The morning call., 1892-06-23
CAMPING AT NILES.
Parties in the Canyon, notwithstanding
Spring Valleys Protests.

Parties in the Canyon, Notwithstanding
Spring Valleys Protests.
Niles Canyon, from Niles to Sunol. for
distance OF between six and seven miles,
through which flows Alameda Creek. Is one
of the most romantic sections anywhere
near the metropolis, and has been resorted
to for years by many San Francisco families,
who pitch their tents and while away the
pleasant summer days there. Early in the
season, before the people had made ihelr
preliminary arrangements for the summer,
the Spring Valley Water Comrany, which
takes water from the creek and pipes IL
across 10 the Belmont reservoir, whence IL
runs TO this city. forming one OF the sources
oil supply Tor San tranclscos domestic use,
gave public notice that camping IN Ire
canyon would not be permitted this year.
Notwithstanding this protest, there are
several large camps along the creek TINS
season, some below and others above me
dam. IN conspicuous places all along the
read printed notices are nailed to the trees
and telegraph poles. Some are placed tNefe
by the water company and warn visitors
that they must not camp above the dan,
and set forth the punishment prescribed
10y law for polluting the waters oil any
stream which furnishes supply 10 any
city or county, elc., and give notice tnat
the law will be enforced. Another notice
informs the public that there are splendid
opportunities for camping parties on the
borders Of Alameda Greek, and that one
property owner, whose name IS signed
thereto, has desirable locations Tor 2OO
tents. Other property-owners on the creek
make no such announcement, but neyeIthe-
less are glad To provide camping ground lor
all who apply therefor.
There appears 10 be question as to
whether the water company can lntruue on
private properly in order to patrol the
creek and watch people v no violate tins law
as set forth in the Company's notices, or
whether the announcement is cold Oluh
of corporation to prevent people OF small
means from enjoying an inexpensive out
ing, with no Intention OF pressing the mat
ter
The situation now Is that those who care
not a snap for threats have set the example
and are enjoying an occasional dip In the
many fine pools not only below but above
the dam. A group of bathers was observed
by CALL reporter on Sunday dlspOrting
themselves ID a pond above the dam. Ihey
were attired in bathing costumes and evil
IDENTIFY were accustomed 10 the sport. Ii
will thus be seen that the company'S threat
has only had the effect of lessenng the num-
Der Of campers by driving away the tinid
ones.
The railroad company apparently stands
in with the campers, for addition al iaclli-
ties for transportation from the metropolis
have recently been provided. and trains stop
to leave and pick up passengers on signal
at the more p0pulons camp midway be-
tween SunO aud Niles. Alameda Greek
furnishes an ineXhaustible supply OF pure
fresh water for the use Of campers. Shade
trees abound and camping IN Niles Canyon
may be made highly enjoyable without the
accompanment-the fiesh-water bath and
its possible unpleasant results in case the
water company finds method Of prevent
ing bathing.