The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1892-06-12
A SPRING sHo YER IN 1nb EocxIxs
soft nnd Warm In the Valley. but Hliz-
Yard Among the Mountain Tops.

Yard Among the Mountain Tops.
CRIPPLE CREEK. Col. June 4.-Thc first thun-
der storm OF the season here. which occurred
the other day, was something likely 10 remain
| In the memory of every spectator Tor very
many years to come. Spring had been notice
ably backward. The altitude here o.d0o feet,
would make the season late as compared with
that OF New York city. but this year inc aspen
buds did not begin to swell until the first OF
June. while the ash green OF the buiIalogfhss
in the natural parks did not brighten for
Week or more later. Once or twice rain ieii IN
May. but on each occasion the rain turned to-
snow within an hour or two. and the scenery
was as bleak as on q day in February. But be-
ginning with the first OF last week succession
OF warm days brought the breath OF summer
to the foothills OF Pixies Peak SO powerfully
that those who worked in hooks which kept
away the wind. but Iermtted tho direct rays
longingly at the snowy crest Of the great
round knob above thom or away across the
white peaks of tho Snngre de Christie range.
The Latter view was indeed the more refresh
ing Tor not only did the wntry aspects 81 the
trees in the lowlands thousands OF ieet below
was cool and inviting as well.
and what was more unusual the wind died
omt in the afternoon leaving the all. almost
cloud gathered in the northwest about tho
upper waters OF Oil Creek. while Pixies Peak
became shr9uded in by ono OF the same som
place but tho, one in the valley heightened
out and moved slowly down the water courses.
showing sheets and films of water pouring
from beneath; while the upper surface was
flashes OF lightning.
From Its first appearance. it was a spectacle
70 attract the eye OF the unaccustomcd. cspe-
cally as the plane Of the storm was little be.
an hour or so. it had travelled away to the
southwest OF the camp. and was seen to swing
around and head toward the crest OF Pixies
PEAK, the picture was remarkable
Grouse Mountain. forest-covered peak.
rose fair in the course Of the storm, will an ell
ovation somewhat above it. Approaching this.
storm. apparently lifted by a current Of air.
and then. as though bursting through too
long continued restraint. scores and hundreds
OF electric flames dartet from the nnturned
cloud bank at the mountain crest. The laZ-
cling flashes OF light and the deep roar and re-
vcrberations of the thunder among the noun
tains at once fascinated and silenced the spec-
tators.
A few minutes later the clouds swoopcd down
on the mountain. and then hurrying on logged
failed. and only the swish Of the WIND i" was
heard. Tho air chilled suddenly. and the
wind increased Its speed. People who had
leisure to look on got overcoats and wraps and
returned to gaze at the misty rolls and sweIls
OF u storm SO near at hand.
But the storm quickly passed on. dragging
its heightened trail from the peak it had GOV.
SPECTATORS, a vast white sheet of snow
wherever the clouds had touched. Then the
sun came out clear and cold. and the land
scape cleaned under its light on day in
January
The soft warm shower that had refreshed
and nourished the flowers in tho valley Of the
Arkansas had become wintry blast little
short of u blizzard on the mountain tops round
about.