Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1904-08-30
AN INTERESTING LETTER

letter spoke of our trip being plan
ned for Mt. Shasta. On Saturday,
Aug. Ii, at 2 o'clock in the afternoon
"a party of eleven started on
horse back for s'Lower Horse Camp"
situated at Timber Line and arrived
there after four hours ride. On
leaving SiSSiOn our trail took us
through acres of Manzenita brush and
several times our horses had to fol-
low mountain streams for rods and
then we commenced to climb the
mountains where for the next six
miles our ride was continuous as
cent along zig-zag trail, over large
rocks and logs till we reached camp.
There were four ladies and seven
gentlemen in the party, the youngest
being boy fourteen years old the
day we started, and it is said he's the
youngest person ever having made the
trip. When we arrived in camp We
found large snow field about five
rods from US and the usual SNOWFALL
battle followed. After having supper
and caring for the horses, we retired
to our fir beds about 10 p. M, but it is
needless to say there was little sleep
as we found our beds rather hard.
We arose at O'Clock Sunday morning
and at $3.50 seven of us mounted our
horses and four walked in order to
find the trail as it was still dark and
started for upper Horse Camp" a
distance of two miles over fields of
snow and mountains of rocks. At 6:15
in the morning we left our horses
tied to rocks and commenced the
ascent :of a field Of snow covering
acres of land. Taking a diagonal
course upward we travelled for mile
and every step was one Of Danger as
the snow was frozen solid and il was
impossible to get footing but we
were all supplied with "Alpine Stocks"
as they are necessary for climbing.
Another danger in crossing this snow,
is the large rocks that break away
from above and come down with
such force they would kill one il
struck. Upon leaving the snow we
crossed Black Island which is solid
bed of rock and every step you take
you slide back, SO your progress is
rather slow. Then we come to the
"Red Rocks" and climb ckaSm of
snow and rocks about fifty feet high.
From there to the summit we
alternately cross snow and rock
fields.
We arrived at the summit at 1:30
p. m., where we stayed one half hour.
Having such large party and watt
ing for those who felt badly made our
arrival much later than it would have
otherwise been. Two of the ladies
gave out completely and had to be
given strychnine and several of the
boys also needed attention. Three of
the gentlemen and myself stood the
trip best, our only trouble being
shortness of breath. At the summit
we had two snap shots taken of the
party which are very good. We also
had the pleasure of seeing the most
beautiful blue lakes hundreds of feet
below US. AT 2 p. M, we started
down and this was much easier as
with every step either in snow Or
rocks we would slide three or four
feet. At Thumb Rock about one
mile from the summit we saw two
immense ice caves in the snow and
drank ice water from little
stream which flowed between the
rocks and snow. l will say here our
diet during the time we were away
from camp consisted of raisins,
sweet chocolate and cold tea.
AT Thumb Rock, is where one
takes the wonderful ride down hill
on gunny sacks. When the snow is
in good condition you slide down hill
four miles in about five minutes.
Two persons occupy one sack and
the first guides it with his Alpine
stocks. Our ride was not a success
as the heat was so intense that day
the snow had melted and was so wet
didn't enjoy it but we slid for mile
$50 we'd know something about it.
There were several turnover" but
we managed to right ourselves and
finished to Upper Horse camp
afoot. Although we were soaking
wet it did not mar our pleasure.
Here we took our horses and started
for camp, some horse back and others
afoot and all feeling we'd seen rlenty
of Mt. Shasta for awhile.
Arriving at camp at about p. M,
we were all ready for hot meal
although some were unable to assist
in preparing it. Later we felt SO
much better we enjoyed huge camp
| fire and each gave his impressions
of Mt Shasta. We also frightened
our camp by having red calcium
| lights and taking two flash light
pictures.
| We were all glad to retire early and
slept much better than Saturday
night. On Monday we left camp at
s o'clock in the morning arriving in
town in time for dinner. We were a
much quieter crowd coming back than
when we went to camp. and Tuesday
found US all tired and lame and with