We left Tacoma at seven A. M. by automobile, driving three hours to the foot of Huckleberry Mountain from which point we were to hike to camp. Here we were met by a native of the parts who was to carry a pack, as we had not enough men to manage supplies. Pack ponies are out of the question, for the trail leads for six miles over fallen trees and through dense growth. After half an hour, our packs and bed rolls adjusted, we started off at a good even pace for the river.
For one mile hiking was comparatively easy. Then we had to cross the river over a fallen tree. The girls could not do this and carry their packs, so the men made several trips after which we all crossed. The time taken in crossing the river was equivalent to, a good rest, so as soon as the last member of our party was over, we readjusted our packs and started on our way.
The trail now led through a dense fir forest with its scattering spruce and hemlock. For a mile it led along the high bank of the Deschutes River where we could look far down into myriads of jade-colored pools; then for a mile into the very heart of the woods among masses of glassy, dark-green ferns, and clumps of feathery, tossing maiden-hair; through Oregon grape, bright arsenic green and brilliant red. Here and there we came to a fairy-like dell, carpeted with red and green moss, starred with hundreds of flat five-petalled white blossoms. At the far corner of this nook, more unprotected where the sun shone, was a clump of the blue and white butterfly blossoms of the Mountain Lupine. In one of these dells we stopped for our luncheon. It was just past that silent hour of the woods and we could hear twigs snapping under the feet of moving animals. Birds were singing and it was the one time of day when there is a perfume in the dense woods such as we were in; a drugged perfume of sweet clover, the flowered mosses and scattered Lupine. Before leaving we each ate an orange we had been told to bring, as mountain water taken on a hike winds one too quickly. During the hike we could chew dried prunes at any time, but absolutely no water could we have until we reached camp.
The trail then led back to the river bank and along it over fallen logs and among trees deeply laden with hanging silver grey moss. This lasted for two miles, until the river split, forming a small island easily reached by stepping stones, where camp was made.
The very first thing done was to teach the girls how to make beds, which we did, while the men cut hemlock boughs; our extra man remaining long enough for that. The second thing was to pick out places for our beds and as soon as there were enough boughs we placed our bags, already made, upon them. The men then gathered enough wood for that night and the following morning. Pitch torches were made and stacked where we could get them. While they were busy with this heavy work that had to be accomplished before night the girls gathered rocks for the oven, and dug a hole for the cache. This hole was lined with one of the small tarpaulins, all food placed in it, tarpaulin drawn over, and slabs of bark then placed over the hole. This protected food, both from weather and animals. A shelf was made on the side of one of the trees on which the baking powder tins were placed with salt, sugar, part of flour, such things as coffee, jam, milk, etc., that were already in tins were also kept on this shelf.
Around the Campfire
This work was completed by five-thirty, the cook oven constructed and second fire made around which the beds were placed. Dinner over, we turned in early, being exhausted, in spite of the good condition we were all supposed to be in for the trip. We slept in our clothes with cap and bed socks for extra warmth and comfort. The two men did not sit up all night, but took turns keeping up the fire as it needed attention. The only animals are deer and cougar, the former harmless, while the latter seldom come near camp except when it is deserted. They cause little trouble in the woods, as we never go alone, but always in couples. They will track a single person, but never two.
Morning routine commenced with a dip in the river and change of clothes. As we wear our breeches when out fishing and our skirts in camp, no extra heavy wearing apparel need be carried. Immediately after breakfast the beds are always taken apart, blankets folded and placed on second small tarpaulin in lean-to which had been constructed from large slabs of bark against a tree. This lean-to kept bedding protected from the atmosphere and animals, as well as serving a second purpose of camp orderliness and neatness. A second lean-to was made for wood, bark and pitch torches. The first morning it was necessary to complete camp construction before the fun commenced. Shelves were made on the river bank for toilet articles, nails placed for towels, etc., and saplings formed as a screen for fear of a chance fisherman or game protector passing by. On the other side of the island a place was made for washing dishes.
Camp made, we were free to go fishing. So taking a can of unsalted salmon eggs in our pockets, our rods, and a v-shaped twig to carry our fish on, we were off until lunch.