Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-10-21
After going about two miles along the
inward path we came suddenly upon


After going about two miles along thu
upward path we came suddenly upon
HERMIT LAKE
An oval sheet of motionless water. Tht
color Of this lake is composed OF darl
neutral tints, and in its bosom are reflect
ed the sides of the mountains which en-
close it. 1t is indeed unwise to attempt &c
describe such a view. The subtle poetic
suggestions which throng here upon tne
mind cannot be thrown off after leaving
the spot. Al.
The view of the lake bursts upon the
traveller who energies from the FOREST IN
prepared for the delight when awaits MN
atberw;se than as he may take warning
from fbe attitude of the guide, who takes
nositionm and when long-drawn sigh, re-
mains speechless. / am ashamed to state
thai in the midst of the sombre living
poetry of the place we remember that we
were hungry. And here l would advise
any lady about to take this trip to consult
the guide with regard to the luncheon. 1t
is natural enough to take sandwiches; but
the sailed meat causes thirst, and the
more one drinks the less able one is to
travel, When the luncheons were un-
packed Mr.. Osgood's was found to con-
sist Of a flask of strong tea without milk
or sugar some bread and butter and
cookies. AS soon as he found out that
your correspondent liked the taste of the
tea. he insisted on giving up every drop
of it to her private use, and we did not
know at the time how great the depriva-
ton was to him. or that he used tea in the
place of any other stimulant, being prac-
teal temperance man. Mr. c. having for
gotten to bring any luncheon, Mr.. Osgood
gave up his own and contented himself
with the sandwiches, which we learned
next day were especially unacceptable to
him as an article Of food While we dis
cussed the viands we asked the guide if
any other lady had ever been through the
Ravine. He replied: ''Mrs. Thorndike of
Boston went through seven years ago, and
Mrs. Agassiz three years ago"
After somewhat heightened siesta, we
left the banks of Hermit Lake and con-
tinued on our way about half a mile to
THE FOOT OF THE RAvINE.
At this part of the journey we found the
thick boots particularly acceptable, as we
were obliged to make our way up the bed
Of the stream over rocks more or less
precipitous. Likewise we were especial
" thankful that in the plan of creation
alder bushes had not been left out, for
these during the greater part of the way
offered our only means of advancement. |
To one somewhat accustomedto mountain |
scenery. the novelty and grandeur of this |
remarkable opening are not oppressive |
even at the first glance. The diorama in
creases in sublimity at every step until we
reach the snow at the
HEAD OF THE RAvINE.
Here the guide explaind the difference
between the strong and weak alder bushes,
to which we listen attentively as our life
will at times depend upon our making the
right selection. The great banks of snow,
under which thousands of veins of water
find their way, appall us who were few
hours before in the midst of summers
heat The banks are composed more of
eice than snow, being so hard that the
points Of our stats would scarcely pene-
trate it. es
After leaving the snow banks we come
to the mile and a half of climbing over a
ledge of rocks which in many places, is
nearly perpendicular. There is this Won
dcrful quality in the atmosphere, that al
though you may wet your feet, drench
your clothing, and feel quite fatigued, you
do not take cold or experience any up
pleasant effects from your exertions. Ra-
Their you grow stronger and gain flesh con-
tinually upon q course of action which, if
pursued at home, would in all probability
bring an ordinary woman to the brink Of
the grave. Another singular feature OF the
Journey is that standing by the snow banks
even YOU do not feel uncomfortably cool.
Will Professor Agassiz please explain this
10, No lost opf of In
by FAR the most difficult and fatiguing, but
the temptations 60 on increasing at every
step. At this time the guide strikes his
attitude most frequently, and becomes OBJ
livious to almost everything but the views
As we raise our eyes and see him a few
yards in advance, leaning on his staff with
q SLOUGH which appears to be in his loins
rather than in his shoulders, with his head
thrust little forward, and his eyes look
ing up and down the immense valley and
off at some purple distance, with gaze
which foreshadows the Infinite in things
finite, we feel sure of what awaits US at
his standpoint.
These views become perpetual treas
IRE, for they never fade from the mind.
There Is no danger worth calculating in
obtaining them, and to healthy woman,
the fatigue that may be incurred is nothing
to the spectacle that is offered.
As we approach the last cliff. the pleas
ant lakes, winding rivers and snug viii
lagos assume silyery shapes softened by
the declining sun and the shadow of the
Z mountains, SO we seem to be lifted out of
the world into Heaven.
~ We arouse ourselves and plod YEARLY
away from the place where we would gladly
remain forever, up to the Tip Top House,
where we order two glasses of milk
(Which we really forgot to pay for), and
there find the carriage which has been
sent up to bring us down the mountain.
But we are in no hurry to leave, and we
send word to our friends below that we
have got through safely, and viii remain
above to witness the sunset, which on this
night is magnificent beyond description.
As the mist began to collect where only
FURNISHED gold had been, we descended
through the long twilight to the Glen
House, where Mr.. Gerry assures us by the
warm cIa an of tho hand of his satisfaction