Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-01-02
A NEW YEARS CAMP.
ThOrne Branch Spends the Holiday
on the Banks of the YOugh.
MIDWINTER IN FHELOVELY WOODS.
A Regular Chinese Cook Tickles the Palates
of the Party.
THE TRIALS OF ALADr on HORSEBACK.


would 60 camping. Accordingly, will
more haste than elegance, we made our ar
rsngements and at 3 o'clock the entire
party was ready to start for the foothills o
.he AllegheuYs. 0urpsrty consisted of five
married couples, three young ladies and 4
corresponding mum Der of young gentlemen
besides Lee Hop, the chef, and Jack, the
teamster. We formed quite a Fourth o.
July procession as we lett the city. "Dis.
tinguished citizens in carriages, Officers Of
the Day on horseback" etc., etc.
The married people all preferred car
riages and the Young folks rode horseback.
The belle Of the party (did anyone ever
hear of party without belle) was beau
tiful young girl with tresses like PATHS
latest. She was arrayed in an exquisite
golden brown riding habit that made her
the envy of all the rest of the ladies, but
she had serious time mounting her horse.
We congregated at No. - North Hiland
avenue for our start. 1t was the most gor-
geous day; grass so green and sun so bright.
The only drawback was the intense heat,
but that did not affect any of us materially.
We we're glad to be alive, and as our horses
were led up to the stone, we all mounted in
turn until the belle alone remained.
INTO THE SADDLE.
All eyes were turned upon her, and she,
conscious of the admiration and attention OF
which she was tue center, was inclined 10
think the world looked very bright, as with
Delsartian spring she bounded into her
saddle. 1t looked dazzling to her, she
afterward affirmed, as with anything else
but Delsartian fall, she struck terra frma
onthe opposite side of her horse. Surprise
and modification held full sway in her
lovely face ior moment, but she arranged
her hat and prepared for another interview
with her ladyship. The second time, with
decidedly less spring and enthusiasm, did
she mount and with the same neatness and
dispatch cid she dismount
We all became anxious and alarmed. The
young lady herself looked as if she was half
inclined to think that discretion was the
better parl of valor. To admit defeat, be-
sides being very Illuminating, would dissr-
range the plans of the whole party. She
displayed admirable nerve and determine
tion and said: 81 will. ride that horse"
After taking the preeaution to have the
saddle girth loosened, minus all enthusiasm,
very cautiously she climbed into the saddle
With firm grip on the bride rein and
secure footing in the stirrup, she awaited
the aerial flight hoping to avoid the descent.
Her precautions were unnecessary; the
horse had no idea of repeating the perform
anee, but cantered off in fine style, and we
equestrlans all followed.
Our destination was a delightfully."- ro-
mantle place above McKeesport. on the
clear mountain stream called the Youghio-
gheny. 1t was rather a long ride but the
recent showers had settled the dust and the
evening was entertainingly balmv. A
sweeT peace and joy stole over us all as we
left the heat and noise of the CITY and tray
ersed the cool quiet roads of the country.
The sunset was radiantlv beautiful and in
Tapt, ecstatic bliss we viewed it and the
ever beautiful scenery along our path. We |
reached the camping ground about o'clock |
and the gentlemen Immediately proceeded |
10 pitch the tent Lee Hop built fire and |
commenced the preparations for dinner.
while Jack took the horses off to picket.
FLOWERS IN FULL BLOOM.
The ladies investigated and found our
surroundings far surpassed our most san
gutne expectations. Flowers were in full |
bloom, birds were singing, and down at the |
edge OF the river we could get glimpses of
the pretty little fish as they sported gleefully
IN the clear crystal waters. The fumes of
the rapidly cooking dinner were quite a
magnet, and we did not stray far from the
busy camp scene. With promptness that
would delight the heart of an average board
ing house landlady, we all responded to the
dinner call. And what a jolly dinner it
was. Lee Hop, besides being an amiable
Celestial, was an artist in his line. and
nothing was lacking in the way of pro-
visions upon which to exercise his skill.
Alter dinner, as we were all slightly fa-
tigued and stupid, we decided TO SUSPEND
operations for the day and retire. The up-
married men suspended Immediately by
climbing into the hammocks prepared for
them, and the rest of the party meandered
toward the tent, which was partitioned in
the center, making two apartments. We
had gay time locating for the night. and
IN very short time were reposing in the |
arms of Morpheus when, horror upon horrorl
Could it be possible? Did our ears deceive?
No, the noise was becoming more and more
distinct, and we realized to our chagrin and
dlsmay that we had snorer in camp. who. |
In spite OF our feelings, continued to snore, !
and rlvaled the guns, cannons and whistles
with which folks in the city were about that
time welcoming the new year. During the re-
Of the night the gentlemen relieved
each other (and the feelings of the entire
party) in throwing boots and shoes at the
offender, but all to no purpose. To our
sgonizing entreaties that he discon-
iInue his sheet music he would murmur
naudlbly and continue the solo with
variations. Many and varied were the dire
threats which threatened his safety. but as
be was man Of family, none were carried
INTO execution. At last morning dawned.
much to our delight. Never was New Years
Day more serenely beautiful. The gentle
shower that annoyed the people in the city
ilo not visit our camp. After washing our
aces and hands in real primitive style and
enjoying the results OF Lee Hops labor in a
lfiu4y delicious breakfast, we held consulta-
non OF war, for the lords of creation de-
,lareo We should not go fishing with them,
Dut must content ourselves gathering wild
I9ses and PLAYING at Little Red Riding
Hood and the Babes in the Wood.
ANGLING FOR THE FISH.
we insisted upon going, and ignored. in
Hue christian spirit, the MANY hints
nroWn out about the requirements and mum
less OF successful angler. Under protest
hey alloWeo US to 90. When we arrived at the
lFer bank, the gentlemen with undue haste
'ut lies on our lines aud then few, fgur-
lively speaking, to q safe distance. Tor tear
re would Indulge In conversation. The
1ea Ihey slther selected the best place or
|
be fish, while their faces fairly beamed with
eight; and we-well, we consoled each
ther when we found the fish were not in
lined to give us the ballot or the bite. We
loFalized on the wickedness and depravity
men to so deceive the poor, dear little
Sh. All too soon it was time to start for
amp; and, regardless of the sly 81 told you
''s' and the pityiBg glances thatthe sterner
Z favored US with, we enjoyed the ascent
Ter 50 much. The gentlemen were IN a
scidedly good humor. A splendid re-
apt By the BY, for sEeetening husbands
mper would be to send him fishing about
ace week. If there is a possibility of
e nsh not biting, bribe them to bite
while Lee Hop was preparing our lovely
u, We enjoyed the hammocks and sun
line, and YerV happy crowd gathered
ouna the snmptuous repast spread bT our
'lestlal friend. The belle, contradicting
e reputation usuallV given to suoh favorad | a