Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1878-09-06


summit by night, it was necessary TO
take an early start.
As we neared the mountains the
scenery was changed, and the time, as
we'll rs distance passed more rapidly.
Our road for the first three hours fol-
lowed by the Ammunusic River,
whose bed winds its way among the
hills, forming picturesque hooks and
falls which are everywhere to be
found along this river. We reached
the Fabyan House at s O'Clock, a. m.
Here we tarried for an hour, and were
kindly entertained by some old ac-
quaintances who were anxious We
should see everything of interest.
However we were impatient to reach
Mount Washington, and resuming
our journey reached the base Of the
mountain in time for dinner. Up to
that time it was clear and the scenery
was grand, All at once a small cloud
was to be seen upon the mountain,
and in an almost incredibly short tine
we were enveloped with clouds. This
was disappointment, for we knew
it was impossible to get "a view" du-
ring the day. However we conclud-
ed to make the ascent as far as the
"Half-way House" and camp for the
night. Upon reaching the house ev-
erything was bolted and barred, SO
we pitched our tent in bunch of
bushes and stopped awhile. But the
wind was blowing thirty miles an
hour, together with rain and sleet,
making an impression for the worst
for the future of the night. After
holding counsel, we decided to 60
to the base, and we arrived there
tired, wet and hungry, ready 10 give
in a verdict that trip to the noun
tains "don'U pay" Here we were re-
ceived by the gentlemanly and genial
proprietor of the Marshfield House,
VIM. G. Crawford, who will always
make a trip successful to the tourist
if possible. We tarried at this house
until fair weather was anticipated,
and then commenced our ascent once
more. We were joined by a party of
good-natured fellows from Concord,
N. H., who were 'roughing 1t" and
were ever ready for fun, making our
party consist of twenty-three. AS
we neared the summit cloud was
observed, and in short space Of time
everything was shut out from view.
Still perseverance seemed to be the
motto. We reached the monument Of
Lizzie Bourne about nine a. m.
At this place the traveller stops, and
with wonder reads the following in
scription:
"LIZZIE BOURNE,
DAUGHTER OF JUDGE BOURNE,
KENEBUNK, Me-,
Perished here,
Sept. II, 1855.
Aged % years"
We gazcd for some time on this
pile of rocks and wondered why Prov
idence saw fit to cut off such bright
active life, and how strange that she
should end her days in such drear
and bleak place. But the cold rain
compelled us to resume our journey,
and we reached the "Tip-Top House"
in time for dinner. The clouds still
remained and things looked discour-
aging. About one o'clock, p. m, the
clouds began to break away, and in a
short space of time we beheld view,
which we were informed had not been
surpassed during the season. Hills and
valleys seemed to rise before us, which
until then we could not believe exist
ed. Lakes and mountains were to be
seen on every side. Green Noun
tains on the west, peaks of the most
lofty mountains iE Canada, together
with the ocean On the cast, formed
panorama which cannot be described.
1t WAS truly sublime. We remained
Oh the mountain until sunset, when
we descended to the base and spent
the night. The next morning we got
aboard the train, and reached home
at noon, very much fatigued, but did
not regret having taken the tramp.
GEO. A. BALcH.