The Wilmingtonian., 1885-08-15
Up The Switchback.

As will be seen by reference to another
page the "Frst Regiment Delaware Nation
al Guards" have announced an excursion to
Mauch Chunk, Glen Onoko and up the
Switch Back to the Ice Cave and to the
Burning Mountain.
The committee had special referen 20 to
the cultivated tastes of their patrons when
they selected the II of September as the ap-
pointed time of their excursion.
Prior to this date there is sameness OF
the scenery, and later in the season the trees
are largely denuded of their foliage, but the
18th of September is a happy mean between
the seasons, and at this date a ride up the
''Switch Back" battles the description of
even the most imaginative.
One of the most enjoyable and satisfac-
tory trips that can be taken is that of a ride
over the Switch Back
Nolocomotives arc used in going either
way, consequently there is positive freedom
from smoke, cinders, smell of coal gas, ETC.,
which is so annoying to travellers on ordi-
nary railroads.
Travellers who entor these cars for the
first time are greatly astonished at the novel
way in which they are carried along. There
is 10 motive power in sight. In starting from
Mauch Chunk the passenger, upon enter
ing the car and looking ahead, sees the
track leading directly up steep
hill.
wire rope resting on numerous little
iron pulleys in the middle of the track, ex
tends from the top of the plane, as it is
| called. When ready this cable rope, by a
signal, is started and man employed for
the purpose has in his hand a short piece of
very heavy chain callel ''sling." with a
large hook at each end one Of which he IN.
serts into link attached to the car and the
| other into one of the links contained in the
endless rope, aud up they go at a speed
| something like fourteen miles an hour.
| Once on the summit the sling is detached.
and, the gravity slightly descending, the
cars run their own gravity for few miles g,
when the foot ofanother plane is reached.
This is assembled in the same manner as the
\ first and so on until the summit is reached
The cars are drawn up the hills by station
airy engines located at the head of the
planes.
1t is impossible to describe or imagine
the many windings and curves the road
makes. The speed of the cars rushing
down and around the mountain is very
great, perhaps a mile minute, and produces
some queer feeling Of surprise and fear at
first experience. In going down the
mountain, the cars make sudden turn and
gorushing in another direction, making a
circuit of several miles to get down the
mountains. At one point person can
look down from the cars aud see the track
many feet below, and few minutes later
look up with surprise at the track lust
passed over, now many feet above This
sudden curve is called the Shepherds Crook.
At this point the road runs at a great
elevation being far above the tops
of the tallest trees. For the accommo-
dation Of tourists, the trains are sometimes
stopped few moments at this curve TO
enable passengers to enjoy the beauties
of the wild, magnificent scenery extending
for miles below.
Captain E. Mitchell, Col. Wood and Ma
jor Curtis have been selected as a commit
tee to perfect the plans whereby the exeur
sion to "Mauch Chunk" shall be the most
complete in all of its appointments and the
most enjoyable one of the season.
The First Regiment is composed of our
most worthy young men, and the necessity
Of an armory is conceded by all. This
excursion has been arranged expressly to the
end that nucleus might be formed for tho
construction of suitable building.
Those participating in this excursion will
not only have day of rare enjoyment but
their presence will also give practical en-.
cOnragement to most worthy cause.