Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1897-01-28

west Mount Olympus towers its jagged
head 5000 feet above the sea. In the
northeast another mighty peak, Mount
Constance, blocks the way, raising itself
o the clouds as if to rival King Olympus.
Close at hand lies Lake Marmot, whose
waters are as cold as ice and, in all di-
rections, peaks, some large, some small
shoot up like insurmountabie barriers.
The grand divide is about 5000 feet
elevation, and from it more of the rugged
beauty of the Olympics can be seen than
from any other point. When the party
pitched camp near Lake Marmot and be-
gan constructing cabin, they were COM
PEELED to dig into deep snow banks. By
the end of a week, however, much of this
had disappeared, and the valleys became
transformed, as il by magic, into gardens
OF paradise. As the hot rays of the sun
beat upon the snow and drove it back
foot by foot, rich, luxuriant grass made its
appearance and grew like mushrooms.
The valleys-for there are valleys up there
fairly groaned under the burden of wild
flowers. There were immense patches of
red here, blue there, white somewhere
else, and yellow further on. The fir trees
had Disappeared, and in their place were
to be found Alaska cedars, pines, alders
and shrubs.
During the three weeks the party
camped in this country of flowers, val
leys, glaciers, mountain peaks and big
game, the weather was warm and there
was no call for heavy clothing. The
moonlight nights were wonderful to be-
hold, until one night shadow began to
steal over the moons surface; then one
of the boys did not feel SO moon struck.
He looked and looked, and rubbed hB
eyes. He called to his companions to
look at the most wondrous sight the
heavens had yet shown. Someone re-
membered that there was to be an eclipse
of the moon August %, and mentioned
the fact The explanation brought its
feeling OF relief.
AN ELK HUNT.
1t was four days from the time camp was
made that Reid and Hopper were able to
take their first hunt for elk. A heavy fog
had covered the mountains, making it
out Of question for an extended trip over
the hog backs, down steep snow slides, or
through deep and narrow ravines. Prob
ably this enforced delay made them all
the more eager and determined when
they did shoulder their rifles.
They had not gone far when they dis
covered signs of big game. Perhaps
others will recall instances in their own
experience When they have discovered
deer tracks, apparently fresh, and grouse
dusts under every old log, yet could not
flush he game. Reid and Hopper tramped
nearly ali that day with the allurng
tracks before them, but not horn had
been seen. Finally they stopped on Il
ridge, and We're discussing the best di-
rection in which to turn their steps,
when they caught sight of some moving
objects coming down a steep slide.
Sure RS you're born, we've got 'em at
lastW whispered Reid, in smothered ex-
element
Eyes, there come elk to a dead GER
tainty," replied Hopper, land they will
WORK right down the cut at the base of
this ridge. We've got 'em at last.''
The elk, unconscious of danger came
down the snowy road, sliding and jump
ing, the herd led by magnificent young
bull The declivity was so sharp that
when they stepped forward their bodies
would swing around; but this did not
seem to worry them i'll the least, and they
trouped along with no misgivings.
Inc hunters watched for several min
utes before taking to cover. Then COM
menced very skillful muneuvrlng to
reach position of vantage, without
giving sight or smell to the band. 1t is
Impossible to detail here all the diff
cultIes encountered i'll working down to
and around The herd. AT last it was
accomplished, and the hunters were
within hundred yards Of forty
specimens Of the olympic monarchs.
Some were stretched out on the snow
resting, while Others We're standing
peacefully, or browsing Hopper I'M
slung his kodak, and moving up a little
nearer, look snap shot ut the herd.
This interesting piece of work accom-
pllshed, each picked out ii young bull and
moved up.
1t was moment of grand exhilarating
excitement. twig snapped, and The
sound, slight rs it was, reached the ears
OF two cows, who were slightly separated
from the main band, and nearest the
sportsmen. The COWS jumped to their
feet, and instantly the whole herd was
aroused to a feeling of unrest. The hun
tiers lost no time, but moved rapidly into
the open. With this forty elk sprang up
in alarm, and made off up the mountain,
but not before two sharp, ringing reports
were heard i'll the crisp mountain air.
One bull shook his antlered head wildly,
and with convusive shudder through
out his whole body, fell dead, shot
through the head. His brother staggered
forward, sank dow tried to rise again,
but finally went w in heap, his
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