The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1881-01-19
MOUNT POPOCAYAPETL.
The Thrilling Story Of Wonderful
Ascent.
An Americans Experience With the Great
Mexican VoIcanO-A Climb to the sum-
nit and Descent Into the Crater.
Philadelphia Esoo-d.l

nit of Mount Popocatapetl. 1t was while /
ascending the Plains of Mexico that the
party of which was a number first caught |
sight of the cone of Popocatapetl, with its
diadem o. snow, piercing the sky. A trip
to the summit was often discussed by Us,
but we were discouraged by the stories told |
us by the natives of the craggy precipiees,
deep gullies, snow, ice and intense cold
which we should encounter, and that none
but an Indian could reach the top. So
when we reached Puebla, whence We had
intended to start on the ascent, the party |
had become quite disheartened. But on
arriving at the City of Mexico, Mr.. George
Sllilton, brother of the American Consul,
who has made the ascent, gave us so much
encouragement that we decided to try it.
He introduced US to General Gaspar San
chos Ocha, owner of the volcano,
who kindly gave Us permission to
make the ascent and promised Us
every facility. About daybreak of
February 3, 1879. Mr.. Haines, of Camden,
, n. j., and myself started on Mexican stage
coach, at full gallop-the only gait it seems
to know out of the grand square and
through the southern gate of the city, with
Lake Tezcocu rejecting the light OF the RS
inc sun, and the white dome of POpocatapet
ahead, 100 miles distant. We reached
ChalcO, forty miles distant, about IL o'clock,
and four,hOUrs later we reached Mirahores,
where we left the stage, accepting an invi-
ton from Mr. Robertson, to whom we had
letters.an who was exceedingly hospitable
: to remain over night. He is the proprietor
Of the large factories here and the owner of
the town. Starting next morning we reached
the old city of TalmaLalco, now mostly in
ruins, and soon after arrived in Ameca, at
the foot of the mountain. Here our guide
conducted US to the house of the Superinten-
dent of the sulphur works at the volcano,
who had beer advised of our coming through
letters from General Ocha, and instructed TO
provide guides and the necessary outfit, for
US. he could speak little English and
took great interest in us. He soon had our
guides ready-four Indians on foot and one
with horses to go as far as possible to ride.
Our outfit, besides provisions, consisted of
hannels to wrap around us, sandals for our
feet, etc. We were told that the trip might
take week, and that few had succt led in
making the ascent, and those under
the most favorable circumstances.
The afternoon was spent about
the beautiful town of Ameca, which is
: famous as the annual gathering place for
worship of the natives. This being the
season, by happy chance, we had a very
interesting view fthe sacred mount, several
hundred feet high; and l thought, as stood
on its summit and looked over the mass of
worshipers, with the beautiful city below,
while seemingly a little way off was the
towering mountains, that this scene alone
was worth the trip to Mexico, and felt amply
repaid were we to go no further. The morn
ing, of the 9TH dawned beautiful, as all
An0fnings do in Mexico, and we were up
v and anxious for the trip. We could
" see the crater. apparently about the
of barrel, although we were told it
three miles in circumference. Volumes
hoke and steam were constantly ascend
The summit appeared in the shape of
,y-stack with white sheet drawn over
All being ready, we started for the
Fsce At about s o'clock. For about three
niles our route was through lovely valley.
Our path was overhung with climbing
vines, tropical trees and shrubs which flung
their gay blossoms in the morning breeze
Soon we began rapid ascent and began to
enjoy views beyond description. Next we
were in the region of pines, and the tropical
plants were seen no more. Northern plants
had taken their place-the familiar spruce,
the Balm of Gilead and white pine trees
unknown in the lower Countrywide the
heavy underground had disappeared and
we could almost imagine ourselves in our
--uative land. At o'clock, at an elevation
II 10000 feet, we reached what appeared to
be a level plain between the White Lady
and Popocatapetl, with no vegetation bat
the rich pampss grass, and for about two
miles we rode through the waving psmpas
tassels, which were so tail that We could
scarcely see each others heads. Here
we had been told the robber bands would
be waiting for US, but we passed in
safety. We next reached regio-: of pines
entirely, and the ascent became very steep
UnfortuEea ely for US our guide .coc'd not
speak word of English, and we therefore
lost much valuable information. Atabout 8
o'clock We reached a rude cabin at the ter
minatiOn OF vegetation and the region of
eternal snow. They bring the sulphur from
the crater on sledges to this point, and from
here carry IL on mules to the city. We were
at an elevation Of about 1900 feet, and
after good dinner we proceeded to view
the scenery. 1t was truly sublime The
elevation was more than twice as great as
Mount Washington, while the summit still
raised its snow-white head above us to a
height nearly equal to the highest peak Of
the White Mountains. Night came on. and
as we spread our blankets for the night
around the fire at the line of perpetual win
ter our feelings were strange indeed. 1t was
bright moonlight night long to be remem
bered, and the sky seemed one vast mass of
stars We intended to make an early start.
but our guides devoted their time to our
preparation, and in spite of our efforts it was
not until day was dawning that we were in.
the saddle on the morning of the 9Th We
intended to go rs far as possible on horse
back, but had not proceeded far when we
came to fearful ravine. We
then knew why the guides would not start
before daylight. We passed it safely, and
though the snow here became quite deep.
up we went until at length the guides in
:. formed US by signs that the horses could go
no further. The guide in charge of the
beasts turned back and we struck out on
foot, the other guides taking the lead. The
ascent by this time had become very steep.
and only by zigzag move
ments could we get along The wind, too,
was blowing a gale directly in our faces, and
occasionally the sulphur and smoke from the
crater would be so strong that we could
scarcely get our breath. At length we
reached high rock upon which there was
cross, but who placed it there, why, or for