The Portland daily press., 1896-08-29

|
fixing punoture. We had to cross our
| first mount tain near De Smet station,
eleven and three. fourths miles from the
post. Distance from foot to summit, one
nalf mile; distance from summit to foot
on other side, one and one-half miles;
time to go from foot to foot fifteen min
utes. After leaving Warrants Trestle, q
point eighteen miles from the fort, we
had billy, rocky and muddy roads for
about twelve miles over about six miles
of which we had to dismount fully TWEEN
ty times on account of mud puddles and
fallen trees. We reached Finley Greek,
thirty three miles from Fort Mssoula, at
10. 80 p. m. At this point we stopped
two and one-half hours to rest and eat
We crossed Finley Creek. thirty-three
miles from Fort Missoula, at IL. 80 a. IN.
At this point we stopped two and one
half hours to rest and eat. We crossed
Finley Creek onSour wheels; width about
twenty Eve feet; depth, between eight
and nine inches. Two smen fell off in
the stream. After leaving the creek we
took the high-water trail over the noun
tain to avoid fording the Jooko River.
1t was hard work to get over this noun
ia II. as the ascent was quite steep. For
several miles after crossing the mountain
we travelled along path in thick woods.
We had to roll our wheels up several
small grades before crossing Jocko, lit
tie below Ravalli station, at go p. M.
Distance from Fort Missoula, forty-four
miles Stopped forty-fve minues at
Ravailli to weigh wheels and fix puno-
ture.
| Lsft Ravalli for Mission at 6. 10 p. m.
We had to go over three small mountains
between Ravalli and the Mission. 1t
took US thirty-two minutes to reach sum-
init of first land largest mountain; dis
tance from bottom to summit of first and
largest mountain; distance from bottom
to summit, two miles. In going down
ON other side we made one and three
fourths miles in five minutes. Ascend
ing these hills was very tiresome work.
We reached a point at 730 p. m. on
Mission Creek about one-half mile above
the Mission. where we pitched our shell
ter tents and camped for the night; dis
tance from Missoula, ffty-one miles. We
attract ted great deal of attention all
along the route. Horses and COWS ran
| from us and dogs ran after us, viii lie the
| inhabitants stopped their work and
gazed at US in establishment. The
soldies did not seem to be very tired. as
they stayed up until II O'Clock talking
and getting off jokes.
A GENUINE TEST.
The next morning at IL O'Clock we
started for Mcdonald LAKE. One seat
spring broke about three miles from the
Mission. We had extra springs with us
and Immediately replace d it,, causing q
delay Of about two minutes We stopped
about twenty minutes at ranch Co get
water and also some oil to clean our
wheels. We rode and walked about two
miles through a rough, hilly and grassy
field. After leaving this field we struck
a rough, stony and little travelled road,
which we travelled for one and one-half
miles. when we reached the lake. and
made camp.
Time, 1870 p. M; distance from Mis-
sion, twelve miles. After dinner the
soldiers gave their wheels thorough
cleaning and 4 oiling. Five punctures
were found-two soldiers having one
each, and third soldier three. Our
supper consisted of biscuits, bacon, corn,
coffee, condensed milk, trout and prunes
Abous a. m. o STRONG wind came up
and it soon began raining. The rain
kept up almost necessarily until 10 m,
when it stopped altogether. We left
Lake Mcdonald at $50 a. NJ ina heavy
rain. On account of the mud and rocks
| we had to roll our wheels, about one
and one half miles. We then stru ok a
good downgrade road and made good
time, until we reached section of ham,
mock mud. Before we knew 1t our
wheels were clogged with this gumpy
mud, and we were delayed fully thirt y
minutes in q drizzling rain cleaning our
wheels In ditch. We again STARTED for
| Ravalli over muddy, hilly roads, with a
rain and wind in our faces. By this
time We were drenohed to the skin, our
wheels were covered with mud, and our
| SuUoS Ai4uu Will WdbbT. Ill BULLS pldC6S
we walked long distances in mud two
and three inches deep. This part of our
journey was exceedingly d1eary and tire
some. In mud and rain We were plod-
ding along one after another, rolling our
wheels up hills and with much care rid
ing down slippery hills.
Every once In "a while we would strike
an Indian cabin, and the dogs barking
would announce our approach, while the
occupants would run to the door and
gaze at us.sdOur shoes We're filed with
mud, and itYwas very difficult tod keep
our feet on the muddy pedals. AT IL a.
IN. we reached Mission Crock, twelve
miles from the lake. We forded Il the
stream in nearly three feet of swift wat