Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1918-03-22

1nl4nd DOdy OF wafer, resting Qidcluly
In the interior Of an extinct volcano,
6,177 feet above the level Of the Pacific
ocean. It nestles in the heart of the
Cascade mountains in southern Ore
gon and is accessible by an 81 mile
automobile drive over a most ex-
cellent government highway, through
Crater Lake National Park. This Is
the most awe inspiring and remark
able inland body Of water in the
known world. It 10 six miles In diam.
eter with an onicial depth Of 1896 feet.
Its waters are Gear with color
shading from dark midnight to a
light ultramarine blue. A lake In the
top of a mountain, occupying the
crater of a burnt out but once active
volcano!
STOCKED WITH TROUT
William Gladstone Steel, Of Med
ford, oregon, 1.-THE Father Of Crater
Lake. by his untiring efforts, inter.
ested the government in this lake OF
mystery to the extent of making 1t the
center Of 4 national park replete with
nature wonders, to be found In no
other section. Mr.. Steel, superintend-
emit OF Crater Lake National Park, Is
as congenial to meet as his park and
lake are wonderful to see. At the
present time he is having constructed
a % mile highway around the rim
encircling Crater Lake. It was through
his efforts and energy that It Is now
teeming with rainbow trout OF mann
moth size. SO enticing to anglers who
visit the mystic retreat. There is now
operated an inn. recently built, on the
rim Of the crater. q convenience to
tourists, who invariably devote ad'
ditional time to the lake, after seeing
its enhancing wonders.
FOOLS THE FLYING DUCKS
1t Is OF the ducks and their behav'
Tor above the clouds that am about
to tell you. Birds in their migratory
flight CASUALLY at great altitude) be
come bewildered at the sight Of q sc.
ductive lake in the heavens. They
seem to be inspired with the same
feeling Of intense interest and awe
which possesses mankind, when they
flrst look upon the face Of Crater
Lake. The wonder, surprise and
amazement Of cur feathered friends
was depleted in their Milling flight
uncertainty Of locality and unwilling
ness to light on body OF water that
was DO misplaced and dimcult OF &C
cess for them. Every moment they
made denoted indecision and alarm
At the time arrived at the crater Z
binding snow storm shut out the
view. The atmosphere was "snappy'
and bracing: a temperature that
starts ones blood rapidly coursina
through the veins and his chest to ex'
pand as the uncanned ozone was in
hailed.
BIRDS ARE UNCERTAIN
AS walked up to the rim the veil
of snow was disslpated by the appear.
ance Of the sun breaking through the
mist and glinting down upon bank
Of settling clouds one-half mile away
which to the eye was impenetrable
Shafts Of light we're soon dancing up
on the surface OF the water two
thousand feet Aelow the point was
then standing on. anchored In awe
and Amusement. Circling around the
walls Of tn crater. flock of mallards
were on tour Of inspection. They
swung near my vantage point, their
Kaleidoscope colorings flashed in the
rejected sunlight, az they made their
spiral glides, dips and counter fights
Every move made was indicative OF
uncertainty in the waters invitation
to alight and rest. Their behavior
was very different from the ducks
had watched circling near the ses
level. With great interest watched
them descend only to arise again and
circle the crater in search Of greater
safety. This was repeated many times
Finally an old green head took the
lead, apparently frightened with g
spirit OF desperation. Pointing his
wings. with his feet extended, he
slowly vol3laned down. and landed up
on the placid waters Of Crater Lake
quietly followed by his extensive fam
lily. They we're unquestionably i'm
bued with the same feeling which pos
sessed the writer: enchanted and
spelltound with the mystery end
strangeness of their surroundings. A
step nearer tho rim Of the crater.