The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-16
MANITOU AND A TRIP TO CLOUDLAND.

Manitou and Pixies Peak left out Of
trip to Colorado would be like going to
Italy and not seeing Rome: and we
found ourselves one summer day at
Manitou Springs, a village nestled IN
quiet. lovely vale among the foothills
at the base of Pixies Peak.
Manitou has been made famous by
the possession of effervescent and
medicinal springs and is called the
Saratoga of the West. The water Of
these springs of iron and soda Is pecul-
ar and some people say they like 1t. l
think they speak truthfully, judging
from the crowds that gather around the
various springs. The tin cups attached
to the curbs would not supply a
fraction OF the thirsty souls who
rush to the fountains of health.
Tin cans. pitchers and little brown
jugs" are pressed into service to meet
the demands.
There comes q day when the ascent OF
that giant of II mountain. Pixies Peak.
with an altitude of 14.1i1 feet, is to be
made.
There are several popular means of
ascending the Peak-one by the Cascade
wagon road. Awaiting the morning
train may be found mountain wagons
drawn by four horses In which the as
cent over the splendidly built highway
is safely made. The sturdy, little bur-
ros will. after a fashion. take one to
the summit, but one must be well in
sured with accident and life policies.
The most novel and wonderful way IL
by the cog-wheel railroad. by which
route we decided to make the ascent.
This railway has a length of 9A miles
and was built ut IL cost of about u mil
IL 4 4 # tnl n H.
stant!al manner. all its bridges being
of stone and iron. At times the grade
seems positively appalling. being on a
maximum % per cent, but every pre-
caution Is taken to make safe trips
On the ascent the cars are pushed by
the engine, but on the descent the loco
motive is placed I'm front. 1t was d
beautiful morning when we started In
one of the observation cars that was to
take us IN this lofty mountain. We
We're particularly favored through the
Kindness of friends in gaining access to
the car early. that we might secure the
front seats whichh We're the best. All
In the cars were eager with delight and
anticipation The first part Of the trip
was wonderfully beautiful. winding up,
up, and through the canon in and out of
the forests. s.occasionally passing streams.
dashing down over great boulders and
catching glimpses of exquisite wild
flowers. The way seems hazardous as
on and uD we so, passing over over
hanging brows of threatening boulders
There Is peculiar sensation when sud-
denly the train stops and we make in
quiries of the conductor regarding the
safety of the road. He explains the ac-
tion of the cogwheel and so treasures
us. The steepness Of the way still con-
IN
smaller and at length we reach the tim
Der line. We find 1t pleasant to stop at
the halfway house and have Il conver
station with a young lady with pistol
in her belt who is walking to the Peak
Indeed during the entire trip we were
constantly passing weary foot travel.
ers. We preferred to be taken up by
steam. Once more we start. The
mountain now becomes measureless
pile of broken stones. clouds envelOp us
and there Is great charm of indis-
tinctness on every side. Some in the car
begin to feel the rarity of the atmos-
phere and are searching for camphor
and ammonia bottles. This condition
Of the atmosphere causes one to be
greatly deceived In regard to distances
and ! remember, and many have prob
ably heard. the story so often repeated
In Colorado of two men who started to
walk to the mountains from Denver be-
fore breakfast After tramping what
seemed to them long distance, one
| suggested to the other to proceed slow
ly while he returned to Denver for a
carriage. When overtaken by the friend
in the carriage the pedestrian was sit
ting on the bank of brook scarcely
more than step in breadth, deliber
ately taking Off his clothes. When ask
ed why he did not step across he replied
You don't catch me making a fool of
myself by trying TO jump this stream.
1t looks but step. but 1t may be q mile.
, so shall prepare for swimming"
After three hours of pushing. putting
| and climbing the train ceases It's res
! pirations and comes to standstill
| seemingly exhausted. before a stone
building, recently occupied as station
for the United States signal service.
! Oh! what view as we stand and
| gaze in speechless awe at the pano.
rama Of unrivaled grandeur that is un-
folding before us. AS far as the eye
can reach d mighty army of mountains
In every direction and the passing
clouds below US reveal the valley and
plain. There IL so much sky--one feels
so near 1t. and realizes more fully thar
| ever the vastness of God and the won.
ders Of His creation. 1t was one of the
| most awe-inspiring sights | have eve,
seen-words fail in description of it
/ To see It Is to appreciate it and now, as
my space is limited. l will leave YOU
among the clouds.
ANNIE FOSTER STELLE.
i