The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1886-07-16
A TRIP TO THE GEYsER SPRINGS
HEALpsBaRG. CAL. June s. 1886

HEALDsBnRG, CAL, June 8, 1886.
Visiting California without seeing the
Geysers is like going to Rome and not
seeing the Pope. Eastern visitors, there
fore, make it point to see this freak of
nature. Hence I, with others, arranged
trip to the Geysers. Our starting
point was Healdsburg, 26 miles from the
springs. With a four-horse team, we
started at 4 o'clock A. M, as we intend
ed to return the same day. The first
eight miles Of the drive were made
through fertile valley then after crOss-
ing the Russian River the mountains ere
reached, and the rough road commences,
continuing up grade for ten miles. The
grade being very steep and narrow, and
having many short turns, it requires a
skillful and experienced driver to
managesa four-horse team Arriving
at an elevation of 1000 feet above the
level of the sea, we beheld grand
scenery. Looking down upon the val
ley covered with fog. it had the appear
ance of the ocean. Here the down
grade commences and, after travelling
distance Of three miles, we arrived at
toll-gate. Here we were accosted by a
man abruptly demanding toll, but our
driver formerly stage driver) stood on
his dignity and refused. At this the toll
collector became enraged and told us to
go to hill. We took his advice, and
started for the lower regions. All along
we beheld beautiful scenery. Waterfalls
rushing wildly down the mountains into
a ravine or canyon, their laundering
noise being heard far off. The air is
impregnated with the odor of sulphur,
which is perceptible for a distance of at
least four miles from the springs. APP
preaching the Geysers we met the stage
on its way to Calistoga. 1t is impossible
to pass ON the grade. On one side the
vehicle is only half foot from the bank,
and on the other the same distance from
an abyss hundreds of feet deep. A foot
off the track would bring destruction to
all. AS the stage carrying the U. S.
mail has the right of way, we were
obliged to unhitch our horses, run our
wagon back about 500 yards, and with
our combined strength placed it into the
creek, to make room for the stage to
pass. The road to the lower regions is
described as being wide and smooth, but
we found it different, as you can judge
by the above. Arriving at the Geysers
at 10 A. M. we procured guide and
started to explore the region to which
the toll man had sent US. Our first I'M
preston led us to believe that we indeed
came to that place in which Bob Inger-
soil takes no stock. The place beggars
description. The whole mountain
seems to be on fire. Boiling water
bursts forth with roaring noise, filling the
place with steam. To show us the
force Of the escaping steam, our guide
held with his staff a cup over it, and the
force revolyed the cup rapidly around the
staff. Mineral springs Of iron, sulphur,
soda, &C., are found at the foot of the
mountain. Ascending: we came to the
Devils Kitchen. An egg thrown into
its boiling water is boiled in less than
two minutes Leaving the Kitchen, We
fcame to the Devils Bathroom, which
is ten feet square. The temperature ol
/ this water is so high that the steam per-
mits you to approach it only for a mo.
ment. Near this stands dilapidated
: tent, used years ago by Indians for steam
baths. Our attention was directed to
J the Devils Inkstand, the contents Of
! which are as black as himself. An arm
, chair is also at the disposal of his satan
f ic majesty. Above all this is located his
f pulpit, from which you have view o.
) all surroundings. Descending The
: mountain you notice the hollow SOUND
3 of your steps, as if burnt crust only
) covered the burning matter of the inter-