where silence reigns supreme. Such is fate
From this point to Cedar Ranch the road con.
tinues rising-the pine clad hills on either side
appearing wilder in their aspect Cedar
Ranch is a little Paradise amid the wilder
ness. Mr.. H, the owner and host of the place,
is the creator of all the beauties surrounding
himself and others. Here one can see what
human being is capable of doing if be has
will As the sun was in the meridian | bid
adieu to MIR. Fl. and FASTENED to Berry Creek
House, one mile distant, where | anticipated
seeing some Oroville folks" or Bob " and
family at least, but alas, with the exception OF
a lad and two gents, strangers, the whole
household were deserted c. all the inhabi
tants had went on picnic or fishing excur
sion. After ali hours rest departed for the
place of my destination. My way tbiiher was
through a undalated woodland scene and
stranger in.such "labyriutbcal chaos. went
mile from the road towards a creek, where
10, who should l behold The whole party
whom expected to see at Berry Creek-Bob
and bis family, some lady boarders, and sew
eral Oroville gathered together at
the loveliest spot-cool and shady place
inst fit for such an occasion and such party.
They all seemed too deeply absorbed in their
sport, in preparing hooks for fishing. to pay
attention to an intruder. Nevertheless | dis
mounted and took a refreshing drink fresh
from the spashing streamIet. Mr.. O'Neal
had the kindness and advised me which wav to
take. l left the party, wishing them all the
enjoyment they could wish for themselves, and
in less than an hour afterwards l halted at the
gate of Baldrock Ranch, the property of nv
esteemed friend Mr.. r. Link Sr.