New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1870-07-05
OUR SUMMER RESORTS.
AMONG THE ADIR0NDACKS.
THE MOUNTAIN REGION.


Summer in the Adirondacks may prove of interest. II
not of in helping 10 decide where the hot Summer
months may best 10 spent they may at least be sug-
gestye Of the cool depths that yet hidden In our En-
pre State. This wild region is much more definitely
known now than formerly. Within few years it has
been often visited by the sportsman and thoroughly
explored by the tourist and heslthhunter that reports
from longer like legends from distant and
mythical country. We have it mapped out with all its
finest and most accessible points displayed as well as Its
mountains and lakes and its connecting ryers-outets
and nlets-hat ribbon the forest in every direction IL
is estimated that thousand lakes lie within this Wilder
ness The whole State OF Connecticut might be snugy
slowed away in IT, for it area Of 5000 square
miles.
The lake region lies chiefly in the southern part OF
Franklin County, southeastern st. Lawrence, and
northern Hamilton All through these regions there Is
perfect network OF lakes but through every part OF
the Adrondacks are scattered little sheets OF water OF
all sizes and at all attitudes the highest 7OO feet above
the level Of the Essex County is emphaticaly the
mountain region, being the most broken county OF the
state-includng indeed nearly all the ranges and peaks
that constitute the Adrondacks In the heart of Keene
the most mountainous town Of this mountainous cOun-
try, ia nestled the little hamlet OF Keene-Flats Here
would enter indignant protest against such q PIE
beian name for one Of the oveest valleys in the world
II being the POstOce address, however, there is little
hope of righting the wrong 1t is long, narrow valley
bordering the Ausabe River containing not more than
score Of houses scattered along six seven miles The
mountains that wall 1t in belong to the Clinton range
the fifth OF the great ranges OF the Adrondaeks In
this range most of 1.-THE highest peaks in the state
This northern wilderness has been from my Childhood
the Enchanted Ground OF my waking dreams. Was
dsapnointed, Verify nav The dreams and imaginings
OF lifetime fall infinitely short Of the reality. Let
none however but the true lover OF Nature come; one
whose love is strong enough to outweigh discomfors 10
meet cheerfuy and all obstacles Such one
will take back with him at the Summers close the nap
pest brightest freshest memories OF his life ABOVE
ALL let bringing an Epicurean appetite; Ior
most assuredy in these little mountain hamets he VIII
find nothing TO satisfy IT, Where the streams have been
ed dry and the startled deer driven to seek refuge
far into the wilderness, he will find neither Trout nor
venson to replace the luxures OF civilization, ana nc
will have TO down to the plainest Of farmhouse
fare Many doubtless feel, but few as frankly express
their feelings as did lady who, turning to her husband
one morning at breakfast table, exclaimed; DO you
think these mountains can balance SAT- ishi Inero - o
scenery under heaven that compare with something
good to eat" For such persons, one night mere Is
enough II one cannot forego steaks and roasts anu
choice Coffee he may better inger within the porders vi
civilization; he will not find them here The people here'
farmers all have too much do in wringng their years
supply food for and beast from the short summer
months TO pay attention TO fastid0us appettes anu So
as in the days OF Walter Scott, those who would east
their eyes on Highland grandeur, must mortnJ ther
palates on Highland fare"
Last Summer Mr. MurIay's book, with its fresh vigor
ous description-not over accurate certainly nor meant
TO be but alive with his own intense vitality; written
from sporsmans point of view and with sportsman
love Of advenure-drew hrong of pleasureseekers In
10 the lake region 1t amusing to see the omnpreS-
ence Of this book 1t seemed to be everywhere Hawked
through pacarded in the steamers for sale IN
the most unookedfor places; by every carpetbag and
bundle lay tourists edition of Murray. NO such
glamour blinded who had read the book in the early
Spring by quiet of their resde and knew just
it's worth Many went simply because the tide of fash
ionabe travel set that way; others in quest OF new
place to idle away the Summer looking for pleasure only
without a single drawback. Some expected TO find a
sportsman's paradise-eer and trout in fabulous alum
dance with only enough of trouble to give spirit 10 sh
ing and hunting the trout ld nor leap 70 me ro
the deSderdH, certainly found H. but not precisely IN
the form they had anticipated There need De niue won
der that all these turned back disappointed, ana VIII
never try the Adrondacks again.. Those VINO went 10
find Nature in all her widness and freshness ana drunk
i'm and vigor after Of weary ton or heart ana
BRAIN found all and infinitely more than they expected
The mountain region is quite distinct from the axe re
ginn much better known and to my taste L. beyond
an comparison, finer Tie quiet, dreamy Saranac, dotted
or when gliding over it In the eggshe boats that are the
pets Of tie Each Of the long chain OF lakes mas
is own peculiar beauty that almost makes comparison
impossible Yet one misses the mountains. The low,
distant range very fine to eye unnccusomed to
lovely Ausable Valley feeling almost of home>ckness
comes and nc longs 20 stand again within the shadow OF
The mountains that have seemed 10 him, by day ana ny
PAM tan scarcely E,G oF tie c5mpaTae Ignoring
this mountain region Many who perfectly familiar
with every part Of the lake district have never visited
this although passing within few miles on one OF the
rays horror Of "trmpng" will certainly prefer the
other One cannot boat through tins region ana
anything he must depend on the powers Of ocom0-
uoh Nhre ms Eyen t 4 p b EI back even 10
salt fish and dried apple pie, with keen appetite
lady often walks this distance between breakfast ana
Is
tonic in the air, and an inspiration IN the mountains
To reach this beautiful valley either route is pleasant
Travellers coming up Lake Champaign, with Keene Val
To one coming from Western New-Yor by far the more
delightful route is by Lake Ontario and through the st.
Islands, and the exciting run OF the rapids A day in
Montreal win not be lost to the lover of Sightseeing The
sharp contrast between the old French town ana the
modern city gives both peculiar interest From Mon
trea the route by rail to Rouses Point at the head Of
plain. One may stop at Port Kent, and going in to
koeseyille five miles back from the lake. take convey
river to K9sne Flats or, keeping the the steamer itne
but shorter road Of twenty miles The latter passes
through Elizabetbtown; lunch Is taken under
rises almost from the roadside the last long descent is
made just the shadows enghening the valley
shall never forget the first glimpse Of IT, Surrounding
hills not bare and Jagged peaks but clothed and crowned
with forests the winding river frnged with aders and
the emerald green meadows; the many -colored grain
fields and through and over all the changing lights and
membrance that was but deepened and frightened by
weeks Of nearer acquaintance with all Its beauties
With the general outline one soon becomes familiar.
There Dixs Peak, the DIAL the Noonmark, and the
Giant OF the Valley, sweeping In grand semicrcle
toward the SOUTH with host OF lesser peaks named and
unnamed before and behind far the eye reach
Prom several points there Is view OF Mount Marcy,
which, twelve miles distant, rears its majestic dome, I'M
like the Others in outline, and ofter and magnih
cent than all 10 is for great regret that it
suffered to retain it's old Indian name Mount Taha
wus "the skypereer was lifting name foe the kngy
mountain. ~ --~ > --'
Does presuppose monOtony in this scene, or that
II would become tresome after few days or weeks In
this narrow valley, with its rampant mountains.