The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1871-06-14
Notes of Travel in California.
Say FRAxc1sco. MAY %. ISL

Notes of Travel in California.
San FRANc1sco, May 22 1871.
Every tourist in California puts down the
Geysers upon his programme of travel. The
natural wonder itself forms only portion Of the
object of the journey. The scenes of varied
beauty enjoyed upon the route offer an induce
ment and recompense quite equal to what is
gained at the end. First comes morning trip
upon magnificent steamer, through the beauti-
fnl Bay, the scenery of which is an exhaustess
delight The tourist is swiftly borne over the
sparkling waters, past the Golden Gate, along
the base of mountains now clothed with bright
verdure, with an attractive view of the charming
little town of San Rafael, nesting IN a fold of
the hills Presently Vallejo comes into view-a
thriving town, notable as the site of the Navy
Yard. and the point whence great quantities of
wheat are shipped for foreign ports. Here a
change is made to the cars of the California Pa
cifc Railroad, three branches of which here
meet. Our route lies over the road which runs
through Napa Valley, one of the richest in the
State. A panoramic view seems TO pass before
the eye, of green fields, dotted with broad
branching oaks, by and by mingled with pines
vineyards and orchards, with frequent settlements
and scattered farn-hOuses surrounded with a
thick growth Of shrubbery. At one point, the
road runs through long avenue of locust trees
which when in blossom, as now, load the air with
| fragrance. The fine scenery makes this part Of
the journey all too short, but as the railroad
erds at Calistoga there is no choice but to stop.
CALIsToGA SPRINGS.
This is one of the most popular summer resorts
in the State. 1t is sometimes called the Saratoga
of the Pacific Coast. hotel, surrounded by
extensive grounds laid out in walks and drives,
receives the visitor. score of tasty cottages.
each complete in its appointments, offer to fam
lilies delightful homes. with full leisure for DIVER
zion. Here the invalid may parbo himself in
sulphurous water, or be buried to the neck in a
bath of black mud hot and odOrous or drench
himself internally with waters that combine
various minerals. Mount st. Helena, near by,
lifts up its symmetrical form, and may easily
be ascended. But the chief curiosity in the
neighborhoOd is the
FOSSIL FOREST.
This was discovered few years since on a
rocky ridge FIVE miles to the southwest. Here.
over tract of three or four miles are scattered
the piOsrate forms Of fossil trees broken in
fragments and partly covered with soil. These
trees are of the same species as the redwoods,
and when standing must have been of huge
dimensions. They are the remains of an exten-
sive forest which WAS overthrow and ertombed
by volcanic matter, probably elected by Mount
st. Helena. The structure of the wood plainly
appears, the rings of annual growth, the knots
and exerescences all turned into stone. Some
specimens are found in which the wood gradually |
merges into the stone. The region has not yet |
been thoroughly explored by scientific men.
MOUNTAIN TRAVELLING.
GAN aboard for the Geysers y is the call at
o'clock in the morning. as open stages each with |
four or six horses, drive up. Enough answer to
the summons to fill three vehicles, and with a
flourish of whips and a fusilade of jOkes from
the jolly ones, start is made.
The road, for twenty miles. presents no un-
usual features. The foot of the mountain is
reached At the station here the loads are
divided into smaller portions, and the ascent
begins.
But before describing the ride let a word be
given to particular tree which is passed soon
after starting out, and which offers remarkable
illustration of intelligence in the bird 1t is an
old pine the trunk of which has been thickly
pierced with holes, and into these have been
inserted acorns, fitting so closely that it is diff
cult to extricate one. This is the work Of the
woodpecker. The tree is his storehouse, or.
perhaps, it may better be called his ranch. The
prudent bird has somehow learned that acorns so
placed will, in course of time he taken possession
of by worm which will grow fat In the nut, and
when it has attained to good size and favor back
comes the woodpecker, an putting in his bill
makes a dainty meal Thus he plants acorns and
reaps worms. Is not that good example of
Californans would say that even
the birds partake Of the spirit of the country.
Trees thus occupied are not uncommon.
Two roads now lead over the mountains to the
Geysers, one having recently been constructed,
shorter and of easier grade than the old route.
1t had not, however, been repaired after the
winter rains-a fortunate circumstance, as the
Did road is said to offer the finest views. From
certain point called GOodwins Peak, the sight
presented on a clear day is not surpassed in ex-
tent and varied beauty by any in the land. The
whole Of the Russian River Valley lies spread
1ut before the observer. with its groves and
yrain fields, among which appears the silvery
yleam of the river. winding in graceful curves.
Beyond is the line Of the Coast Range, en-
'eloped in purple haze, and far to the south,
,eyond the fog resting on the Bay. are the blue
waters of the Pacific seventy miles distant
After rising to height of nearly FIVE thousand
eet. the road lies alOrg narrow ridge called by
he poetical name Of Hogs Back 1t is two
niles in length, and only broad enough to give i
Dom for a single track On either side are de- /
Invites Of fearful depth bat the situation is +
uggestive of less terror from the fact that they
re covered with growth Of trees and shrubs '
'imid ones may better reserve their exclamations
or the descent, where the road drops nineteen v
undred feet in two miles, But the horses are I