The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1880-10-30
Notes from Aunt Chats Portfoli

Notes from Aunt Chats Portfolio.
Mount Desert Island-Beautiful Scenery
Schooner Head-Bar Harbor-Old Or
chard Beach-Excursions, ETC., Etc.
NEW YORK, Oct. -, 1880.
EDITOR CHIEF:
Mount Desert Island lies on the coast
Of Maine, about one hundred and fifty
miles northeast of Portland. 1t is fifteen
miles long by eight wide and is separa-
ted from the mainland by small arm of
the sea, across which is . bridge. There
is stage route from Bangor, but the
greatest travel is by steamers from Bos-
ton, Portland and Rockland. We went
by way Of Rockland where we passed
the night. Took the steamer at A. NJ,
and reached Bar Harbor, one of the
three towns on the island, at l P. NJ.
Many had endea> ored to dissuade us
from going, urging that we would surely
encounter fogs, so prevalent there, at
that season, and see nothing! We saw
nothing Of fogs and no one ever had a
more lovely sail. Seated III front, well
wrapped, for it was very cold on the
water, we enjoyed the fragrant sea air
and the charming scenery. The route
lay generally near the shore and be-
tween islands; but at times we were
quite far out and nothing to separate US
from the great stretch Of the great Allan
tic ocean. Hotels are numerous, yet
We applied to several before getting ac-
commodations. None are very good,
simply because the patronage is so very
great. The island is thronged with visi-
tors every season. 1t is certainly very
attractive, not only through the indus
try and taste Of man, but by reason of
the rare and rich attractions Of nature.
The eea and mountain air are combined
and the many pleasurablo exercises and
amusements render it one of the most re-
munerative resorts. The summer resi-
dents go there for real out of door coun-
try life, and dress accordingly wear
flannel suits, sun hats and heavy shoes.
Driving, riding, fishing, rowing and
sailing are in perfection.
There are seven mountain ridges from
200 to 1900 feet high. We drove up
! Green mountain and had an extended
view of lakes, mountains, farms, islands
and sea but what road road or ruts
only equalled in roughness by one re-
member, across the Virginia mountains
There are number of other roads which
are delightfully."- smooth.
The rock bound coast is singularly and
romantically beautiful. Cliffs to the
height Of 112 feet rise out of the sea
Among the points of interest are "Spout
| ing Horse" wide chaEm in the cliffs
through which the waves dash thei1
spray with great force, high in the air
"Thunder Cave" recess in the rocks
where the waves plunging over loose
boulders create rumbling noise likt
thunder. The I. Ovens" cavities formed
by the sea wearing away the soft rocl
of the cliffs-a dozen or more in row
some large enough to hold grea
many people-and "Schooner Head" !:
white rock, which, when viewed from
a sufficient distance, bears the appear
ance of small schooner with jib an,
mainsail set. Tradition says that in th'
war Of 1912 British frigate fred into it
under the impression that it was al
American vessel hugging the shore.
A great attraction at Bar Harbor i
the encampmeut Of Indians. 1t is com
posed Of portions Of different tribes VIII
live in the northern part of Maine
where they own and cultivate farms
They 90 t. the summer resorts to max
money, and it is real pleasant to go int,
their tents and see all the pretty thing
they have for sale, such as canoes, bow
and arrows, baskets and furs whicl
they convert into foot mats, bags, caps
and shoes. They dye the splits for tn
baskets and blend the colors so harmo
niously that they are beautiful. The,
were well patronized and could with dif
ficulty fill orders. We conversed witt
some of the most intelligent men anon,
them. They think that, owing to civil
zation, living within doors, wearin,