The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-08-20
CR4B-TREE FALLS.
Visit to Nelson County's Most Picturesque
Spot-One of the Wonders OF virginia.

Spot-One of the Wonders OF Virginia.
INGLEWOOD, NELSON COUNTY. VA.
August disqualification thirty miles
from Arlington, on the Richmond and
| Danville railroad. is one OF the most
picturesque ard beautiful spots in Viz
| ginia. ! had often heard OF the beauty
OF Crab Tree Falls, and when asked 10
| join party 10 go TO the falls eagerly
| assented. our party consisted Of the I'M
lucky 90 number OF thirteen. Two were
mounted on strong, sure-footed steeds,
and the others rode in buggies. We car
ried our provisions with us, and were
also well supplied with blankets, rugs
and thick wraps.
on top Of the mountain. an elevation
1890 feet. there is a most decided change
In the temperature. Camping ont on the
roadside by a cool, delicious spring, we
spread our first repast. and each one OF
us did full justice TO the meal, for the
long drive had whetted our appetites.
We then bowled on to Massies Mills
where we spent our first night In a queer
little log cabin. We ate supper under the
trees. the soft grass making a pleasant
carpet for our feet.
The next morning we were up betimes
and after breakfast in the open air under
the shade OF the ancient beeches, deco
we resumed our journey with renewed
strength.
After passing the Massie farms, which
extend for many miles on both sides OF
the beautiful Tye river. and along which
our road wound, we came to the wild
mountain district. where the only hablta-
lions visible were log cabins. rendered
farrn-like by very small and very per-
pendfcular patches Of corn. How this
.f.f l.
terry, FOR the heights on which Il grows
recall wildly Sol. Smith Russers de-
scription Of his mothers perpendicular
farm in the Peaceful Valley" Ever and
anon we crossed the pellucid Tye which
stream is noted for its beautiful mountain
trout, said to grow larger, finer and in
greater abundance here than in any other
part OF Virginia. i can vouch for the
delicacy and flavor Of this fish. for we had
engaged a mountaineer 10 catch US a
bait" Of trout. Sam Oliver. a profess
sional fly fisher, Is quite a character In
the mountains, and is well known TO the
frequenters OF Crab Tree Falls. He is a
famous cook. and with great interest /
watched him prepare our meals. These
he cooked over the glowing Goals Of birch
wood. The gracefully shaped "speckled
beauties" were done TO a turn, and the
hot corn bread and boiling coffee seemed
food ft for the gods. Upon reaching the
foot OF De Priest Mountain we gave our
horses long rest. preparatory TO ascend
ing It. The mountain. though steep and
rocky, was Of easy ascent, and our eyes
never wearied Of its ever changing scenery.
The trees lowered above US. and the
ferns made an emerald carpet of unsur-
passed beauty and softness. There
stretched on either side OF us primeval
forests, reaching. IL seemed. almost TO the
skies. The boughs interlaced above our
heads, letting I'm glimpses Of the blue
vault of Heaven, reminded us forcibly OF
dim cathedral aisles. After eight miles of
climbing In this dense shade, we reached
the summit OF big De Priest" range.
Here there is but single hut. but we
made ourselves quite comfortable in it's
two small rooms. We even danced quite
merrily 10 the discordant music OF combs
and TIN pans, manipulated Il am sorry
TO say by members OF our party. The
old walls resounded with our shouts OF
laughter and fun, and IL was quite late
before we quieted down TO peaceful slum-
Der, "and silence. Ike q poultice, came to
heal the wounds which sound had made"
AT o'clock the next morning we arose,
and after breakfasting out OF doors we
made an immediate start for the special
points OF vantage. From View Rock"
there Is an extended view Of mount and
vale. Ten counties can be plainly seen
from this point and the Alleghanies are
within eyeshot. Spy Rock" commands
an admirable view of the Valley OF the
I'ye from its rising point In the heart OF
the mountains to the classic old town Of
New Market, where It empties into the
muddy Jeems." total distance OF more
than thirty miles. We then retraced our
steps 10 our rustic home on the hill, and,
sending the vehicles around the winding
mountain road. we set out on foot for
the last. best sight the famous Crab Tree
Falls. which natives OF this. Nelson coun-
ty. claim to be the eighth wonder Of the
world. Although I have spent several
years travelling In England and on the
Continent ! have never seen anything
more rusEed and picturesque than these
falls There are eight Of them. The 1rst