The Alaska daily empire., 1923-08-18
FIRST TOURISTS i. TO MT. kATMAl I
 VOLCANO RETURN
Reached Crater in Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes
 Two Weeks Trip.

Members of the first organized tour into the Valley of Ten Thou sand Smokes, passed through Juneau on the steamer Northwe estern en- route to the States The party spent two weeks in the valley, leaving Seward July IS last and succeeded in getting into the crater of Kat mai and through Katmai Pass into the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, where the unique opportunity of cooking all food in fumeroles and in the hot ground in front of the camp tents..ass well as sleeping on the warm ground was enjoyed.
 The tour was conducted by l.. C.. Folsom, who has been with all of the National Geographic Societys oxpedi itions in the discovery and ex- ploration of this region. He conduct cd the expedition in cooperation with the Travel Service Bureau of phatic in his statement that such an expedition is too great hazard for any who are not familiar with all the conditions on account of the difficulty of landing in Katmai Bay. He also stated that he will give earnest effort to the development of trail into the region from Geo. graphic Harbor, the only safe and feasible approach for mixed parties and excursionsits. Only words of ccmpliment and commendation are expressed by MT. Folsom with re- fernce to his party of tourists who he says are a game bunch of sports
 Hardships Encountered. Considerable difficulties were en- countorod throughout the trip in difficult passages over tide flats, boulders. fields, drainage ditches and swift running streams and at Kat mai Pass it was necessary to travel 12 miles in a dense fog and a few drizzling rainy days in camp. But most of the trip was made in dry weather and through more access sible territory.
 Only one bear, was seen in the volcano but it was huge in size and provided a thrill to the "chee- chacoes' not accustomed to such en- counters.
 Not many changes of importance were noted, although to one who has been over the region several times before, MT. Folsom states, there are many notifications in contour detail and some of interest in evidences of. development of plant and animal life.
 The lake in the Crater of Katmai tcovers less area than formerly and there has developed near the east end a mud geyser which is- throw | ing mud and water into the air more than two hundred feet.
 Mosquitoes Are Troublesome.
 For instance, mosquitoes were more troublesome in the Valley of Smokes than they were at the base camp near the beach where plant lifo is more vigorous than ever. No mosquitoes were. in the valley as late as 1919. Plants. which started out vigoraasly in tho ash and pumice are struggling in n dwarfed and starved condition.
 Members of Party.
 The members of the party we're: Miss Myrtle Richmond. of Pasadena, Gal; Miss Elsie Hamilton. On- I4ario; Cal; Miss Florence Bettman, Rio de Janerio. Brazil; H. M. Stewart, Lead, s. Dak.; Thomas g.. Colby, Detroit, Mich; Y. o. Brick On ana son. L., o. Jr.. of Glen Ridge, Wis; Mir. and Mrs J. E. Rogers. Beaver Dam, Wis: Mfss l.. Black. Santa Monica, Cal: Mfr. fGretchen Stutzell, sewards U Samuel and P. P Wing and E. c, Folsom