n the Sequoia Forest; the Yosemite in the Stanislaus; forests in
the northern part of the State where you could dance on the stump of a
redwood or build a cabin out of a single sapling; and everywhere in the
northern mountains, are the voices of the waters and the white,
burnished, shining peaks. I met a woman who found her playground one
summer by driving up in a tented wagon through the National Forests from
Colorado to Montana. Camp stove and truck bed were in the democrat
wagon. An outfitter supplied the horses for a rental which I have
forgotten. The borders of most of the National Forests may be reached by
wagon. The higher and more intimate trails may be essayed only on foot
or on horseback.

* * * * *

How much will the trip cost? You must figure that out for yourself.
There is, first of all, your railway fare from the point you leave. Then
there is the fare out to the Forest--usually not $10. Go straight to the
supervisor or forester of the district. He will recommend the best hotel
of the little mountain village where the supervisor's office is usually
located. At those hotels, you will board as a transient at $10 a week;
as a permanent, for less. In many of the mountain hamlets are outfitters
who will rent you a team of horses and tented wagon; and you can cater
for yourself. In fact, as to clothing, and outfit, you can buy cheaper
camp kit at these local stores than in your home town. Many Eastern
things are not suitable for Western use. For instance, it is foolish to
go into the thick, rough forests of heavy timber with an expensive
eastern riding suit for man or woman. Better buy a $4 or $6 or $8 khaki
suit that you can throw away when you have torn it to tatters. An
Eastern waterproof coat will cost you from $10 to $30. You can get a
yellow cowboy slicker (I have two), which is much more serviceable for
$2.50 or $3. As to boots, I prefer to get them East, as I like an
elk-skin leather which never shrinks in the wet, with a good deal of
cork in the sole to save jars, also a broad sole to save your foot in
the stirrup; but avoid a conventional riding boot. Too hot and too
stiff! I like an elk-skin that will let the water out fast as it comes
in if you ever have to wade, and which will not shrink in the drying. If
you forswear hotels and take to a sky tent, or canvas in misty weather,
better carry eatables in what the guides call a tin "grub box," in other
words a cheap $2 tin