Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1879-10-01
SUMMIT OF Mr.. KEARsAGE, /
Sent. 26, 1879.

sept. 70, 1919.
We remember of hearing of newly mar
ried couple who refraincd from making a
bridal trip to Niagara Falls, and came to the
wise conclusion that a visit to kennebcc Dam
would answer all essential purposes, and save
time and an infinite amount of trouble and
perplexity generally; and so, as the elements
conspired on Wednesday and Thursday to
prevent a second ascent of Mt. Washington,
we concluded to make virtue of necessity
and let that slight elevation ''slidc." and re-
pair to this magnificent outlook of the entire
mountain range. where the eye can sweep the
horizon at all points, atiording a nearer view
of mountains. rivers, valleys, lakes, and old
ocean. than can he obtained even on the sum
nit of Washington although, from the latter
point the scene presents much more of mag
nficent and awe-inspiring grandeur than at
any other locality in New England, or else
where. TO reach this elevation requires a
toilsome ascent along a circuitous bride path,
a distance Of three miles and forty rods from
the base. About half way up there Is spring
of abundant and excellent water with seats
arranged for the accommodation of the weary
traveller. The last half of the ascent is
mostly along precipitous cliffs, with winding
y
siderable muscular power to traverse. The
ascent may be made on horseback; and
trained horses are kept for the accommoda-
ton of ladies others venturesome enough
to try the experiment.
Upon the highest peak of the cone of Mt.
Kearsage is a summer hotel, kept by Mr..
Albert A. Whitaker, a gentleman of versa
tile accomplishing pts, and possessing vast
amount of practical common sense. He has
a powerful glass through which may be seen
with minute distinctness the entire White
Mountain, and connecting ranges, from ka-
tahdin in northern Maine to the Highlands of
New York and from the sImmito of Mt. Wash
ington on the west to the city of Portland and
the bOundless ocean on the east. About the
Summit House on Mt. Washington we could
see with the utmost distinctness, ladies and
gentlemen walking along the platform, where
the cars had just arrived from Fabyan's; and
the drifts of snow that had formed on Wednes-
day night, glistened and sparkled in the bril-
liant sunlight, presenting an appearance of
magnificent splendor. The eye can never tire
while viewing those wonderful exhibitions of
natures grandeur and beauty. Far as the
vision can extend the forests blush in ever
varying tints; while towns and villages at
our feet, with lakes and rivers in the distance,
present a picture of surprising loveliness.
Our descent was accomplished with much
less of fatigue than we had expected; and
ride of some six or eight miles brought us
back to the Conway House, which appears to be
about the centre of interest to the summer or
autumn tourist. Mr.. Eastman, our ever at
tentive host conveyed our entire party to
wonderful cave near the summit of noun
tain some six miles south of the hotel; where
to all appearance the action of the ocean ut
some remote period had worn into the solid
l~I. -
breadth at the base of forty feet, depth of
thirty two feet, and a height of roof of twenty
five feet; forming sheltered habitation for
the entire "Muggins family" with all their
SISTERS and their cousins and their aunts. y
"Muggins' Castle" may be considered the
legitimate name of this wonderful and almost
inaccessible mountain retreat.
There is also a mammoth boulder about
one mile and half east of the village, which
is worthy of more than a passing notice.
This enormous mass of primitive rock was
evidently deposited upon this sandy plain at
some remote period of the worlds early his
tory, and will ever remain enshrouded in the
mysteries Of the past. BY actual measure
ment we find height of As feet length 63
feet, width 80 feet 1t is of uneven surface
the smallest point resting among mass of
loose stones of small dimensions, and To the
casual observer it would seem that trfing
push would be sufficient TO overturn the en-
tire monster. Biologists express the opinion
that this boulder was transported by an ice
berg from the Arctic regions; and it must
have dragged its way across the White Noun
tain range to its present isolated position
among the scrub pine growth of this sandy val
ley. 1t is called the Washington Boulder"
in honor of the first President of the United
States, and is worthily named. No one should
visit this locality without viewing this won
derful monument of the history of the past.
There are other matters of interest we had
designed TO notice, but the already extended
length of this communication must be a sufi.
cient excuse for the omission.
Fraternally yours, &C.,
E. RowELL.