The searchlight. [volume] (Culbertson, Mont.) 1902-current, 1909-09-10
TRIP TO SEATTLE
The Searchlight Reporter Takes In
the Exposition and Other
Coast Cities.
(By w. +. JoHNsoS)

Our trip to the Pacific coast was a most
delightful one notwithstanding few draw
backs we were obliged to contend with.
Accompanied by my sister from Fergus
Falls. MINI. we left Cnibertson on the 2,d
Of July. As we wished to view the country
along the way we stopped of at different
points when night approached. proceeding
on our journey during daylight.
We were greatly impressed by the vast
ness Of the unbroken plains Of Montana
which nevertheless grew extremely monot-
onous as we traversed mile after mile with
out sign Of habitation. However, two
very pleasant gentlemen behind US kept me
busy answering questions all the way
through Valley county and together with a
copy Of the Searchlight il helped pass the
time away quite agreeably. They we're on
their way to register a, kalispell in hopes
Of getting piece Of Uncle Sans domain.
In fact most Of the people on the train
were bound for there.
About ) p. m. we got our first view OF
some high peaks away TO the south which
kept us company for some time But the
weather was becoming threatening and we
we're soon obliged to put the windows down
to keep out the wind and rain. When we
reached Cutbank. our first stop. We were
surprised to see everything flooded. The
sidewalks we're all afoat and il was with
son,a difH~ul,v tha, - a, Ia, ~...k~l ~.
hotel On inquiring the reason for this cx-
treme dampness we were told that il was a
cloudburst-the first they had ever exper-
fenced there. The train which had con-
tinued its journey. was brought to stand
still mile frsm the station and only a lew
yards from serious washout and forced
to return. II was several hours before
they could proceed on their way. After
supper We we're pleasantly surprised to
meet old acquaintances from Minnesota
the depot agent and his son Among other
things they informed US the town contaiaed
about 900 Inhabitants and surrounded by
agricultural and grazing land.
We continued our journey next morning
and got as far as Essex--raining all the
sime-snd stopped for six hours, go min
utes and IS seconds. The scenery was
very interesting (from inside the cars) and
We could plainly see the snow-topped
mountains close by. Many OF US however
braved the elements which at times was
only slight drizzle and took a httle exer.
else. Besides the station and water tank
there was small restaurant which was
soon turned inside out Of its eatables. We
noticed crowd had gathered around the
front Of the engine and conversing quite
earnestly and soon learned that large log
We had Witnessed csming down the steep
embankment when we we're just a mile o.
SO from the station. had really come in
contact with the co~-catcher and dented il
up some. Those in the forward coaches
had felt slight jar and those who hap
pened to look out at the time were proba-
bly, the only ones who knew the cause. Al
one place the ~ashout had been Bit more
severe and the working men were still
busy. On the left Of US rose the cliffs sky
high and On cur right we could see hun
dreds il not a thousand feet into the river
below. The tram moved along cautiously
here and we could see the men close 10 the
track with pick and spade. holding them
selves in readiness. We drew a long
breath Of relief when we were safely by
At last we reached Whitefsh where we
rested up over night. This is q railroad
town with its round-house. machine shops,
etc. with population Of about q. GOO in
habi,ants. II is surrounded by forests and
mountains and large. beautiful lake close
by. clear as crystal with fish in abundance.
As our train did no, pull out until noon We
had ample time in which to prominade bu,
We we're soon hnrrying back on account OF
the persistent dam -pness Of the weather. 1
had very pleasant visit. however. a, one
Of the newspaper Offices and We obtained
number Of views Of the place.
We were soon On our way again and
passed through some very fine scenery. fol-
lowing the Koo,enai river most Of the way.
We ieaehed Spokane quite late in the eve
ming and continued our journey about neon
the next day Thursday Wha, we saw
OF Spokane the little while that we were
there decided US to spend day visiting in
that beautiful city on our return trip. To-
wards evening we were in the midst Of the
Cascade mountains. and here we witnessed
the most magnificent and wonderful seen
cry OF tbs whole trip. I, was bright moon
light when We we're the closest to the sky
and witnessing this unrivaied grandeur
and the eject was indeed the most beau,i-
full we have ever witnessed.
continued next week1