The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-06-17
A SUMMER IN TENTS.

A SUMNER IN TENTS.
The number of tent poles that one may
see with rolls of canvas at the railway
and ferry depots on any June morning
suggests that summer outings this year
are to De much on the line OF economy.
Some years ago the tent encampment for
summer outings was in great favor. After
ward there was a decline. This year il is
brought into greater prominence. probably
from considerations of economy. Camp
ing parties adopt this primitive way of
living for few weeks not only on account
of less expenditure. but for less formality
and greater freedom of living.
One large party of forty or more has
pitched its tents on the banks of the
Sacramento, about four miles below
Castle Crag. The northern part of the
State is every year becoming more attrac-
tive to lovers of outdoor life. The majority
of these are either equipped with fishing
tackle or guns. The upper Sacramento
and IFS affluents abound in game fish.
Nearly all the small land-locked lakes
abound in fish. The numbers have not
been much reduced by spOrtsmen. The
brook trout and the salmon still crowd
these upper waters.
The near by streams are iShed out early
in the season. But 200 miles north of the
bay and on up TO the Oregon line the game
fish strikes the artificial fly frequently at
the first cast. The resources OF other
game are well nigh inexhaustibe. Deer
are accessible in season, and sometimes
out Of season. If any one prefers to hunt
grizzly and cinnamon bear that sport is
open 10 them, with the chances that the
bear will hunt the sportsman. There is
the cool summer climate. the pure air Of
the mountains and valleys, the inspiring
scenery and the picturesque wildness that
are never-failing sources of attraction.
These great northern counties are now the
most important game preserve in the State.
There is another great reserve about the
head Of Kings River and other af1uents
that flow down on the western lside of the
Sierra. The great canyons walled in the
mountain ranges with crests covered with
snow. waterfalls plunging down hundreds
of feet, the immense primitive forests,
small and large streams Astounding In game
fish, deer that have never heard the sound
of a rife and bear ready to dispute the
right of way, with much smaller game. are
some of the attractions of this widest part
OF California. AS this great reserve is
further from the railroad il is less FREE
Quented.
One must travel from 30 to 100 miles
along trails to get into the widest parts
of this region. Small parties go there
every year equipped as hunters. A mule
or little burrO takes along the camp
equipage, which is made as light as posi-
bic. The hunter usually discards the tent,
preferring the base of a sheltering rock
with few fir boughs and blanket for
bed. in sight of little glacial meadow
where there is grass tor the beast which
carries the burdens. This great reserve of
more than 1000 square miles is little known
except to woodsmen. hunters. and an occa-
sionai tourist who is hardy enough to
scale the mountains and creep down into
the half inaccessible canyons. Wherever
a spur from the railroad is pushed up in
the direction of the Kings River Canyon
that region will draw camping parties as
they are now drawn TO the more accessi-
bic counties in the northern part of the
State.
Yosemite Valley will never lose its at
traction. Besides the main line of travel
by rail and stage, the excursionisis who go
with camping outfits increase every year.
A covered wagon, tent, one or two sad
dle-horses. with small supplies. make this
wayside life very attractive. especially 10
young people. Students and others every
year make the round trip on foot, and
manage to get a great deal of enjoyment
with very little expenditure. A walk to
Yosemite and back is no longer counted
as wonderful feat, although there is the
same novelty in the 1rst excursion.
The summer tent is also pitched along
the coast line from Monterey Bay to Men
docino. and beyond. The inhabitants of
the hot interior seek the tonic of the sea.
Besides the forests and the streams, the
settlements are never far off. The farm
house becomes wonderfully attractive
when tired Of bacon and hard tack.
Campers can draw supplies of butter,
milk and fresh fruits for moderate con-
sideratiOn. A few weeks of summer in a
tent will send most people back 20 their
homes with new Zest for life.