Durango semi-weekly herald. (Durango, Colo.) 1899-1907, 1906-08-13
SOME BAYFIELD, NOTES.

A few weeks ago while looking for
new field of labor the writer was
happily directed to the Pine River
valley with Bayfield, as center of
work. Starting from Litchfield, Neb.,
md coming via way of the Burlington
md Denver & Rio Grande systems.
We saw much that was both instruc-
live and interesting which 1t is aside
from our purpose to relate in these
notes. We had heard much of the
scenic beauties and wonders OF this
great state, but when we entered 1t
we found that the half had not been
told us. Leaving Denver rather late
in the evening, the night closed in
IN sights which by day would doubt
less have proved attractive, SO we
saw but little until we reached the
thriving little town Of Alamosa. Its
site on the Wide plain, Its isolated
position and yet its prominent loca-
ton on the direct line OF travel, to-
gether with its active and energetic
people, making the most out of what
nature has done for them, will stamp
The town as one far from insignifi-
canoe and of stragetic importance.
But here we cannot remain. The
narrowgauge snatches up and hurls
us away in the bright morning until
we were left at Ignacio. in the Pine
River valley. We shall attempt no
description OF what we saw on our
journey thus far. 1t is enough to
say that 1t is one of natures tri-
umphs in presenting the picturesque
and the sublime. We left the station
and the Bayfield, stage then managed
by Mr.. Taylor took us up and did not
let us down until we reached the ho-
tel at bayfield,, The charming val
ley OF Pine river, exhibiting a beauty
which 1t liz at least difficult to sur
pass, ministered to the aesthetic
quality for many days. They do not
say that this is the most beautiful
valley In Colorado, but before you
claim that the one In which you live
is more excellent In this respect.
Come and see. We do not affirm that
fishing here is better than in all 9TH
er parts OF the state but lest you err.
in statement consult my friend Tur-
ner and other fishermen of note be-
fore you say that 1t is not. The good
people of Bayfield, met us cordially,
and the first day of our stay conduct
ed us to a meeting of the Ladies' Aid
Society, held at the home of Mrs.
Lamb, some distance from town and
In true royal fashion proceeded to ad.
minister to our wants. We had lit
tie furniture and none could be our
and brought here for some
time but the ladies at once came
hurrying to the rescue with all that
we needed. The house was out of
repair, but It was not allowed to re.
'aih SO US we GREW on Durango for |
paper hanger aud now we have a
comfortable little home among an ap-
people. Even my books |
have found shelter. Good Brother
Edwards. carpenter as well as a
Christian, supported by our elders
md trustees, made us book shelves
or our library, and were | to 20
lway they will remain for the use
II the fortunate one who takes my
'lace. They have been liberal in
heir subscription to our salary and
With true generosity we have deter
mined to see that they do not suffer
want. With such reception by the
'eople and with such a wide charm
ng field In which to labor, we would
indeed be ungrateful did we not ex.