The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1906-05-17

soon we are descending sharp declines
again and find ourselves in a rugged
granite canyon. Unlike the impress
sion of the Canyon which l gained
from old biographies, this Canyon is
not one great deep crack in the earth
where one may look downward for a
mile: Rather it is series of "Can-
yons within Canyons, and then some,
while the tempted remains of lime
stone and sandstone bear silent wit
ness of the wasting influence of air
and water. The gorge through which
the river flows is only about 1900 feet
deep at this point but that looks high
enough when you are at the bottom
of it. 1t seems incredible that any,
thing so soft and yielding as water
could possibly eat its way through
those masses of stone of such great
hardness. The river is only about 200
feet wide at the trail, but quick
rise of 80 or 40 feet is not an unusual
occurrence. Rushing onward at rate
of about Is miles an hour it is not a
safe river for navigation.
Most persons who walk the Canyon
either lodge at night at the Indian
Gardens or else have a horse sent
down so they can ride back, but as
wished to do neither it was necessary
to start on the return trip before the
horseback party arrived. And such a
trip it was! Going down brought into
play many muscles long dormant, but
ascending required muscle and lung
power too. l had long staff which
aided me much and you may be sure
l used it often to lean on while my
breathing became normal. The sun
beat down too and made exercise
quite uncomfortable. When the
mounted patty met me they thought l
could not stand it to get to the top
and railingly asked if they should
send for a horse. Opinion seemed
divided as to whether l would make
it or not so guess must have looked
worn. Gradually l wormed higher
and finally got to the Garden where
a long rest was enjoyed. l hated to
think of the 5000 feet still ahead but
disliked to acknowledge defeat.
Looking forward at the precipitious
cliff one would think they were I'M
scalable but step by step the way APP
peared and one recalled the words of
the song do not ask to see the way,
one step enough for me. "Climb,
rest, climb, rest, little by little the
varied colored rocks were passed until
finally the battleship "Iowa" was
level with out feet. 1t seemed as
if we had worked our way through
the clouds by this time but an uncon-
quered wall of rock still hung far
above our heads. At every angle
! would rest, and then some. The top
seemed as far away as ever and many
were the resolves l made that if l got
out safe l would never try it again,
on foot. Now far down the trail
l could see ant-like creatures moving
along which proved to be the mounted
party on their return. They had their
troubles too and often rested the
horse and at times the persons would
dlsmount and walk awhile. They
finally overlook me but by their faces
I could see that they were glad the
top was near as most of them were
unaccustomed to riding and mountain
riding is no picnic. Ladies of course
all ride astride, habits being procured
at the hotel. Well l got out before
supper time and in half an hour felt
quite rested but for several days 60
ing down stairs awoke painful mem
cries. After it is all over | am glad
l walked.
Yours truly,
C.. X. Shafer.