The Colfax gazette. [volume] (Colfax, Wash.) 1893-1932, 1910-07-15

Northwest Passage. To find and sail
through the Northwest Passage wae the
dream of all the navigators OF ancient
times from Columbus down, but il re-
mained for Captain Roal Amundsen, in
the GjOa, to make the passage, which he
did after battling with the ice for three
years, bringing the little craft from the
Atlantic TO the Pacific, finally casting
anchor in San Francisco bay. 1t being
n longer fit for sea service it was bought
by several wealthy and patriotic Nor
weeians, residents OF San Francisco, who
presented it to Golden Gate Park The
Gioa was hauled out OF the ocean surf
where the park ends near the Cliff House,
a place being fixed for its reception,
where it is viewed with great interest.
A keeper lives on the little craft, other
wise it would be carried away by relic
hunters. / enjoyed the extra privilege
of being allowed to go aboard the Gioa.
a privilege not allowed except on special
OCCb6lOuB. n lduutT IudU SIOO0
placed there for use OF the keeper, himself
a Norwegian and an old sea dog, was
soon climbed and | stood on the deck
of the only vessel that ever came through
the Northwest Passage. The Gioa is a
one masted sloop, 70 feet in length and
looks battered and worn. We descended
into the after cabin, containing two
hunks on each side, each bunk barely
wide enough for man to crawl into,
leaving a living room six or eight feet
square. We we're shown the bunk Cap
tain Amundsen occupied. He was ac-
companied on bis memorable trip by six
sailors, part living in the after cabin, the
Others occupying the gallery in the
fo'castle. Everything about the Gioa is
old fashioned and simple. 1t is another
illustration that the great events Of the
world, so far as navigation and discov-
pretentious craft such as the GiOa, by
men who lived the simple life along With
the haEdships and privations Of the sea.
Mount TamaIpais-- Muir Woods.
No one visiting San Francisco should
fail to 60 to the top of Mount Tamal-
pals and visit Muir Woods. The ride to
either place can be made in two hours
from the ferry landing, AND both can be
accomplished in the same day if desired,
giving a stay of at least two hours at
each place. The ferry, in half hours
ride, will land you at SasaulitO. A ride
OF six miles to Mill Valley over the elec-
trio line brings you to the baee OF the
mountain Here you will encounter
what is said to be the crOokedest rail-
road in the world, it being a standard
broad gauge, with steam, oil burning
traction locomotives of special type,
made for turning short curves. There
are 2S1 curves in a distance of 8 l 8
miles, to make an ascent of $500 feet to
the top of the mountain. A we'll ap-
pointed tavern is located just below the
summit of the mountain. Many stay
all night. 1t ia not the great height
that makes Tamalpais attractive, but it
is the unobstructed view that is spread
out on every hand, which. barring a
foggy day, is hardly excelled anywhere.
Half way up the mountain side, at a
point known as the double bow knot"
a branch of this mountain road de-
scends into Redwood canyon, where is
located the noble redwood forest known
as Muir Woods. 1t is a national park
containing 295 acres, presented to the
government by a retired Chicago pork
packer by the name OF Kent, and at his
request was named after John Muir, the
noted naturalist. A good road leads
through the primeval forest and many
trails have been made hither and thither,
otherwise it has not been marked by the
touch OF man. A sparkling stream
passes down through the canyon, afford
ing a retreat for picnicking parties under
the shade of the giant redwoods.
Thus within 20 miles of a large city
are afforded two retreats that those who
come this way should not fail to visit.
The ride up the steep mountain side and
the magnificent view in store will never
be forgotten. and Muir Woods is some
thing to coDiure with. @, S. CLARKE.