Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1892-06-16
HOMEWA ARD BOUND.
Tie "B0ss" returns after an absence
Of F10e Weeks in W0Hderland.
TUESDAY MAY 81, 1892.

surprising any yet seen. From Sar
Francisco our first stop was at Wood.
land where we were treated to the
refreshing change of an old fashioned
picnic. 1t was held in a large grove
under large white oak trees through
the branches of which a delightful
breeze was blowing. Here we spent
several hours enjoying lunch, speeches,
music by the band, dancing, swinging,
races, etc. The refreshments were
elegant and nicely served. Such a
change is always acceptable after long
ride in the cars. From here we were
taken to Clutch FIatt" where we
witnessed the manner of hydraulic
gold mining. This consists of washing
the gravel, dirt and sand from the
mountain sides into long artificial
bitches or slews where the deposite OF
gold is made as the gravel, sand and
dirt is washed down through it. After
several hours washing the bitches are
examined and the gold nuggets and
dust are gathered. The water by
which this washing is done is brought
through large iron pipes a distance OF
several miles from the mountains
While we were in this mine lunch
was served, in mining camp style, to
1900 people. Lemonade, sherry, punch,
and stronger drinks were served free
to all. The fare consisted of pork and
beans, bread and butter, tea and coffee,
brown bread, ginger cake, etc. We
can assure you this breakfast was
relished. Friday afternoon was taken
up in going to Colfax and from there to
Grass Valley via the narrow gagged
railway. From Dutch Flatt to Colfax,
a distance of 10 miles, we rode on the
engine with Miss Street, of Maryland.
1t was on this ride we witnessed some
of the most romantic and enchanting
scenery in California. We followed
the mountain side of this canon and
when in full sight of "Cape Horn" the
scenery was grand. Here we could
look below us hundreds of feet into the
depths of this noted canon, but were
unable to see the bottom. Our hair
fairly stood on end when we realized
the magnitude of this beautiful canon.
From the cab window we could survey
the valley for miles beyond. The
scenery along the narrow gauged rail
road up to the canon to Grass Valley
made this another delightful ride. We
changed from Pullman sleepers into
cars that were covered with canvas and
looked like caravan train. This was
a novel way of travel and impressed us
as if we were on a junketing picnic
excursion. Grass Valley is wholly a
mining city Of 5000 people. Here they
follow quartz mining only. Several
different mines are operated here and
business is good. On our return to
ColfaX the second accident occurred.
A citizen of Grass Valley who was on
our train, and we believe a little under
the influence of liquor, jumped off the
very serious shaking up. At first we
all thought his neck was broken
but in about five minutes he came to
and the first question he asked was,
"who struck me.?" Outside of several
gashes upon his face and head from
which the blood was flowing freely l
guess he will come out alright. Saturday
night we left ColfaX for Portland, Ore
gon, which we did not reach until
Monday night at 6 o'clock This was
due to loss Of time in getting over the
mountains.
Through the Sierra Nevada range of
mountains it required three engines to
haul our section of 10 cars. You can
therefore imagine the grade we
climbed. When the snowy peak of
"Mt Shasta" was first seen it was
greeted on every hand with delight
We rode in full sight of this mountain
nearly all the afternoon of Monday
This mountain is IA, ,511 feet above sea
level and is covered with snow the
year around. BY the use of teles-
cope at Shasta which is located at the
base of this historic mountain we could
see that I. S. Monument which has
been erected there in memory of those
who first ascended its heights. The
scenery all the way to Portland through
Oregon was grand and fully up to that
seen in California. In some respects
the mountain scenery in Oregon sur
passes that seen in California. Wher
our train reached Oregon city distance
of Is miles from Portland, we embarked
upon steamer called "Harvest Queen
and rode to this city by boat up tht
willamette river. This ride wa
another agreeable change from th'
monotous car riding which is nov
becoming tiresome to US. On reachin:
Portland the first pleasing object
which met our view was the cruiser
called Baltimore and Charleston
which have recently been heard of il
the trouble with Chilli and the chas,
given the "Itaska." Portland is re
ported to be a city of $4,000 people, ant
gives the visistor or stranger favoabl
impression. Our reception here ha
been a most cordial one and our hos
pitality such that it will long b.
remembered. Everything is free an,
the city Is ours. On our arrival we wer
dlned, then taken to the theatre to hea
and witness play called the "Powe
of the Press" a very fitting one fo