Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1880-05-18
A Trip to the Mountains.

Trip to the Mountains
On the balmy morn of the 10th inst, party
of us departed from the village of Mint Spring
to seek the mountain pastures far to the south
east of Midway. The sun shone brightly, the
birds sang joyously on every spray. in fine,
every thing seemed to offer happy wishes for q
pleasant trip and a safe return. Before the FORE
noon was far spent we were entering the sub
urbs of Greenville situated on proud emil
hence overlooking the mill dam, where former
ly that large-sized fish caught by Mr.. Minor
Palmer, sported in its deep and billowy waters.
Quietly and cautiously pursuing our course up
main street. lest the private franchises of this
corporation be trampled upon and ourselves
cast into dismal dungeons, to suffer the loneli-
ness and confinement of a Chillon prisoner, we
passed its corporate limits, however, .unmolest-
ed and in no great while under the heat and
glow of midday, rode boldly into the town of
Midway without any fear Of molestation, OBJ
CRYING particularly on our right nineteen
black letters spangling clear white banner
which appeared very much to us like whis-
key saloon sign. Taking the Monticello turn
pike. we addressed our steps rapidly towards
the Blue Ridge. foltering for while on the
grassy banks of stream short distance below
ceded in the rear. and any further progress
seems stayed by the threatening heads of the
mountain, rising in our front. The mark OF
perennial verdure does not merge imperceptibly
into this barren, desoiate region, being distinct
ly visible.
A great rocky plain stretches itself far and
wide for many miles, over which it is our in
evitable fate to travel before reaching the base
of the mountain. The ascent appears gradual,
encompassed on the right and left by high
frowning peaks. The piercing beams of the
MONDAY sun are splintered and its scorching
heat somewhat lessened by an exuberant
growth of foliage. We wendell slowly our way
along this zigzag road, crossing at intervals a
number of small rivulets, leaping from their
stony beds. Late in the evening al the curtains
of night began to spread around the gloomy re-
cesses of the cliffs, wewere conquerors of these
almost inaccessible heights. Upon these dread
full tops birds of prey build their nests, variety
of waterfalls are seen pouring from the sum-
mits and tumbling in vast sheets from rock to
rock in rude and terrible magniicence. Some
times scattered here and there you see culti-
waited spot, robed in living green, which would
only appear that the sweet heritage could be
cropped by the wild goat. as they bound from
cliff to cliff. ALI around, the steep, shaggy
peaks pierce the ETHEREAL regions in shapes as
spiry and fantastic as the rocks themselves and
whose very crests as they rise one above an
other must ever ensure their immaculate sum-
| mits from the footsteps of man, except to those
bold climbers who peril life and limb to stand
for a brief moment on these wind-swept, lofty
crags. The contrast of light and shade, produc-
ed by the morning and evening sun presents a
new scene of establishment; while the vast
shadow, projected by the mountains, buries
| the opposite part in deep and purple gloom
which the eye can scarcely penetrate, the other
side is bathed in yellow streams of light, pur-
pie hues, and azure tints. Sometimes, serene
| air and clear sky disclose the tops Of the high
estpeaks, at other times the clouds crown their
| submits, repose on their sides. or roll along
| the base, resembling one huge furnace.
We are told. when the winds rage they roar
among the cliffs and chasms like sharp peals of
thunder, and the crashing of oaks and the
sounds of maddened cataracts, join the dread
| full tumult. In short. every thing is colossal,
| yet they lack the smiling valleys and shelter
ed lakes, which impart such picturesque charms
| to the Alps. They possess the sublimity with
| out the amenity, the beauty without the vari-
ETY., which are characteristic of less elevated
| ranges in foreign lands. AT still moonlight the
SOUNDS Oh distant WATERFALLS are DOruo ny DOuule
winds in varied songs among these enchanting
| dales and open such romantic scenes of delicate
| beauty, repose and solemnity as exceed all de-
scription. No wonder the illustrious Com.
Maury loved to picture these unrivalled objects
of exquisite beauty and pride in such chaste
and ornate language. No wonder he preferred
| the removal of his remains in the May-time
| through the mountains when the laurel was III
| bloom, bees in the blossoms. ferns and flowers
decking its sides, to a funereal cortege over
Swallowed by the gloom and dreariness of win
ter. Far sway into the smoky eastern horizon
we could family see narrow portion of Nelson,
spreading out in one extensive plain, calling to
remembrance that prolific valley which once
excited the eupidity OF the Carthagenian army
from their own bountiful lap to make inroads
into Italy. rf
Mountains are indeed the NEST impressive
| and sublime works of nature and form the most
permanent and enduring monuments of great
events. They stand as witnesses for the crea-
tor, reminding US of sacred facts and truths and
every view of their lofty submits and every
recurrence to them in thought refreshens the
precious memories of Sinai, Ararat, Carmel,
TRANSPORTATION, still shining in all the pearly
lustre of "fair morn risen on mid-noon."
Let US add in conclusion that the inhabitants,
| who dwell in these aerial regions, are exceed
ingly kind and hospitable to those who visit
| their habitations meath sunny skies and
salubrious chimes, but want the fertility of soil
and beautiful cottages to induce a valley per-
son to leave kindly soil and comfortable
home.
"There are as many lovely things,
| AS many pleasant tones,
For those who sit by mountain hearths
AS those who sit on thrones.''
ANNIE LAURIE.