The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1898-07-14
LETTER FROM LEO.
Continued from Page ~


grade, but then came such "getting
up stairs"-but all obstacles were
overcome and the nearest point
reached.
From the foot of the glazier issue a
dozen or more large rivulets, which
unite some distance below, forming a
rushing stream which disappears
among the fir trees.
But the task of reaching the surface
of the glazier is not yet half accom-
plished. A elm Ding of another hour
is required, over loose rocks along the
margin of the ice, which rose fifty feet
high, to reach an almost inaccessible
point, from which it was possible to
reach the upper glazier, and after
reaching it the ice field, it's broken sur
face, cliffs and caves in the most fan
tastic shapes of every inconceivable
form and slippery hummods under it,
dangerous to traverse and at times i'm
possible to proceed, for a single mis-
step might send one sliding down to
some indefinite stopping place. On one
occasion the result of an unfortunate
slip of the Alpeen stock was slide of
a dozen feet into a rill of icy water
ankle deep, which served to dampen
ambition, but not to extinguish it.
Alone in the depths and solitude of
thru mountains, no human aid within
reach, with the hoary headed giants
looking down upon him from their
stupendous heights of more than a
mile above him, with the cracking and
grooming in the bowels of the great ice
berg, person stands amazed and awe
stricken, and the ratio between his
height Of five feet ten and the heights
above him is too great and he feels his
utter insignifcance. He is already
standing more than 5000 feet above
sea level and Mount Donald towers
more than 1000 feet above him. The
grandeur Of the scene defes the power
of description in the English language
and must be seen to be appreciated.
1t is not advisable for the mountain
climber to assume too much risk when
alone. To descend is often quite as
difficult places, and no one should go
out without an Alpen-stock, staff six
feet long with an iron spike. 1t is al
most indispensable in either ascending
or descending.
The depth of this great body of ice is
said to be about 600 feet, but not hav-
ing sounded it's debts this fact cannot
be vouched for. 1t differs in many
respects from anything heretofore seen
in Switzerland, being more extensive,
more difficult of access and it's greater
inclination from level.
Amid ali these scenes Of grandeur,
and even at the edge of the great ice
field the furious mosquito contests the
right of way. Unlike the festive little
insect in our own land, who appreci
ates his own music, though others may
not admire it, this mountain mosquito
has no taste for music, but is intent
upon business and pounces upon his
victim and bites like a bulldog without
the least warning. The cool night air
has cooling effect upon him and he
retires to his lodging place. Interest
in the surroundings stimulates ambi-
ton, while the weary feet heed not
their WEAKNESS till utterly exhausted;
and here few items of advice to the
mountain climber may not be amiss.
First-Don't start on an excursion
when you are already weary.
Second-Don't take any toe corns
with you that you can possibly leave
behind.
Third-Don't go without an Alpen |
stock.
Fourth-Don't postpone your trip too
late in the day.
Fifth-Don't hurry-take it easy. |
You will have enough before you
return.
Sixth-Don't take too much risk
when alone.
Seventh Don't forget that mountain |
heights and distances are very deceiv-
ing and are greater than your estimate.
Night had already closed over the |
sea when the hotel was reached after a |
weary excursion of seven hours, and
rest in an easy arm chair before coal
fire was very grateful, for although the |
day may be warm the nights are cool.
Another climber who had started out
at late hour failed to return at the |
proper time, and a party was sent out
to search for him. They all returned
at twelve o'clock. Darkness had over
taken the man in the woods, and the
trail could not be kept. He had wan
dered but short distance away, but it
was impossible to retrace his steps,
and a lodging under the trees would |