The Republican journal., 1904-08-11
KNIGHTS OF PYrH1As EXCURSION.

One OF the prettleSt trips OF the season
for an excursion party, and one of the most
successful excursions ever run out of this
city, was that of July 31st on the staunch
steamer Golden Rod of the Bucksport and
Camden line, under the charter of Silver
Cross Lodge, Knights of Pythias. The
steamer left this city at the Lewis wharf at
$50 with stiff southerly breeze in her teeth
her passenger limit sold, and with very
happy party on board. Competition with
an excursion advertised on the Merryconeag
over the same route caused little hustle on
the pier at Belfast and the boat carried a
party larger than it would otherwise have
been. The steamer proceeded down the
bay, saluting at the various landings and
settlements along the way, but made no
landing at Temple Heights, there being
no passengers to land or take. From the
"Heights'' to Camden the wind was very
stiff and the sea choppy, but the little craft
rode it well and while some of the party
were obliged to contribute their breakfast
to the fish the trip was not a disagreeable
one by any means. The boat reached
Camden at about 11.3O and after landing
number of passengers, whose places were
taken by Camden parties, she continued for
Crescent Beach. The harbor had good
sprinkling of large yachts, and the Aria
of Bangor came in as We passed out by
Negro Island. The sea now began to
calm down and the trip grew pleasanter
Few sailing craft or steamboats, were seen,
and we had been told on reaching Camden
that the wreck of the steamer City of
Rockland had passed into Rockland about
an hour before. AS we neared Owls Head
we passed an old sloop which was tossing
and pitching in the sea, with big tug
lying by her. Passing into the Mussel-
ridges by Owls Head the tripod on Ash
Island, near where the steamer struck,
was plainly seen, and about a mile and
half outside was the buoy on the Northeast
ledge where the City of Rockland brought
up. We passed the Merryconeag little
farther on, as she was returning, and reach
ed the pier at Crescent Beach just before
one o'clock. Mr.. Smith came down the
pier to meet the party and informed them
that dinner was waiting for our excursion
party, it having been previously ordered
from Belfast. 1t was decided then that we
should leave Crescent Beach at three,
instead of four O'Clock, and visit the steam
er City of Rockland, in Rockland. The
party were accordingly on board at prompt
| three O'Clock and casting off lines we
started homeward. On rounding Owls Head
the steamer headed for Rockland, passing in
| by the breakwater and steaming up near
| the City of Rockland as she lay on the
beach at the lower shipyard. After all had
an opportunity to view her the steamer
passed out of the harbor and came up the
bay in calm waters. We reached Camden
at 4.25 which was IS minutes ahead of the
advertised time, and the party were given
that time on shore. Our party was here
increased by several that the Merryconeag
had left by her failure TO stop on the return
trip and we reached Belfast promptly at
7 p. m. The trip was devoid Of anything to
MARI it in any way, and Encouragement of
the excursion and Capt. Bennett and the
Golden Rod received great deal of praise
for the pleasant trip, and the entire party
were delighted with the days outing.
GONE OF THE PARTY"