Connecticut western news., 1886-10-20
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1886
A RIDE TO BASH BISH

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20. 1886.
 A RIDE TO BASH BISH
 Via Mounts Washington and Everett.
 About o'clock on the morning of Oc- tober party of seven young people left Lakeville to visit the falls of Bash Bish. Whether 1t was due to the mystic number, or to other influences, the ride proved a very delightful one. The air was clear and dry, and its exhilarating effect was felt in rise of spirits with the ascent of the mountain. Up and on through Washinee, over the coaling re- zion where were seen about half dozen coal-pits ready for lighting and several others already burning; over Mt. Riga, ''the deserted village" and so on to Mt. Washington, with varying scenes of in- terest and beauty, from the ruins of the old furnace and mill dam, to lovely Mt Riga lake lying beyond, and the flaming naples and golden chestnut trees along the mountain side. Even in this lonely region existence is maintained and chil- dren, cats and dogs seem to flourish. Here and there through the country are dotted few thrifty looking farm houses.
 After drive of @ little more than two hours we reach the Goodale. house, the home of the youthful authoresses of "Apple Blossoms. Here we turn into Q field and follow the mountain road leading to Mt. Everett. Coming to a convenient spot we halt and continue the ascent on foot. Something like quarter of mile up the gently inclined pathway is pretty little pond where in their season water lilies grow. A little further on and the real work of climb begins. We start off bravely, but after gaining one point of extensive view, we are urged on to ''see it all" When after toiling patiently some minutes we are encouraged by being told it is 'sonly about half mile further,'' we begin to
 iDk that the summit of Everett is like mans ambition - ever beyond. We have finally reached the fag-pole, and rest. This Is the season for fairs, and here lies before us round about one of Natures fair grounds. What 'sWorld's s Fair" even can rival this in gorgeous dec- oration, in the variety, beauty and won- derfulness of its exhibits. Here rise the everlasting hills" 'rock- ribbed and ancient as the sun, adorned with richly tinted autumnal foliage; and lying calm in the valley may be seen four villages, and glistening silver lakes in whose sur face the mirrored shores are plainly visible.
 The sound of distant whistle recalls us to reality and to dinner time, and we return-now slowly and carefully, now at headlong rate down the mountain. In spite of wear and tear upon shoe leather and upon our vital energies, we feel much pleasure and satisfaction in having ''done" the second highest noun tain In Massachusetts. The few finger ing huckleberries picked near the flag pole have not satisfied our longings' and we turn with keen appetites to the enjoyment of our lunch. The baskets are opened and 1t seems not far from true that, as one remarks, leach girl has brought enough for the crowd"
 The last leg of the mysterious chick en is repacked and we start on for the falls. Down the rough mountain way So narrow that the trees brush our faces as we pass, out on the main road once more to pretty little Mt Washington church, where we take cross road tt join the one leading directly to the falls On this byway we come suddenly upo, little graveyard and are reminded for cibly of the line in Thanotopsis-'sy ye the dead are there. The road descend rapidly several hundred feet for the mex two miles. We must not forget to men tion the remarkable likeness of a fac sharply outlined on distant ledge o rocks, which may be seen some distance above the falls.
 At length we are at the Bash Bisl House and have registered our names and now sally out to view the cataracts Besides the falls proper there are five O six smaller falls that at high water rusl and tumble to the lower brook bed be yond. The venturesome gentlemen o our party set out for the eagles nest an' in about an hour we see them standin, between the two huge powders whicl form the gateway through which the wa ter flows and precipitates itself into tn pool beneath. After two happy hour spent here we start for home, that w may see the beautiful Copake farming country by daylight. The sun sinks be low the horizon; a purple veil drape the mountain tops; the moon is shining and still we are far from home. How ever with snatches of song, jokes ant stories, the time passes quickly, and tn distance is soon travelled We hay reached home, and say good night. feel ing that we have spent day long to b remembered.
 That one more note may be added t the chimes ever ringing in praise of tn "rocks and rills, ''the woods and tenn pled hills" of our small corner" o
  written by ONE OF THE PARTY.
 
 61hapribe for The Connecticut West