The Colfax gazette. [volume] (Colfax, Wash.) 1893-1932, 1910-08-12


Miss Laura j. Hecox, who has been
keeper for Uncle Sam for q years, and
has lived at this spot for 40 years, her
'ather being keeper OF the light before
There being no politics connected
M.dh this position a competent person is
not only permitted but is urged to re.
main. We found the fair lightkeeper
very obliging, showing and explaining
everything. 1t was interesting as well
as instructive.
Climbing into the tower we found our
selves in small room capable OF hold
ing FIVE or six persons, looking through
large windows far ont onto the waters
of Monterey bay. The tower is 40 feet
from the ground and 20 feet from mean
tide. The lens was not as large as the
novice would expect to see, considering
the wonderful light it throws out, but it's
reflective rays were apparent when the
lightkeeper thrust her hand into the
small glass receptacle which holds the
lamp and it was reflected more than
double it's real size The lens is known
as Fresel and was made in Paris. 1t
gives forth light equal To 665 sperm
candles seen from the outside, throwing
ray of light that can be seen 01z miles
in an ordinary clear night. 1t is burn
ing from sunset till sunrise, kerosene be-
ing used in the lamp. The lens was an
invention of the 18th century and cost
$5000 The lighthouse, instead of being
located on a barren rock or storm
bound coast. is built on point of land
iutting into the sea, with home surround
ings and in plain sight and hearing OF
city life. Many visit the lighthouse.
Big Trees Near Santa Cruz.
OF course the visitor should not fail to
visit the noble redwood trees eight miles
back from the sea. The railroad from
San Francisco in crossing the Santa
Cruz mountains Coast range) passes
through the redwood belt, and oppor
tuniry is given, either coming or going.
to stop over and see some OF the largest
specimens. | chose, however, to go by
auto, party being formed not only the
ride from the Casino to the trees being
enjoyed, but giving the time needed TO
view the giants. The redwood forest at
one time grew almost to the seaehore at
Santa Cruz, but in years long pact was
logged off, the logs being converted into
lumber. Numerous big stumps still re-
main, enough to tell what the lumber
man has done. What is known as the
"big trees" however, still remain, al
though they belong to individuals, the
largest specimens being surrounded by a
high board fence and a charge of %
cents is made to gain admittance. The
largest specimen in the grove is known
as the "Giant" 1t is 3O6 feet in height,
81 feet in diameter and IS feet in circum,
ference. aladdin Temple" is another
tree 4S feet in circumference and Is feet
in diameter. Many trees are named after
distinguished men.
The big trees at Santa Cruz, or, for
that matter, any OF the redwoods grow
ing in the Coast range of mountains OF
California, should not be confounded
with the sPquoia gigantea growing in the
Sierra Nevada mountains and known as
the Mariposa and Calaveras big trees.
They are distinct species, one a habitat
of the Coast range, the other habitat
OF the Sierra Nevada mountains. As
large as are the redwoods they are small
compared with the giants that grow at
Mariposa and Calaveras-trees that grow
nowhere else and have made California
famous. The redwoods, however, are
not to be snefzed at, it being worth a
trip to Santa Cruz to see the noble
specimens to be met with there if they
have not been seen elsewhere.
a Famous Drive--Yachtins.
This is only snap shot at Santa
Cruz and surroundings. What is known
as the Cliff Drive should not be over
looked. Passing from the Casino north
it extends for miles, the sightseer looking
over cliffs against which the waves con-
stantly beat, it having made tunnels,
carved fantastic shapes, even natural
bridges, in the sandstone that holds it
back. Here by the sounding sea- the
power and majesty OF the Most High is
revealed at every turn.
During my stay at Santa Cruz the San
Francisco Yacht Club, with 20 beautiful
craft, sailed into the harbor to remain
several days, as is the custom at frequent
intervals. The trim little vessels, either
at anchor with streamers flying or under
full sail, presented an inspiring appear
ance, their crews adding to the gaiety of
the assembled multitude. To add to the
scene a U. S. revenue cutter came at
anchor at the same time, and battle
ship passed close in, but continued south.
Here spring seems eternal, Joy and
happiness ever bubbles.
G. S. CLARKE.
Good Yield of Wheat.