The weekly Thibodaux sentinel and journal of the 8th Senatorial District. [volume] (Thibodaux, Lna. [i.e. La.]) 1875-1898, 1885-10-10
r MACON COUNTY.

Editor Thibmsaux SENTINEL:
MIR. Editor.-Owing TO impaired
health from close application to bust
ness !; and the Surroundings Of damp
and malarious district l resolved to
seek IL spot where might have y good
time, rest and recuperation.
Having heard of the Blue Ridge as il
sanitary resort | determined to seek
among its greer valleys. beautiful lin
pid, bubblin< streams, Of the most IN
contaminated. soft. Wholesome water,
that climate and change Of scenery
which have proven SD beneficial to me.
The Blue Ridge us is well known Is
the most Eastern part OF the Appaia
chan Range, and extends from Mury-
land I" Georgia, distant about three
hundred miles from the Atlantic, and
parallel to same. geographically,
the country is o:ie unbroken series of
billy cragsy peak, ridges. valleys,
streams, springs, shoals and falls.
Most OF the ridges and valleys are
heavily timbercd and the soil though
poor admirably suited for the growing
of all sorts of fruits. The apple. grape
and pc. ch grow lrxnriant.y. and are cx
ceeding y large Il, d luscious The sta
pie crops are corn rye. buckwheat aud
potatoes.
The forests abound in wild game.
The most inexperienced hunter is not
long out. before tagging a couple of
fine pheasant> or a fat turkey.
Afew days ago we organized an es-
plo'ing expedition, consisting of par
ty of young ladies. bold and intrepid,
and several visiting gentlemen.
The only wagon, that could stand the
least chance OF returning at all to Horse
Cove the point of departure, was the
staunch and weather, beaten Mountain
Schooner. This vehicle seems to be a
sort of hybrid o cross-breed between
the massive wagon of the Southern su.
gar plantation, and the old t%ransconti-
mental Of antibellum days. 1t was
drawn by four stout mules.
Our pathe lie across high and precip
ltons mountains, and altar a days
journey we descended from the wagon,
looking pale, haggard and dreadf.lly
dislocated. We now stood near the
summit of the White Side Mountain.
the ~loftiest peak of the Blue Ridge. 1t
stands about five thousand feet above
the level of the sea and gives a com
mandiDg view of five different Stctes.
1t consists of one solid mass of huge,
solid rock The ascent is over craggy
peaks and uncomtortably near huge
precipices. One slip Of the foot and the
unfortunate victim would be dashed a
thousand feet below.
But what words can describe the
beautiful panora. as the glorious sun
was slowly sinking behind the distant
blue, peaks, blending one into the other.
Not a cloud was to be e in the hor,-
ION.
The surrounding country bathed in
ethereal blue, the whole resting upon
the rich green foliage of the forest,
bring about a r%esttul, quiet condition
of the mind. which must be seen to be
appreciated.
After a hazardous descent we enjoy
ed hearty supper, tcmptiugly
spread upon a luxuriance of green fern.
and lit up by a large, blazing log fire.
After a lively conversation over the
events Of the day. and some good sing
ing furnished by the musical talent of
the party we retired to our blankets.
We were soon lulled to sleep, by the
growing of the bears and dismal howl
ing of the half famished wolves.
The next morning ere the break OF
day We managed to scramble to the
rocky summit, there to witness the ris-
ing sun. Innumerable white, feecy
clouds lie resting in wavy outline upon
the slopes of the mountains, and in the
dim and uncertain light of early dawn,
the whole country around seemed to
be transformed into me immense ocean
maddened and agitated by some equi-
nOctical gale.