Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1895-09-13
AN OUTING.

AN OOI1NOs
p 1t was my pleasure to be madeh guest
OF party taking two weeks outing at
Seven Fountains in this coonty.f
Leaving Woodstock at dawn we arriy
cd at our destination after several hours
drive.
The fatigue of the journey though the
heat be excessive is patiently endured for
the view that presents itself from the
summit of the mountain that you cross;
each gradual increase of elevation IN
folds to the eye a greater extent of the
valley below. Throughout the entire
ascent the mind is enchanted by the
varied scenes ofbeauty that stretch before
while on the summit you relapse uncon-
sciously, as it were into silence silence
such as comes to US only at rare moments
10 life and you feel that the very soul is
beiug impressed with the grandeur, the
sublimitys nay, the awfu:nsss of nature
The scene beggars description, no poet
can describe, no painter can portray it.
Too far removed to notice the eleva-
tions anddepressions, the whole appears
wide aud lovely plain extending on either
side as far as the eye can reach. while
the parallel range OF mount aims tower
ing in the distance before you, relieves
the monotony and presents striking
contrast to the evenness below. An
cestral farms of wide and cultivated
fields, the almost trackless forests whose
variegated hues blend in perfect harmony
towers full of life yet in apparent repose,
peaceful homes conscious of their security,
give and will never fail to give to al
lovers of the beautiful an ever increasing
delight and pleasure, but the picture
would seem incomplete and un6nish ed
we're it not for ths Shensnd oah which,
like silver thread winding In Sinuous
urves to the ocean perfects the whole
II meditating, you are reminded Of that
expression OF the poet where be says:
| Gas life to eternity runs,
So the waters to the sea-"
Although with a knowledge Of the busy |
and clashing existence below the beholder
sees Only a smiling and annoyed couute-
nance such as when some great sorrow
convulses the soul and the emotions are
suppressed. The more he looks, so much
the more be longs to remain.
You turn aside with a regret that is
akin to pain and with the fealing that
you will not forget but carry the scene
with you. Resumlng our way, we
iourneyed down the mountain, passed up
the Little Fort valley entered the Gap
natural roadway that both separates and
connects the two DIVISIONS of the Fort
aud soon found ourselves at Seven
Fountains.
This is a popular and we'll known
summer resort, equally serving ones pur-
pose, whether he goes for pl easure or for
health.
The medicinal springs comprising the
chaly beate, the alum, and sulphur all Of
which are strongly impregnated will
recupsrate failing health, and soon re-
store vigor of mind and body. The
scenery is not without its charm,
meadows, hills and mountains, tumbled,
as it were together, give US at all times
diversion.
The sunsets are beautiful, the climatic
conditions good, the evenings cool and
pleasant, the nights free from the OPP
pressive heat that often succeeded
warm day, always bring repsse.
Within a radious OF several feet the
blue, black, and white sulphur send forth
an lnexhaastable supply of water that is
not surpassed by any for their health
giving properties.
After much debate a nd amid much
rejoicing the tents were itched at some
distance from the springs on slight
elevation in retired and out-Of-the-way
place-a romantic spot overshsdOwed By
old valnuts giving relief from the heat OF
the MONDAY sun, while around the base
Of a neighboring hill small tivulet
winds its way, adding to the charm OF
the place the sounds of RAINING water.
Each day brought some unlocked for
pleasure, some agreeable surprise.
The departure of some mem bers Of the
party would cast at times a gloom over
all only to be dispersed by the arrival Of
some welcome visitors. Hospitality Is
characteristic of camp, no formality, no
cold reception is met with there.
The advent of familiar face enlivens
every one, and the warm hand grasp is
prompted by the heart.
No one feels uhder the necessity of en-
PERTAINING another, but all follwing their
Sn incliDations amuse others while they
are amused. Among the members Of the
camp were Mr.. and Mrs. C. w. Burner,
Mr.. and Mrs. W. q. Russell Jr., DR.. d
F. Burner and wife, Mics Doll Laughln
Miss Mary Baxter, Norfolk, Miss Francis
Wireman, Moores Store, Messrs. II. L.
Bushong. Will skyles, Frank Bnshcng
Will Bnshong. Will Martin, aud Rev. c.
H. Rocky OF Shepherdstown. Resides
these were many and frequent visitors
TO whom we extended hearty welcome.
After having been made the recipients Of
many acts OF kindness by the owners OF
the springs and the people around, we
retnrued home August 31't; brin ging
with us the pleasant recollections Of two
happy weeks.
Sept 3rd 1895.
Quicksburg Reunion.
Not since the Zirkle re union year
i L crcu-d .ratl, arad q Oninka. L