The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1903-10-23

The ciub's outing this season was to
Kern River Canyon and Mount Whit
ney. Camp equipage and supplies suf-
fiCient for 1--WE weeks We're transport
ed 100 miles across high mountain
passes into the heart of the region OF
peaks, reaching attitudes Of from TO-
900 to 1000 feet. The country ira
versed was but little known. maps
were useless. so the mountaineers add
ed n feat in exploration TO that OF
climbing one OF the highest mountains
In the United States.
After a two days stage drive, from
Nisalia TO Mineral King, the party
walked twenty miles across the divide
to their camp in Kern Canyon. one Of
the glacial COrges whose beautiful
domes and walls still bear the scars Of
the flowing ice that formed it, Here
week was spent in tramping and
fishing. thus getting the party in physi.
cal condition for the trip 10 the base
Of Mount Whitney.
The eighth day was spent i'm prcpar-
Ing for the cight-day trip TO come.
Shoes were renailed with heavy hob
nails, and the strongest wearing APP
parel was selected. Every unncces-
sary article was left behind. for only
fifteen pounds OF baggage was allowed.
including sleeping bag or blankets.
Thus equipped, the party crossed the
Kern and ascendcd Volcano Greek to
its source, near the main divide be-
tween the Kern and Owens Valleys,
and followed this divide. at an alti-
tude OF between 5000 and l0.50O feet,
to the base Of Mount Whitney. During
the entire trip every one slept in the
open air. rolled up in blankets or
sleeping bags. No rain fell and there
a dry place in the sand. wriggle into
a comfortable position. and sleep.
On the morning OF the ascent the
party breakfasted at half-past three,
and were on the march little after
4. The five miles to the base OF the
mountain was quickly covered. with
frequent short rests TO prevent over
exertion. dangerous at this altitude
The real climbing on Mount whitney
begins at Langley's camp. at an alti-
tude Of II .S2J feet. and continues until
the broad crest OF the mountain H.
reached. at about 1900 feet. For S00
feet great granite powders were en-
countered. and over these the party
made their way. switching back and
forth across the mountain n order 70
gain elevation until the base OF a
chimney" or rock gorge. was reached
Here the way led upward over bowld
ers. between two sheer walls OF gran
ite blocks. For 500 feet we toled OF
this gorge with hands. feet and elbows
in action. finally coming TO the slope
that leads TO the summit. which was
reached before o o'clock.
The most striking feature OF Mount
whitney is the tremendous abyss Oh
the eastern face. Approaching the mon
ument on the eastern rim OF the sum
NIT. one SECS only the ragged rocks
around its base. and. beyond, the farms
and orchards. 1O,Gco feet below. II Il
like a world seen from a balloon. and
the height makes one dizzy. The mem
bers signed the club register. which
was left in the monument. and ther
explored as fer as possible the bass
OF the peaks. which. on every side ex
cept the east. rose in chaotic masses
their SUBMITS all over 1900 feet
scanned and SCARED by chasms anC
gorges Biologists have found here
splendid examples Of the action OF
glaciers during the Ice Age-COllier'
Weekly