78 THE MOUNTAINEER 



to the very top. Then the return — when the first steep snow slope reached 

 proves too great a temptation for our leader to resist, so calling to all to 

 follow, but under no circumstances to let go their alpine stocks, he suddenly 

 disappears down the steep incline ; little suspecting to how many this is in 

 the nature of a first performance, until he reaches a stretch of rock, stops, 

 and looks behind him. Such a sight as meets his gaze beggars description! 

 I have coasted down many a mountain side with far larger parties, hailing 

 from Boston to Los Angeles, but never have I dreamed of the variety of ways 

 it might be done until I saw those thirty-nine coming down. Not only were 

 they coming down thirty-nine different ways, but some seemed to be coming 

 down all thirty-nine ways at once — head first, feet first, sidewise, some a 

 whirling tangle of arms, legs and alpine stocks, snow flying; others clutch- 

 ing vainly at the air in a futile effort to retard their lightning progress. 

 Dangerous? Possibly, but so funny that when I had somewhat recovered 

 from laughing I was really alarmed lest the grave professor would collapse 

 from merriment, and it was with difficulty that those below overcame their 

 laughter in time to stop the flying progress of the others ere they reached 

 the rocks. 



But the story was too good to keep from our leader, with the result 

 that the next day all were invited, (and our leader's invitations were those 

 of a czar), to go with him to a near-by snow slope, w^here all the inexperi- 

 enced were initiated into the many uses of alpine stock, the cutting of ice- 

 steps, etc. 



The next day, August 1st, about half of those in camp made the trip 

 to the Queets Valley, twelve of them continuing on to the glacier and up 

 to the summit of ]\Iount Queets ; the only party, so far as known, to make 

 the ascent from the west side. After climbing to the extreme top of the 

 rocky pinnacle and leaving the usual records, the descent was made down 

 the opposite side of the mountain. 



On Saturday, August 3rd. those Avho had not gone up ^Nlount Queets 

 on the first trip were taken up the east side by ^Ir. Asahel Curtis, who had 

 also gnided the previous party, this making his fourth ascent to the summit ; 

 he and i\Ir. W. ^I. Price having made the first known ascent of the mountain 

 earlier in the season. 



The following day being the Sabbath, no official trips were made, though 

 several small parties stole aw^ay from the services, one party of three going 

 to the top of Mount Seattle, and another of six up ]\Iount Barnes ; both leav- 

 ing the usual records on the summits, and all returning in time for the even- 

 ing services around the camp-fire, which were conducted by Rev. Van Horn 

 ■ — a most beautiful and impressive service and one long to be remembered. 

 The spirit of the mountains seemed to have impressed all with their solemn- 

 ity and majesty, as they sat about the camp fire, surrounded by the snowy 

 peaks, which shone out of the surrounding darkness; and it was with a feel- 

 ing of reverence that all finally wended their way silently to their beds 

 beneath the stars. 



Bright and early ]\Ionday morning, for reveille was always sounded at 

 4:80 a. m.. or earlier, the IMountaineers shouldered their lilankets and ra- 

 tions for their first tAVO days' trip up the mountains, intending to conquer 

 Mounts Christy. Seattle and Cougar Peak before returning to camp. But 

 the "schemes o' men gang aft a-gley" and despite the efforts of the leader 

 to hasten the slower walkers, it was late ere Lakes INIary and IMartha were 

 passed and the foot of Christy reached. If the mountain was to be climbed 

 that day as planned, it W'Ould have to be at race horse speed, and all but 



