Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-08-01

We were a week too early for one Of
the greatest events this western coun-
try, the Rodeo. Our next stop was at
Laramie, to reach which we had to
pass through Telephone Canyon, a
place of grandeur, whero we saw the
prettiest picture OF ,thousands Of
sheep on either side Of the road and in
the road. Approaching this canyon,
striking formations Of indented rock
standing high in the air greet the eye.
We had gained an attitude Of one
and one-half miles in this canyon. Lar
annie furnished very pleasant camp
spot A nearby farmer was on hand to
supply butter, eggs and milk.
AS we proceeded we were peculiarly
sensible of the fact that while we were
gazing upon great mountain peaks our
car was carrying us along over pla-
teau country more than mile above
sea level. AS much a 40 miles would
be covered without sight of build
ing or person except now and then a
railroad building or track walker. A
few buildings are found at points
where there are oil wells. Thursday
gave US some real riding, A long de-
tour took us up high hills and down
steed and crooked grades. virtually
mere paths across the fields. with
many doubtful bridges. One just natu-
rally wondered IL the car would stand
it. It was dark when we reached Fort
Steele. Here an interesting genral
store supplied US with necessities for
the table before tenting near the
Platte river. Towards evening the next
day we came to camp site II miles
before Rock Creek for which we aimed.
But 1t was the hardest II miles on rec
ord. Much Of the way was detour over
a smooth. hard sand like a beach, but
many bumps interviewed concluding in
sand up to the hubs and deep ruts, The
day was completed at the most dusty
camp spot of all in Rock Creek This
is a thriving town in the Rocky Noun
tain desert.
1t is not surprising to find dust on
a much trodden piece of ground in
the desert.
At Rock Springs we took what is
known as the Hobart Canyon route
northward toward Yellowstone. We
now met with happy contrast, for u
fine gravel road lay before lis over
which fine speed was made. The first
feature of this ride is the fourteen
mile climb. when the water bag
proves it's worth, for the sun is very
hot in the mountains, heating the car
to boiling. No water was to be found
for fourteen miles. AS we made this
assent we came in view of the Wind
River Range of mountains with the
ragged peaks, snow capped in the
distance, giving delight to the on
locker. In the meanwhile a curtain
of rain in far reach of mountains
moved from cloud to the dragged
rocks, toward which we drove and
then turning saw to one side this
waving current of storm. Eighty
miles out we made a steep descent to
Boulder Creek where we had to wait
more than an hour while a heavy
truck under which the bridge had
given away was being lacked and
hoisted out, after which I was the
first to drive across the tilted bridge,
followed by a number of cars with
week et0ers from Rock Creek, Pine
dale, ten miles further gives US a
camp spot under the pines. We are
row out of the desert and among
trees. Close by flows Pine Creek
whose waters are as clear as any to
be found, a rushing current of great
force. A plunge in it's waters is a
| CATER of pleasing refreshment to the
writer.
Very interesting is the cowboy on
slick steed with lasso at hand
,, urging a drove of steers past the
camp. All the cattle and horses are
of fine appearance Sunday in camp
here was a treat. The usual pro-
| portion of the community was found
! at the House of Worship. In the
| evening from the centre of the town
| came strains of quite good music
| produced by small brass band. A
common sight in prairie and noun
| tain desert is the gopher and prairie
| dog. Small creatures, they speed
! across the road. and pause standing
on their hind legs as though they
! would read your number plate, or
| disappear in hole by the roadside.
| This country we are now in Is called
| the finest fishing country in the
| world. 1t is surely a paradise for the
| sportsmen.
Last night we lay awake watching
| the play lightning over yon hills
while light shower spent itself over
| head. The thunderstorm seems to be
| n common everyday event in the
mountains. Here we abide for a day
! or two more that our house may be
| put in order. The family washing
floats between the trees while other
| details receive attention before We
| proceed to enjoy other beauties on
| our way.
| TT GRAHAM