20 The Mountaineer 
it indeed seemed that we were a united circle. The feeling of expecta- 
tion of a company of nature lovers standing on the threshold of a 
great expedition cannot be expressed in words. 
Sunday, August third, was a day of rest, although it was not 
officially so named. Eight and a half miles along the Elwha River 
through the virgin forest brought us to Elkhorn, which was our second 
camp. The pack-train was somewhat delayed, but that only helped add 
to the pleasure of the good dinner which followed the arrival of the 
commissary. 
At camp-fire we were told of the nature lovers of all ages 
beginning with the Greeks and Romans, down to the Mountaineers, 
who show their devotion to nature by their pilgrimage to the mountains. 
Camp Three, at Letha Creek, was reached after a walk along the 
Elwha through a forest of cedars, hemlocks, white firs, Douglas firs, 
and white pines. Every one was thoroughly imbued with the spirit 
of the trail. Letha Creek camp was made memorable by the arrival 
of Charles Albertson, who had been making a final inspection of the 
trail, having entered from the Queniult side. The Outing Committee, 
L. A. Nelson, Charles Albertson, and George E. Wright, being to- 
gether, our company was now complete. 
On August fifth, company formation was necessary as the Elwha 
River was crossed on foot logs three times within two and a half 
miles after leaving Letha Creek. The hfe line was stretched across 
the river to be used as a hand-rail by those who were unaccustomed to 
crossing mountain rivers on swaying logs. After the last log was 
safely crossed little groups of people loitered along the trail, others 
stopped to fish, while some hurried on into camp. Arriving in the 
Elwha Basin we were surprised to see the site of the 1907 Mountaineer 
camp buried beneath the snow. Camp was established just north of 
the old site, but as the little creek which furnished water for com- 
missary failed as soon as the sun went down, it was decided that we 
should move lower down the next day. 
The following morning was devoted to settling permanent camp 
(altitude 2590). The women occupied the beautiful grove between the 
ereek and Elwha River; the commissary, the south bank of the creek; 
the men retained their position near the 1907 camp; the married 
people took possession of the hillside. 
After lunch L. A. Nelson conducted a party of seventy-nine on a 
try-out trip across the snow field up to the glacier just below Mount 
Seattle. Every one was delighted with the snow work and was eager 
to have a real trip. There was not long to wait for this, as the next 
morning an opportunity was given to sign up for the climb of one of 
the peaks of the Seattle group. 
The ensuing morning found a long line of eighty-four Mountaineers 
impatiently awaiting the sound of the whistle which came at last 
