Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1873-06-10
Trip to Elliott's Knob.

Editor Spectator:
Thinking short account of an
excursion to Elliott's Knob may not be unlnter-
esting to some of your readers your correspon-
dent ventures to tell of the pleasant time which
fell to the lot Of those who belonged to the party
of ladies and gentlemen, which left Staunton
last Thursday morning for this loftiest point In
Virginia.
The rays of the morning sun were opening the
roseate portals Of the East and filing the val
leys with floods of golden light as our party,
some on horseback and some in carriages, wended
its way from the city and like the "Star OF En-
nire'; westward took its course The fresh morn
ing air made the blood Jingle and soon the glow
of health and enjoyment had deepened the color
on many a fair cheek. Happy voices and gay
1auphter Joined the birds in their matutlnai
songs. and in few short hours we were passing
through Buffalo Gap and winding around the
lofty spurs which run down from Elliotts Knob.
On the way we were joined by that prince OF ex-
cursionists, Capt Palmer, who for many years
has annually guided his fourth of July party to
Elliott Knob. As none of our party had ever
been on the Knob, he kindly consented to act as
our guide and pointed out the many points OF
interest along the route. After ascending the
mountain as far as carriages go, as many la
dies as possible mounted the saddle horses, and
we started for the top. The many mishaps which
befell the climbers must be left to the imagina-
ton and to the experience of those who have as
cended this hill of difficulty.
The thickening clouds, which had overspread
the sky and protected us from the direct rays of
the sun, made the ascent much less laborious
than It might have been; and although it had
been our intention to witness sunset from the
summit of the Knob, yet no word of complaint
was uttered at our disappointment. The first
plan had been to go to Variety Springs, stay all
night, and ascend the hnoo next morning In
doned Whether the ladies were afraid the gen.
tlemen wouldn't rise sufficiently early, or the
gentlemen were afraid the ladies couldn't, is a
question which we fear will never be satisfacto-
rily adjusted.
About half way up we were shown Capt.
Palmer's Rocking Chair" which is quite a
rocky looking affair, yet altogether in keeping
with its surroundings
the magnificent view which gradually unfolded
itself to our wondering eyes, and could we bat
remember the numerous adjectives which we
heard applied to it, we would have some hopes
of writing a description which would far surpass
the word-painting of "Ouida."
Within three hundred feet of the highest
point, we reached broad plateau covered with
verdure, and Fastening to the fine spring of pure
ice-cold water which CUISINES from the base of the
peak, over four thousand feet above the level oil
the sea- we slaked our thirst and turned the
horses loose to Craze upon the fine grass which
grew there in abundance, they being of no fur.
Their use as the rest of the ascent had to be made
on foot.
Here we rested and partook of the plentiful
repast which the forethought of the ladies had
prepared, and which their fair hands were soon
busily engaged in spreading upon the grass.
Being much refreshed by our rest, we soon &C.
complished the remaining three hundred feet tc
the summit, and stood in mute astonishment al
the vast amphtheatre which lay spread out be-
fore u.s. Far below lay the great Valley of Vir
ginia, resembling vast sea of green hemmed il
by rampant of mountains and the cultivated
farms dotting here and there its surface. like
golden isles The top of the Knob presents tht
appearance of q truncated cone is covered with
vegetation, and many rare flowers are found
LII oloro Ian
in profusion.
We spent about an hour here-high above tn,
earth-enioying the grandest view eyes ha(
ever beheld, and our hearts filled with emotion
of wonder and awe at the grandeur and sublim
ity of the scene. Far away to the South AM
East lay the long and apparently curved line O
the Blue Ridge sharply defined against the sky
10 the West we could trace the line of the Ches
apeake s. Ohio Railroad, winding along the bas
of the mountain ranges until it was lost in tn
far off Alleghanies, and North of US stretches
away the grass land of the Pastures rs far as tn
eye could reach.
The thickening clouds soon ohscured the seen
and q slight rain fastened the descent. Although
our descent was almost as tollsome as our ascent
yet it was much more speedily accomplished
Regaining our carriages, we soon reached Vari
ETY. Springs and were comfortably accommodate
by the kind and gentlemanly proprietor MI
Burrus. After a refreshing rest OF few hour
and hearty supper, we stroled around the beau
tiful Summer retreat and partook of the variet
of waters from which the place is appropriated
named.
At night Mr.. Burrus sent for musician an
until eleven o'clock the weariEess of the da
was forgotten in the gayety and enjoyment Of tn
dance.
After a sound nights rest, an early breakfas
and several games of tenpins, our party bad
farewell to Variety and its accommodating pro
proprietor and returned to Staunton, as happ
and joyous party of excursionsts as ever as
cended Elliotts Knob or tripped the Tight fan
tastic toe'' at Variety Springs.
RAMBLER.