The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-10-09
ON THE PACIFIC COAST
BY FULTON 8. WHITE.

nearly 1900 feet high. When I was there
September IS, it was covered all over with
snow and the snow was falling fast. The
beautiful eYergreens covered with the
white snow furnished a grand contrast
and fascinating picture. The scene was
simply grand and must De viewed in or
der to be fully appreciated.
Just before we begin to climb the noun
tain, we come to Shasta springs, one of
the prettiest places in the world, being
as it lies at the foot of the mountain,
surrounded by great evergreen trees and
springs of water as clear as crystal.
There are several gushes here, sending
up their waters in a fine spray so that
one can get a fine shower bath If de-
sired. On an elevation of 5000 feet Is a
fine hotel
Leading up from the depot is a scenic
railway, which conveys passengers and
baggage up to the hotel. The scenery on
this line is simply grand. Our train was
run in two sections l was on the last
section, and could look up and see the
front section right over us climbing the
mountain, end when night came to look
above us and see the train all lighted up
was inspiring
Next morning early we are over the
mountains and in the great historic and
fertile valley of the Willamette river in
Oregon. This is a very fertile and inter-
esting valley and produces the finest
wheat in tho world
Passing on up the valley we soon reach
the beautiful city of Salem, the capital of
Oregon. Toward noon we reached the
great metropolis of Oregon, the city of
Portland. Portland like San Francisco, is
a prosperous business city. Here the great
Lewis and Clark exposition will be held
next year in honor of these two pioneers
and discoveries. The buildings are now
we'll under course of construction. l visit
ed the grounds as we'll as all places of
interest in the city. From Portland
heights one can look away for miles over
the valleys of the Columbia and William
cite rivers. Portland Is on the Column
bia From here 1 made trip over into
Washington, which was also very inter-
esting.
From Los Angeles to Portland 1t is
over 1900 miles and every foot of the way
there is something for the tourist to see
and admire.
On Sunday morning, September %,
through the courtesies of the Oregon
Short Line Railroad company, 1 leave
Portland for Salt Lake City, distance
of 800 miles. On this trip we follow the
Columbia river for 800 miles, and for ma
tural scenery the Hudson is no COM
panion. Here we have great waterfalls,
one little river leaping from hill 400 feet
high. All the way up we are passing falls
in the river. passing through great
canons. In many places the road lies right
along between the stream on one side
and great mountains thousands of feet
high on the other. Columbia river led the
great explorers in 1S05-Lewis and Clark
out to the Pacific.
The whole journey here is characterized
by grand scenery. The Columbia valley
Is quite narrow and there is but little
good farming land, though through this
section there are yet great forests of
fir trees These will all be of value in
the future. Salmon fishing was going on
more than 100 miles above Portland.
Two days and one nights constant
travel, and we are at Salt Lake City.
Here Is one of the wonders of the
world and perhaps all things considered
the prettiest city in the United States
Here I spent a whole day in sight see
ing. The streets run at right angles and
all the main streets are 1S2 feet wide
Main street Is one of the longest in the
world twenty-five miles long. Some OF the
wealthiest miners have built great man.
sions and make their homes here. There Is
great amount of wealth in this city
Say what we may about the Mormons
but when we come here, and see what
has been done, what wonders have beer
wrought out In this alkal desert, we are
astonished beyond all measure and are
bound to admit at once that Brigham
Young was & man of great foresight, ano
possessed a great business capacity. he
planned well and builded well, and puilo-
ed not only q city to suit himself or for