Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-09-17
For the Journal.
VACATION.

along the panks OF Ellis river, smut In py nils |
and wooded slopes and beetling crags, on
either hand, whilst nicely cultivated farms
and neat farm buildings border the road, Is a.
enchanting as ever. The roads are so level and
smooth that you may 60 fast or slow, at your
own option. But when riding for pleasure,
one likes best, if one has a good horse, to let
him jog on at his own gait, and give attention
wholly to the surrounding scenery. In the
early part of the day, the fog somewhat OBJ
scured the view, hiding the mountain peaks,
and shutting off the more distant objects.
Later in our journey it lifted, so as to give
US fair opportunity to survey the beauties of
this village and its surroundings. The won
der is, how came this level tract of land, just
the site for a country village, to be found
right amidst the hills and hollows, the lakes
and mountains of western Maine. But here
it lies, to the great joy and delight of multi
tudes from Boston, New York and else
where, who seek for rest and recreation in the
healthful air and lovely scenery of this part
Of the country. The summer boarders have
now mostly left for this year. But it is yet in
the height of the fishing season, and every
| day, and even in the night, spring carts are
going to and from the Richardson Lakes with
loads of fishermen and their luggage, not ex-
cepting here and there a lady. These car
riages are picturesque and we'll fitted for their
purpose. They consist Of two sets of stout
| wheels, with long platform, called spring
board, extending from the front wheels to he
rear, made Of several thickness of boards on
top of each other. On this they place one or
more stout seats made with heavy bottoms to
hold them on and pile on the baggage in front
and rear. 1t is said these carriages are ad-
mirably fitted for riding over the rough, I'M
even, rocky and muddy roads from here to
the lakes.
Last night party came in, who had by q
cross accident missed their expected convey
| ance by team and walked twelve miles through
the woods, the mud and water, to get to the
hotel. They were all young men, and not
awake and full of life. They sent a man
back to the lakes for their baggage, and he
went through and returned in the night with
his horse and spring board carriage for five
dollars, reaching here in season for the fish,
ermen to take the stage this morning to the
Grand Trunk at Bryant's Pond.
Yesterday we rode up to Andover West
Surplus, about five miles from the village, to
take a view Of the cataract on Frye's Brook.
1t was a very pleasant ride, and although
through rough country, and for some miles
along side of Stony Brook, whose bed was
one mass of boulders Of every size, the road
was smooth and easily travelled. Most of
the route lay through the forests, but here
and there was clearing, with three or four
houses, surrounded with patches of cultivated
land. There was a school house in the woods,
with tw twenty-five or thirty boys and girls out
at recess. Where they all found homes in
that wilderness, it was difficult to determine.
There was pretty little field not far from
the cstaracts, where we spread our rustic
board, and did not lack for appetite, moisten-
ing our food with water from the mountain
brook. Returning leisurely to the village,
we had time to stroll around and explore its
beauties. With its broad level streets, its
ample front yards and gardens, its tasteful
and handsome houses, and its abundant shade
trees, it is as pleasant and pretty a place as
you could wish to see. 1t has two neat meet
ing houses, with fine large building occu-
pied as a town house and public hall. No
wonder it is a favorite resort for summer
boarders from the cities. SENIOR.