Banning High School - San Gorgonian Yearbook (Banning, CA)

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= the upper sky was changed in places, till it was lost in the crimson and gold. To the left lay the valley, down which the sparkling little streams were wending their westerly course toward the ocean, surrounding the beautiful hills with all their black mass of brush. On the right, amid a profusion of thickets, knolls and crags was the high mountain, heavy laden wi th snow. Around us on every side at the summit was snow, about twenty feet deep. It impressed us very much as accounts of Alaska or Siberia, where one might go for miles and never see old mother earth. When at six- thirty, we came to Raywood Camp, we were so cold, hun- gry and worn out that even a barn would have looked like a mansion. There we found one of the coziest little bungalows in which we have ever been. Approaching from the north, we could easily have walked on the roof of the house, for the snow was level with the top; walking around to the south end, we were able to enter the house where the path had been cut to the door through several feet of snow. The men, who were staying in camp there for the winter, placed us in front of a mammoth fire-place, filled with burning logs. The two young men showed their hospitality by setting before us one of the most elaborate ‘feeds’? we had ever sat down to devour. After this the evening was passed pleasantly with the aid of the phonograph, and was ended about twelve o’clock with a playful snow-ball fight. We were in the cozy bedroom, where there was a much more comfortable bed than we had expected to find in this snow-bound country. Just as we were about ready to retire, we became interested in some guns, which were hanging on the wall. In response to our questions, the other fellows came in, gave full explanations and the privilege of shooting the guns. As we stood at the open door, one of the boys was pushed out into the snow in his bare feet. At once he was ready for an attack with a handful of snow, and the fight was on. oe

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A Trip to the Mountains T was with joyful spirits and high anticipations that I we boys left the little town for our first experience in the snow-covered mountains. Little did we realize what was really before us, and how our tense interest was to become keen enjoyment. The morning was beautful and warm, the sun was shining bright. Everything gave promise of an ideal day. After having ridden for several miles, we strapped our packs on each other and started to walk up the can- yon, planning that our first stop would be at Camp Comfort. We hiked along in good time, and having reached the camp, sat down to rest. From that camp to the next was a more laborious journey than the preced- ing one, being in snow which covered the road. After this tramp of five or six miles, we were nearly exhausted when we reached the camp. The name Big Oaks gives one a good idea of the place, which is filled with large spreading oak trees and low creeping bushes, half buried in snow at this season of the year. In the center of the camp is a small tent house, which seemed rather out of place at the time we were there. After resting for a while beneath the big oak trees, we started up the steep and snow-laden trail of Burnt Canyon, which is very narrow and steep, and full of brush, thus making it a long, difficult, wearisome journey. Tediously we cut our way through the snow, and slowly advanced up the trail to the summit. The sun was getting low in the west and was casting its shadows in the valleys of Perris and Elsinore. Every- thing was dark and dull except the tip of the snow- capped San Jacinto, from which the light of the sun had not yet faded. In the west was one of the grandest sunsets that we had ever seen. The whole sky became a sea of color and fire; every dark part was turned into bright hues and on the silent clouds were reflected bril- liant tints of crimson and purple, while the deep blue of in

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Our room was soon in great confusion, and in a few mo- ments the bed and the floor were covered with snow. Our two opponents having obtained the key and locked the door behind them, escaped. Captives we were in the room, and our bed was no longer inviting. The covers were scattered over the floor, and everything was covered with snow. Imploringly did we beg permission to go to the fire in order to warm our feet. Just then one of us was struck with a bright idea. We would get some snow and renew the attack, when they should open the door. At last our opponents without, moved with pity, came to release us. Now they were at our disposal. At the first onslaught, they ran into the kitchen. Taking advantage of their absence, we put their bed in a condition similar to our own. As matters now stood even, all was dropped for a few hours of sleep. The next morning we were awakened by snow flying in our faces, thrown by our adversaries of the preceding night. We enjoyed an ideal pioneer breakfast, consisting of oatmeal mush, hot cakes, coffee, and then more coffee. After having put our hands to the work of repairing the irrigating canal which then needed attention, we foundanew formof amusement; an ideal place foraslide some seventy-five yards long and having about a seventy- five per cent grade. When we were climbing the slope, it seemed almost perpendicular from the landing. The snow was about eight feet deep and fairly well packed, making a very fast slide. Our experiences here were thrilling and will never be forgotten by the members of the party. The first attempts were very successful, but, towards the last, it became very dangerous and was de- clared unsafe by us all because of the increasing hard and smooth condition of the snow. Then one of the boys, who having gained momentum in the descent, feared injury when he reached the landing, jammed his feet into the snow and was hurled some distance into the air. He struck on his shoulder, but fortunately escaped unhurt. This real acrobatic stunt, quite spectacular in- ey