The Dalles daily chronicle. [volume] (The Dalles, Or.) 1890-1948, 1895-07-22
AN OUTING.
Floating Down the Columbia by Night
An Interesting Account of
q Novel Trip.

To THE EDITOR 1T was about z O'Clock
in the morning of July Is when we pushed
our little boats out in the Columbia and
bidding adieu to The Dalles started down
the river. There were ten in the party.
Shortly after rounding Crates point the
upstream wind began to blow and we
were compelled to seek the nearest
harbor. On a sand covered rock our
party was compelled to remain till even
ing. When the wind died away suffic-
iently we made fire and began our
camp life. In the quiet of the evening
we again em mbarked, and this time a
drift sail had been arranged so during
the night we went quietly floating down
the river, singing songs that echoed be-
tween the high mountains along the
river. But at last all became quiet, and
only the two captains, Brown and Bun
nell remained at their post. The rest
found quarters in the bottoms of the
boats.
About eleven O'Clock the wind again
began to blow and the waves to roll
"mountain" high. We quickly made
for land but Washington's rocky shore
failed to furnish us landing till many
attempts had been made. At last we
got into little cove where our boats
could be protected from the fierce storm, ,
and all went on shore in the darkness.
4 fire was built and we dried our clothes
and blankets which were ringing wet.
The light of the fire showed us our
refuge, and as we looked IN saw pile
of shifting sand ten or twelve feet high,
and a few feet away a bluff of rocks
leaving an open space of only few feet.
Over the upper end of this open space a
sail was hung to prevent part OF the
wind from striking US, and in this condi-
ton after vainly watching for sometime
all of the party but one were overcome
with fatigue and fell asleep. It was well
that guard remained, for the sparks
from the fire carried by the fierce wind
set fire to the blankets and 1t required
watchfulness to keep the camp from
burning.
When the early dawn came stealing
over the hills we left our harbor ot
refuge and again drifted down the
stream remembering the old saying thai
''any port in storm was refuge
The next landing was at Klickitat where
we remained through the day and al
evening crossed over to McClure's and
camped for the night. The next day
we sailed to Major creek and passing
down the river reach Mosier a littls be-
fore dark. The next morning found VI
at Hood River, after the best sail of the
trip. We purchased more provisions
and hat for one of the party who haC
lost his during the wind, and ther
crossed over to Underwoods. There we
spent the day and last Saturday morn.
ing we sailed into the beautiful waters
of the Little White Salmon, where we
pitched what was supposed to be per
manent camp; but the waters of the
stream, the birds of the air, and The
bushes of the land were not willing tt
furnish supplies we wanted, and We
again broke camp yesterday morning
Two of the party returned to The Dalle
on the noon train somewhat rough-look
ing after going through such trying ex
periences bat glad, now that they wer,
over. that we had enjoyed the few day
together. The rest of the party sailet
on down to find some pleasant camping
place. VoYAGER.
WascO County Cases Decided.