The morning call., 1891-07-31
TIE FIFTH.
Notes Of the Excursion to the
Metropolis of Mendocin0.

Yesterday witnessed the fifth in the series
of excursions which have been run to Ukiah
this season under the auspices of the genial
Colonel w. II. Mention.
The party, which numbered nearly 400.
started from San Francisco via the Tiburon
ferry in the gray dampness Of peninsula
fog at 7:40 o'clock in the morning. The
commodious quarters of the steamer Ukiah
afforded ample space for the throngs of pas
sengers. Colonel Mention, with that care
for the comfort of his guests which is char
acteristc of the man, was the last one to 90
oil board, and so perfect were his arrange
ments that it was simply impossible for any
stranger to go astray. Clear-yoced brake
men stood at the depot and in clarion tones
directed those bound for Ukiah to the train
far forward
One of the greatest charms of these excur
sions is that there are always plenty of seats.
six passenger coaches comprising the train.
and the eXcurSionistS not only each have
seat, but also the valued privilege of changing
their position from one side of the car to the
other, thus to enjoy the ever-changing
scenery of the route. Whizzing swiftly
along at an exhiarating, yet perfectly safe,
rate of speed the train made but few stops
along the route, passing way stations with an
an eXcursionist who wishes to get thereto
the end of his journey as soon as possible so
as to see the sights. AS the jolly Colonel
said with twinkle in the eye, "We make
but few stops and these are simply to take
on water, for the engine is like the boys, it
must take a drink"
Californians may we'll feel proud of their
beautiful country, whose diversified beauties
are well seen on this trip to Ukiah. The
Coast Range looms up grand, impressive
md an1la OH and .i.,IN -.
gently on the east. Grain fields, stacks of
hay, school houses and the children at plav.
orchards in full bearing, young fruit trees
just set out vineyards climbing the hillsides
in regular rows, time-stained farm-houses,
artistic homes, brlck-yards, the stretch of
slough in Petaluma Creek, hop fields, wood
choppers cabins, piles of wood and trains
of tanbark and miles of wooded mountain
slopes with the redwOodS climbing their
crests, with some solitary tree the tOpmOst
sentinel of a distant peak, tlocks of grazing
kline and timid sheep-all these are part Of
the view" while Russian River winds
placidly along in its summer suit of mar
row green strip'of water, with wide borders
of stony beds fringed with picturesque will
lows. All along the route huge powders
crop out. stalking off the claims of natures
quarries of that blue basalt which plays so
important part in the paving and building
interests Of our State, and the air Is baImy
with the sweet scent OF the wild grapevine.
burg and Cloverdale are some of the towns
passed on the fly, and grand old Mount st.
Helena looms up in the distance. A fire
was spreading near the railroad track in the
mountains.
The train reached Ukiah on the stroke of
| y, and the passengers quickly filled the
waiting buses aud were driven to the differ
| ent hotels. Ukiah being the county seat of
Mendocino County, as well as the present
| terminus of the road, it is considerable of
! town, with a fine Courthouse, brick bust
| ness blocks, well-shaded streets and pictur-
esQue homes. Many of the eXcursionists
took advantage of the occasion TO take the
| bus and ride a few miles further TO the
| famous Vichy Springs of California, where
| not a few INDUCED in the luxury of bath
| in the etferveScing fluid.
The scenery is grand around Ukiah, and
| the locality is a favorite one for out-of-doo
| artists, for the mountains are well wooded,
perpetualy green with chaparral and are
seen through that famous purple haze which
| lives in the song " The Blue Alsatian
| Mountains" Lows Gap and Eagle Rock
| show up plainly.
DO You see that white bank beyond the
mountains?" asked Colonel Mention, point
| ing to the north. "Nell, that's Mount
! Shasta's snow-covered peak. Most people,
until they are told better, imagine that it is
| a white cloud
The return trip was made in 4 hours and
10 minutes, the train having started at 4
| o'clock in the afternoon.
Ever alert for the comfort and enjoyment
| OF his guests, Colonel Mention is the ideal
| manager OF pleasant party, and as proof
! of how enjoyable the excursions he super
| intends are 1t may be mentioned that among
| the passengers of yesterday were those who
| have been on every excursion given in the
| last fiva