Warren sheaf., 1920-09-01

By the Editor
Before we left Livingston on Tuesday
Aug. 3, it became necessary
for Edith to consult an occulist for the
purpose Of having grain of sand re-
moved from one eye. Such small and
an object as grain of
sand feels like a big mountain when
lodged in the tender tissues of the
organ of sight. To have ''lots of sand"
is good thing for people generally,
but single grain often causes serious
trouble. We were soon on our way,
however, to Gardiner, the northern en-
trance to the park, fifty-five miles from
For 400 miles the Yellow
stone river flows in an easterly .direc-
ton and we had followed practically
all the way from where it mingles it's
waters with the muddy waters of the
Missouri. At Livingston the course of
the stream abruptly changes and to fol-
low 1t further our faces must be square,
ly set toward the south, where in the
lofty mountain Businesses, the river
has its source. A climb of 1895 feet
must be made in going from Livingston
to Gardiner, distance of IS miles, and
the road was not any too good part of
that distance. The state of Montana
should bestir- itself and build good:
road to the park. The very best road:
material is right at hand. As we pro-
ceed the ever changing scenery In.
creases in interest and we get a fore
taste of the glory and grandeur of the
wonderland that lies beyond. For two
or three miles the road passes over a:
gravelly plain, dotted with boulders,
then enters the shadow of rock-ridgedG
peaks, 5000 feet high, then leads across;
a fertile plain, which extends 80 miles.
up the river and stretches out to- ten
or twelve miles in breadth, and which
is called Paradise Valley. Asfew
ranches were seen as the cars roll
along. But the valley becomes narrow
er and the scene constantly changes.
A panorama of stately domes; hseon-
stantly unfolding+a succession 81 The;
grandest pictures. The eye is fascins
ated4 not only by the glorious noun
tains, with their gray SUBMITS and pine
clad or grassy slopes, but the sombefs
gorges, ravines and rushing waters ada
their charm to the scene. ~ y
Gardiner, which we reached about
4 40 In the afternoon, is small town
just outside Of the park at the northern
boundary. An imposing arch has been
erected here through which, all must
pass who enter the park from this,
gateway. This arch is built of basaltic
rock, found in the park, perfectly
chlseled by nature without the aid Of
human hands. President Roosevelt
laid the corner stone of the arch April
"A, 1903. Here each auto owner iSRh
quired to register the names Of tie,
occupants of the car and also to pay a
license fee of $3.50 for the car, the per-
NIT issued being good for the entire
season. The money goes to the upkeep
OF the park. We were also asked if we
had any fire arms, which, of course,
We did not have. No hunting is allow
ed in the park, but fish may be caught
one has better luck than
Mr.. Bystrom and the writer had. The
streams are full of trout, we were told,
but ne'er one did we spy. Having
complied with the entrance regulations,
we were free to 60 and enjoy the park
to the fullest extent. As the park is a
National Park, set aside by Congress
in 1872, for the use and enjoyment of
all the people for all time to come, we
felt as if we had kind of proprietary.
interest therein. Yes, the park belongs
to us all! 1t surprised us that the i'm
personal thing we call the government
has succeeded so we'll in keeping itself
In the background. We saw very little
evidence of oficialdom and people were
allowed perfect. freedom to come and go
as they pleased and to camp at the
free camping grounds provided for
tourists. ...s,,,.....
From Gardiner to Mammoth Hot
Springs, the first stopping place inside
the park, the distance is five miles, with
an ascent of 875 feet, but so excellent
are the government roads inside the
park, that we hardly noticed we were
climbing at.aall: American eagle
has made her nest high on crag,
which is announcement enough that all
around are Uucle Sans possessions
At Mammoth Hot Springs where we ar
rived at 5 p. m: we pitched our tents
on the camp site for, tourists. The
Bystrom family had come prepared for
camping, and we, wanting to enjoy
their genial company while in the park,
had purchased tent at Gardiner So
many tourists travelling in their own
cars are camping while seeing the park,
and thus saving hotel bills, while get
e. ting al all the benefit from the pure, in
vigoratfng mountain air. Mr.. .Bystrom
was the generalissimo of our camp and
had l1a q general supervision Of, the erection
OF the tents and all other matters. Our
boys, Edgar and Oliver, were his as
'ststants.. Mrs: Bystrom was the good
mother Of us all and had general charge
of the commissary department.,
Martha Mortenson, the school ma a'am,
like the Martha Of Biblical fame, found
her highest delight In serving and max
ing herself all around useful. Edith