Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1886-08-04

I ID G IT, N IL II A Il
CANOEING IN THE SOUTH AND SHENAN-
D0AH-RIVERS.
PLEASURES AND TROUBLES ATTENDING an
ATTEMPTED VOYAGE TO HARPER FERRY
FROM PArTERsoN's, VIA SHENANDOAH
RIVER AND ONE OF ITS TRIBUTARIES.
[For the SPECTATOR.
On the morning of July 21st, we, having
mad our obituaries read, and funerals preach
cd the night preceding, determined to
make reality our proposed voyage to Har-
per's Ferry.
Arriving at the Greenville Station, Shen-
andoah Valley Railroad, we found, much to
our displeasure, the train to be hours and
| late. Arrived at Patterson about 1890
A. NJ, our outfit having been shipped to
said place the day before. Having convey
ed our outfit to suitable place, we launch
sd. Jumped our first dam about 100 yards
below. Ran our first, and most dangerous
rapid about 11:30 A. NJ, and ate our first
bachelor dinner about II 40. After running
the gauntlet of numerous falls, dams, &C.,
we passed Weyer's Cave about O'Clock
and arrived at Port Republic dam at 4
O'Clock. Having spent about one hour in
that historical place. We left for further ad-
ventures. Passed Viewers and Lewis
dams with little trouble. While between
these dams Commodore Walt having fol-
lowed the tendencies of nature and the laws
of Sravitation suddenly found himself seat
ed on the bottom of the boat much to his
discontinue; it being wet and muddy. AT
ter having had an exciting but unsuccessful
chase after young wild ducks, we turned
the bow of Her Majesty s'Marie," toward
the Horse Shoe Bend. 1t being deep and
wide and consequently no current, made
tedious but pleasant ride around it. This
bend is about four miles below Port Re-
public. The river takes South Easterly
direction, and gradually curves to the left,
until it forms circuit of about d or 3
miles, resembling great horseshoe the
ends of which are about J or miles apart:
Arrived at Shaver's dam ats7:30 P. NJ, at
joyed good cup of coffee composed of Mud
dy river water and other necessary ingre-
dents After an experience of bachelors
night with his ingenious curls, we awoke
next morning. The fog seemed to have
taken possession, and we felt very insig
niicaut; but, after eating and drinking,
and making ourselves merry, we launched
our "Mdrie'' and started for other scenes of
adventure
Passed Yancey's and several fish dams,
without extra trouble. 1t was worrying,
and also amusing at some answers to our
inquiries concerning distances, &c. Having
asked person the distance to Ekton; we
were informed that it was four miles, encour-
aging, we would soon be at Elkton. When
we we're nearing the place, as we thought;
we sought other information, and got it.
1t was four and half miles; we were sailing
toward the place, but got further away;
could not understand it; about four miles
further we asked a boy who said it was 2
miles.
AS we padded along, with our darkened
information, we espied beautiful spring
take rest, and as we were very tired and
worried, We did SO. While setting beside
the sparkling little stream, we wondered
whether there was such place as Elkton,
and if there was, was it following the exam
pie of the mirage. We left cur pleasant lit
tie stream to fulfil its wonted duties and
sailed in a wondering mood on our journey,
but suddenly, with a shock and almost an
upset, We were informed that we were near
Elkton. Our boat having placed herself on
an angle Of about 30 or 40 degrees, placed
us in a critical position. Our provision box,
and other articles got very sprightly
about this time. Having become wet in
the atten,.t to dislodge our boat and to
gather together our runaway cargo, we we're
soon again following the gentler currents
of the stream. Passed Mines about five
o'clock, and arrived at Grove Hill, $50
P. M, where there is an excellent spring,
also place sufficient to pitch our TENT
Had a good nights rest, considering our
bed of gravsls and pillows of stone. We did
not dream rs did Jacob of old. Again we
embarked and had swift ride for several
miles, easily passing several dams, one Of
which seemed to desire our pleasant COM
pany for our boat elevated herself upon a
bed of rocks.
Then came the "Tug of War;" Com.
Walt seeing his end Of the boat floating con-
trary to the direction he desired, placed his
pole below the boat which coming in con-
tact with his pole, caused him to feel keen
desire to jump into the river, but finally
managed to regain his equilibrium. After
jumping various dams aud lodging rocks
we found a suitable place to locate camp
| No. 3. Oar nights rest was not SO good
| as usual but we again started all in the best
of humor Majestic ssMarie" rode the waves
like an "Iron-Clad" Everything being in
good order and having no trouble we arriv-
ed at Overall "a small flag station on the
s. V. r. r. Here we spent our fourth and
| fifth night, the intervening day, being
Sunday.
Monday morning, "bright and early" on
our way rejoicing, we passed the "Golden
| Rock, near Bentonviile. Il is beautiful
| wall of rock which looks as though great
| giant had used huge axe in dressing its
side. Its seams are curved, resembling the
runner of sleigh and are in parallel lines
varying from 8 inches to 4 feet in width
From the Golden Rock, we sailed along
| very peacefully, until we were aroused by
the thunde", of Front Royal dam, in the
distance. After arriving and taking care
| full examination of the chute, supposed the
| ''Marie" would ride it, as she did others.
Alasl She was not equal to our trust. She
| rode the first wave splendidly, but ran into
the second. Ere we were aware she was full
of water and was performing series of
double summersaults over the large rocks
| that would be hard to describe. The only
way | could impart the knowledge to others
| is to induce them to try the experiment.
| After four or five of these extraordinary per-
| formances, | managed to regain foothold,
and took in the state of affairs at once. The
| head of Com. Walt and the front end of the
boat, were sticking out of the water sailing
leisurely down the river accompanied by
| the scattered constituents of our cargo, all
| in solemn procession. The boat and her
occupant, did not go far in this leisurly way,
but commenced changing positions. One
minute she was pointing Heavenward and
| the next, she was performing some under
surface exploits with the Commodore, who
seemed reconciled to his peculiar lot. had
! no trouble in getting to the shore after had
gotten a good foothold.
The 'Marie' was finally steered to the
shore by her occupant. We soon had her
| in proper trim and the remnants of the car
20 collected, and in few minutes disem-
barked at Front Royal Station thoroughly
satisfied, but pleased with our voyage. We
sold the disgraced Marie at half price.
8. T.
Rioting in Belfast, Ireland.
Belfast, Aug. 1.-Serious rioting took
place here last night and today. A band of