The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1885-10-03
CAMPING OUT,
Mr.. EDITOR:

NINA IaIGlV That the Tett>OH htdIl anu
Eve enioved the Garden Of Eden 50
much, was because they were camping
out. 1t seems to have run in the
blood F" ever since, and we think moth
ing quite so romantic and delightful,
a. to leave behind US our everyday
cares and comforts, and 90 out with
tents and blankets, tin cups and camp
kettles, with a scant allowance of con-
veniencies, and follow the example OF
our great projenitors.
On a bright fall morning recently,
a small party Of Us started out for 4
two days vacation, and if you will al
low me little time and space, | will
tell you something Of our trip.
Slowing our party into row boats,
we proceeded up the St. Louis river
until We came to Grand Island, which
We should never have known was an
island, so large is it, but for coasting
about and finding that it really was
entirely surrounded by water; in one
place, however, the island coming so
near the main land that our boats
could just pass comfortably through
the cutoff.
We landed upon a low bank, but
climbed to a bluff above for our camp
ing place, and there lay before Us
view that am sure we shall not soon
forget. ] had been familiar with this
river for many years, but was not pre-
pared for the beautiful picture which
now met the eve. We could see the
river for miles, turning in sharp curves
around long points Of land, or sweep
ing rapidly by low grassy meadows
running now toward the south as tho
it would seek Il warmer climate, then
suddenly starting off toward the north
Or east rs though having reconsidered
and determined to find the shortest
way to its destination, the great lake
The island upon which we landed is
probably the largest in the river, said
10 contain 400 acres, but there are
a number of small islands scattered up
and down the stream. Directly in
front Of our camp was Spirit Island,
believed by the Indians to be haunted
or enchanted, and before we left we
had fully come to the same belief.
We had heard that mortals were
never known to land there, but being
Yankees, or descendants Of Yankees,
we concluded we would see for our
SELVES what truth there was in the
story.
TO reach the enchanted isle, we were
obliged to row around long point.
When we started, there was very little
wind. The day was one Of those per
feet autumn days which we have on
Lake Superior, leaving nothing to be
desired OF course our thought and
conversation were upon the beautiful
island, and theories rs to its inhabitant
were discussed whether a sleeping
princess waiting for her prince to come
and release her. or the spirit Of some
dusky maiden keeping watch for the
Indian brave, who must have found
some other maiden just as dusky and
suited to his fancy, else would he not
have left her guarding that lone isle
SO long
SO busy were we with our conject-
ures, that for some little time we did
not notice that the waves were rising,
but finally became aware that we were
making very little Roadway, and the
sky was growing cloudy. But we
pushed on with renewed vigor, and as
we did so, the wind blew with increased
force, and very soon the waves were
handling US pretty roughly. One pc
culiar thing struck us, the island that
had looked so near q short time before,
now seemed TO have receeded, and a
misty, unreal look hung about it.
With wondering eyes turned toward
each other, we soon found that one
and all shared the same feeling, and
that was that it would not be well for
lis rashly to defy the spirit Of the isle.
No sooner was our boat turned about
when a change came over the scene.
The waves ceased to rise III pillows
against the boat, and we were soon
floating TRANQUILITY again.
When evening came and the moon
which was nearly full, shone upon the
scene before US, the island stood out in
greater beauty than before, and made
US regret more than ever that we were
not in favor with its silent guardian.
The evening being cool we had a
brilliant camp fire, oft rcplenished bv
Il lad in our company, who also
fixed our tents and made our bough
beds, and, thanks to him, made them.
too, without bones, which are some
times painfully manifest in camp beds.
For our evening amusement, the idea
was suggested and carried out, that we
should have charades. Our camp fire
with lis flames and smoke answered
nicely fora drop curtain; the shadows
Of the trees formed suitable and ap-
propriate green room" Wewere not
aware how much talent we had in the
party until scene after scene of Won
drous interest appeared before Us, the
party taking turns at playing and be
ing audience.
One scene, in which an antelope was
represented darting across the stage, 4
blithe young creature, With startled
look, head thrown back, smiling the
air, was especially admired.
One Of the party who was rather
deep in his imagination, confused Us
Tor some time by holding an immense
bunch Of bright autumn branches to
his face. 1t turned out that his nose
was the particular organ he meant to
represent, watch with the bright leaves
y course meant 4 "nosegay.n This
brought down the house.
Time will not suffice to describe the
scenes enacted upon that woodland
stage, but there were some that would
have made Booth weep in envy, and
NeCulloch tear his hair in frenzy.
" hen the curtain had finally fallen at
a late hour, We sought our sylvan