Daily independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 188?-1915, 1892-06-04
"a Tramp Trip 70 a1t. hamilton,

! 10 TOURIST as we'll as scientist the
Lick observatory is the greatest at
traction ut the Santa Clara Vallen
ard iv mi 5ht almost be said of Cali
1ori'ia- Standing as it does on the
summit OF Mt Hamilton, the highest
peak OF the Coast Range division of
the Sierras, 1t can be seen for miles
around, and its white dome, glisten-
ing in the sunlight, is a familiar land
mark to the inhabitants of the valley
with all its greatness, however, there
are Hundreds living almost under the
very shadow of it's dome who have
never been to the summit and who
are content 70 remain indifferent over
this wonderful work Of art, while
tourists FROM all parts of the land
flock to San Jose to visit this wofid-
famed observatory and view the &C.
lestial phenomena through the largest
telescope in the world.
To the student of the University
OF the Pacific, situated two miles
from San Jose, the observatory is es.
pecially Interesting and frequent ex-
curelons are made to the summit.
Tho dista lce is hardly fifteen miles
in a straty..t line, but to traverse this
distance you must follow the wind.
ings Of Il road full 20 miles In length.
A stage is in daily connection with
the summit, but thinking it a novel
way OF making the trip, two Of us,
q bright moonlight night decided
to walk to the summit. We we're in
the hopes of making a "bee-line" for
tie summit and thereby cutting off
a big slice of the way. Five and a
half miles Is over a splendid macam
adized and level road called Alan
Rock Avenue. Near the termination
OF this road or drive the regular stage
road begins. This road is one Of the
best west Of the Rockies, and was
built with such care, Mat the grade
ia no place exceeds 6 feet in 100 feet.
At the foot hills we left the road
and began our ascent. The observa-
tory was now lost to our view but the
full moon was slowly rising above the
mountain tops which allowed us ~
Wow the beautiful panorama pre-
sented by the Santa Clara Valley bg.
low. Extending 20 miles to the south
IL presents II unbroken piece of
natural patchwork, formed by its
wheat fields, vineyards, orchards and
strawberry patches. But the higher
we climbed the DINNER the valley
below us appeared until finally the
large electric light was left which
looked like Il ball OF fire poised in
space. Presently we arrived at the
Mountain View house,
After resting awhile, we again took
up our Journey keeping TO the road
until we reached a mountain trail
which my companion SAID led TO the
summit. Unfortunately we lost the
4 UTbll buu LS0iluB IlINU VIC u0Oih0u w
take a rest. After securing an arm
full of dry brush, W. started a fire
and prepared ourselves for a few
hours sleep. My companion was soon
lost in slumber, | was not long in fol-
lowing his example but soon awak-
| ened only to find the sole of my shoe
on fire. 1t Vac impossible for me to
again go to sleep, SO 1 decided to keep
fire for my companion. Nothing i'm
presses the mind with a deeper feel
| ing of loneliness than TO lie by a camp
| fire ut about four in the morning and
think of the past and shape the fu.
ture. On looking round on the
mountains, and row of dusty trees
that here and there dotted the hills,
my imagination conjured up the scene
| where this country was once a dark
and dreary land, but now bright with
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