Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1882-07-13
An Excursion to Traverse City.

A certain day Of June, 1882, shall forever remain
marked in our calender, by the hghiest OF red let
tiers. On that day we at q. m, ate breakfast
at and by were ON the docks at Petoskey waiting
for the steamer. At 20 we started on the elegant
steamer T. s. Faxton bound for Traverse Bay. What
can be imagined more enjoyable than our experience
that bright perfect June day. The swiftly running
steamer the bright water Of the Baythen the dark
blue Of grand old Lake Michigan. II any in nature
can be found more beautiful than the scenery along
the shores of the lake-then we ready to see 1t.
A short eighteen miles and We reach Charlevoix-
steam in this fine river TO the docks of Round Lake,
beautiful sheet of water all but land enclosed. As
our boat turned in 1t got glimpse Of Pine Lake,
sixteen miles long, clear, 70 Boyne City. Then we
moved onward to Norwood, our next stopping place.
Leaving this little village entered the beautiful
and far famed Grznd traverse Bay. What scenes
for an artist. Onether side kises theswelng banks
heavy with natures primitive covering. Anon we
pass between cultivated fields and fruit orchards, or
fields green with grass or heavy with their weight OF
grain. At two could plainly see the city as quiz
etly rests at the head OF western Of the Bay By
2:2O we we're there remaining two hours and having
time to visit some Of the objects Of interest. Then
we started on our homeward way-the sun set before
we reached Norwood. Such sun Get I'VE wish every
one who reads this letter could see the sun set In
Lake Michigan as we did that night. At Charieyoix
large steamer the Champagne, LEFT the docks just
as we entered the hsrbor telling the folks there that
they would beat the Faxton to Petoskey.9 But our
gallant little beauty soon passed them, and though
they threw stream OF sparks from their smokestack
that could be seen for miles, and made the tid Of
our party imagine monster was chasing us, II was
no usewe landed full twenty minutes ahead OF them.
By 10 p. m. we were In bed and soon were dreaming
OF our trip And it was we'll worth dreaming of-16o
miles in sunshine and by moonlight all for 81. And
right here let us say that we have travelled some
have been insulted by Missouri conductor when
asking civil question. Have seen the hrsclass cars
locked at Kansas City and been hustled BY petty
Official into osecondclass in spite Of holding
rst-cass ticket; have heard certain Captain on
Lake Erie steamer swear till the afr was blue as the
lake, although his boat was crowded with ladies and
ministers; have ourselves been sworn at backwards
by the stormy Dutch skipper Of the .Ferris.y Once
on an excursion to Detrait saw the crowd decoyed
blythe pleasant 'just leave your baggage and wraps
here" and heard their wrathful protests when the
return of each lunch boz shawl drew unwilling
dime from their pockets. So let us record with
pleasure that, far, summer experience is en-
trey free from blackmail of any kind, from boor
ish officials, and that particularly on this steamer
Paxton, the pleasant, gentlemanly conduct of Capt.
Aldrich, his son the mate and the clerk, to be
praised and remembered. And we would advise any
one coming to northern Michigan, and wishing to
hance the pleasure Of their trip to come by rail as far
as Traverse City, thence by steamer. BY so doing
they will not onty get rid Of the only unpleasant part
Of their car ride, but many cities and villages In
cluding some of the most famous summer resorts,
and above ALL the grand scenery of the bays islands
and shores along the route. AS write, the inde-
pendence guns firing, and as we are to help cele
brate the glorious day must bring this letter TO q
close. &S asa ~ - -
PETosKEY, July 4th, 1882.