The National tribune., 1891-01-08


- ssz-I =, IA 4d4 feet above the
---$ sea and visible TO
MISS FAY FULLER many parts Of Wash
IN CLIMBING Cos ington. 1t has well
TUNE. been termed "The
Sentinel Of Puget Sound for il seems to
overlook that inland sea from every port
On Aug. ~, 1870, the successful ascent was
first made by Mr. p b. Van Trump and Gen
Hazard Stevens. They planted two flags on
the southwest peak, and for the first time in
the history Of the Northwest the American
Stars and Stripes foated proudly over Ia
eomas summit Since then 20 men and one
woman have stood on the highest point of
land along the coast.
Our party left Takoma about the LIST Of
August for Yelm, little railroad station
situated on the broad prairies 25 miles away,
and named after an old Indian chief The
journey from there is made on horseback for
60 miles, when the base of the mountain is
reached We had packhorses for carrying
provisions blankets and tent, and our extra
clothing was placed in saddlebags. The
prairies were soon Of the past, and we rode
slowly through the timber during the first
day, stopping to lunch by
CLEAR, COOL WE'LL.
There is a good wagon-road over the first 20
miles and the rest Of the journey is made
on the mountain trail. This new country
has developed wonderfully during the last
three years, and every few miles little
house and patch Of cleared land came into
view.
During the afternoon we arrived at the
steep Owhop Hill, where we dsmounted
and drove the horses down, crossed the river
OF the same name and climbed a long, si0ping
hill beyond. Towards evening we reached
the Mishell Prairie, which is usually the first
nights camping spot Here Indian Henry,
smart old Kliclsitat has lived for 1G years,
and now owns a very valuable farm. After
we had unsaddled and unpacked our horses
we built ire and soon had supper ready,
and before long were sleeping in the barn on
beds Of new hay.
By four o'clock the next morning every
one was on hand, and in three hours the
party was Of on the road That day we
were in our saddles ID hours, and it was
dark when we reached our second nights
resting place, the home Of friend in the Sue
cotash Valley. All this day the trail winds
through dense forests Of grand old cedars
and irs, gardens Of beautiful ferns over tie
Mishell Mountains, and across chattering
brooks ID is a beautiful ride through the
wilderness
ALONE WITH NATURE
and her wonders, with scarcely a sound 20
break the silence. Great trees line the
winding trail so tall you cannot look up 10
the tops 80 straight they seemed like pillars
OF an ancient building, aud the trail the aisle
through which one passes TO admire.
During the day the yellow Jackets
make ID lively for travellers. These yellow
Wasps make their nests in the mountain
trails, and show considerable displeasure
when their domestic feelings are aroused.
ID is amusing 10 ride behind the old pack
horse and watch their indignant actions.
accompanied by The musical rattle Of the
ain pans. The insects are harmless when
unmolested, and only wound their enemies
IN selEdclcnse
The succotash Valley, a. il II now called
and spelled, derived it's name from the
Indian word Suh-ho-tas, which means black
raspberry, that fruit being plentiful through
out the valley
After a pleasant night at our friends COM
Portable home, the third and last davis ride
was begun the trail winding over the river
bed Of the Nisqually for il miles. One
dangerous stream, the Rainier Forks. WAS
iorded, and about noon the Longmire Min
cTal Springs came into view beneath the
lofty mountain. II was the FIRST view Of
Tacoma we had obtained after leaving
lelm, and 80 near its base il presented a
very different appearance.
About four miles ride through the woods
brought ms 10 the muIky
GLACIAL NIsQUAILY RIVER.
near the foot Of the Nisqually Glacier.
where the river finds its source Formerly
itwas necessary 10 ford this stream near The
glacier, a hazardous task for both horse and
rider, the swift water bringing down huge
powders continually roaring and rolling
from the glacier. log bridge has been
built and The river IL now crossed without
difficulty.
Alter crossing and adjusting the saddles
and packs the highest hin IN the journey is
before one 10 climb. This eminence is called
the "Switchback," from the way the trail
has been recently improved, and is estimated
10 be between 1000 and 200 feet high II
n no easy work 10 reach the top, for people
rarely ride mp this hill, and one can climb
up and up without seeing daylight Moth
ing above, nothing below you but dense
forest, through which the trail irregularly
winds. After considerable time we reached
the top, and for an hour or more we Travelled
higher and higher through timber land
until, at an elevation Of 1900 feet, we en-.