The Coconino sun., 1891-08-15
X
ON SAN FRANCISCO'S PEAKS


Last Saturday evening some thirty
couples of young people, accompanied
by a representative of the Sun, left
town for the Hart ranch, owned by
the Al Cattle Company, with view
to making the ascent to the summit Of
the San francisco peaks the next day.
The evening was most pleasantly spent
al the ranch, where the foreman, Jack
Diamond, had made arrangements to
entertain the party. Those who in
dulged in the rnazy waltz whiled away
the hours in tripping the light fantas-
tic to the enchanting strains Of the
violin, the gray light of morn stsaling
over the hills before the festivities
ceased.
After few hours needed rest every
body was up and stirring, all preparing
to climb the rugged and lofty peaks.
After an early breakfast, cooked over
campfire, couples and trios and
quartettes could be seen slowly wend.
ing their way up the incline, ali bent
on reaching the timber line at least.
To one who has never been nearer
the mountain than flagstaff, many
and constant pleasant changes Of seen
cry greet the eye. In making the
ascent from the Hart ranch.house the
rise is gradual until the timber line is
reached, when the hard work of the
trip begins. To stand at this point
and look toward the summit, $500
feet almost perpendicularly above, the
average tourist and sight-seer will con,
clude that he or she has had enough
mountain climbing.
From the timber line to the summit
one has to scramble over loose malpai
rock, greatly resembling coal einders,
often going ahead two feet only to
slip back four. At almost every step
the difference is the atmosphere is no
ticed, and to one who is in doubt as
to the capacity of his lungs we would
suggest this trip; it is sure test.
When within about one hundred
feet of the government monument,
which stands on the extreme tip of
the peak, those of the party who had
been successful in making the ascent
found themselves in the midst of an
electric storm. Hail, snow and sleet
commenced falling, and in a short time
the mountains were covered to a. depth
of foot with the beautiful" To one
who has never had the experience Of
being caught in an electric storm, we
would advise them not to be too anx-
ious to get into one A person is un.
able to touch anything without being
shocked. The effect of the electricity
was particularly noticeable upon rings,
watches and other jewellery. The
storm lasted over an hour, and those
who were on the summit say that one
experience Of this kind satisfies their
curiosity.
From the summit of the mountain,
| IA, l79 feet above the sea level, a most
magnificent view is obtained, one
which is beyond description, and to
fully appreciate which one must make
the trip. With the aid of Q good field
glass one can see hve different states
and territories.
The descent from the mountain is
less arduous than the ascent ON most
most occasions, although Sundays
storm made it rather disagreeable un'
der foot. At O'Clock the camp was
again reached, where good rousina
fire and an excellent dinner awaited
the excursionists.
OF the forty or more who started
out, all determined to make the sum.
NIT at all hazards, only bakers
dozen were successful.
After an hours rest at the ranch
the party betook themselves home
ward, all seemingly well pleased with
their entertainment at the ranch and
their adventures in making Tor trying
toy the ascent of the San Francisco
peaks.
Norycp All nersons knowing them