The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1878-08-15
CEDAR CREEK.

'i'i' WINS io0"iiuy, iell llls embryo Guy
few mornings since and turned my steps in
that direction. 1t was beautiful morning,
and as | assembled the heights that form the
divide between the two forks of this stream.
nothing appeared to circumscribe the vision
save where burning slashings were sending
their smoky clouds to the sky. was on
foot, and as the forenoon advanced the heat
rendered this mode of travel rather burden
some; so | turned aside and sought the resi-
dence of Mr.. Lyons, our village blacksmith,
where | remained till late in the afternoon.
found him and his family quite pleasantly
situated, and Judging from the amount of
improvements made during his short resi-
dence there, he and his son are not enjoying
many idle moments. At 4 o'clock | again
set out; it was still uncomfortably warm
but L was soon i'll the green timber where
the read is shaded the greater part of the
way. was soon upon the heights that over
look the north fork, and | could trace the
windings of that stream for several miles and
count the farms and buildings that dot it's
banks | could gaze upon the bare peaks
and deep ravines that characterize the coun-
try to the north, while away over the green
forests and rugged hills to the northeast,
Mt. st. Helens lifts her lofty summit. clad
i'll snowy garb that is bidding defiance to
the summers sun. There is poetry in the
scene and the muses. fill the soul with inspi-
ration. Hank:
My pace now increases as l pass down the
slope,
First walking, then trotting, and then in a
lopc;
Thus swift DER the highway eagerly pressed,
For the sun was now sinking quite low in the
west.
l had descended the hill and emerged from
the woods,
When caught up with man with basket
of goods;
His gait was familiar-I had seen him before
He had been to La Center, and was just from
the store.
As gazed at his basket anxiously felt
\ longing desire to know where he dwelt.
This man proved to be f. r. Hamilton, of
Cedar Creek, who added one more to an al
ready long list of generous acts by inviting
the writer to his home. The invitation was
accepted and we marched ON together. We
are soon in the vicinity of Cedar Creek.
Bald Mountain shuts from view the country
to the south, while ravine upon the lett
marks the course OF this beautiful stream.
The road is dry, save where crossed by little
streams flowing down from the side of the
mountains But we press ON, and just as
the sun was sinking out Of sight, arrived at
the home of my genial friend. \ glance at
the buildings, orchard, garden, fences and
gates, revealed system seldom found III the
arrangement of country homes. 1t is a
pleasant location. But we enter the dwell
ing and supper is soon commenced. We are
hungry, but the Mrs had evidently fed
hungry people before, and is amply prepared
for the emergency. We are tired, but the
wearied limbs are forgotten amid the varied
charms of a happy home. But darkness
comes and the whole household are wrapped
III slumber, and the stiffness of the night is
undlsturbed, save by the snoring OF the
writer. Morning comes. Breakfast is about
| ready, when the writer arises from his couch
and steps out upon the threshold to take
another view OF the surroundings. All the
ais and troubles incident upon old asr
seemed To vanish at the glimpse Of the fine
scenery and the inhalations of the pure
breeze. Mr. Hamilton is the mechanical gen
iou> Of this locality, and there are few if any
labors connected with the watchmakcr's or
gunsmith'> calling in which he is not very
thoroughly vcrscd. But | pass on, and Just
down hill from this place | came TO the
home Of john Jubcr \ beautiful little stream
i flowing by, and near il a convenient and ca
pacious barn has been erected. \ short dis
tancc oil and upon the side of the hill stands
| hi, dwelling. In the general outline from "A
financial point of view, prosperity is apparent.
The fields are well fenced and the land well
cultivated. y fine span of horses craze in the
meadow. and harness and wagon are seen
at the barn; chickens chirp in the grass the
barking Of "A dog is heard, and cat sits doZ-
ing upon the roof. But within the dwelling
there is dead silence and n sadness peryad.
lng the premises that pcnetratcS the depths
of the soul Alas, alas. that fellow has not
felt the due force of that scriptural passage,
1T is not good for man to be alone" But
there are prospects Of a change in this re-
spcct. There are indications Of the erection
OF new house. Ere long we may expect to
see him supplied with the better half and
in due process Of time the current of that lit
tie stream may hc disturbed by tiny feet and
its gentle ripplngs mingled with the music
OF happy voices. i little farther along Is the
farm and residence of Mr. Russell. This
dwelling j. wrapped in the gloom Of the for
mcr, but its owner is free from the grave re-
sponsibility resting upon his shoulders. In
hi, Younger years he has experienced the So
ciety and comforts of wife and family, but
they are now scattered, and he in hi, gray
hairs and in the evening Of life i left TO Jour
ney alone. This farm il for sale, and the land
seeker, with few hundred dollars at his com
command, will do well to give Mr.. Russell
call. But ! pass on. There il no green tim
Der on the south side Of the stream here. and
the ire gular surface is covered with dense
growth Of brush and fern. | snuff poetry in
the breeze:
And again arouse, light out on the run,
Aud through the tall fern ! pre.s ON in
hurry,
For 'tis now getting late, near noon by the sun,
And ! want to take dinner with Simon +.
Murray.
The roof of his house from the trail Is now
seen
It's coy frame dwelling that stands by the
stream.