Tuesday morning Mr. S. Tingley put in an appearance and kindly invited the editor to take a ride up the road 15 miles where he was going upon business. The sleighing was good, the rig comfortable, while the dapple greys were in spirit, and withal Mr. T. for a driver it was impossible to hesitate, more especially as we wanted to know—of course in the interest of our readers— what was going on up Tunnel-ward.
Passing along the road we noticed active work at different places along the line, and upon reaching Sailor's Bluff we found the road blocked and teams waiting; viewing the situation and learning that it would take two or three hours to clear the way for the horses we concluded to leave Mr. Tingley with the team at the comfortable quarters of the camp kept by Mr. Alfred Whitlock, where Mr. A. Van Volkenburgh was, also, in waiting, and meeting Mr. Miles Creigon, an intelligent workman form No. 1 tunnel going to Big Tunnel, we struck out, to walk the seven miles, expecting to gain time and have our sightseeing done by the time the team arrived. We found the road heavy, owing to drifts; reaching Spuzzum we took a look at the 'Mission Church' referred to by the Colonist and Rev. Mr. Good last summer. In its palmy days one of Mr. Onderdonk's 'boss' teams could draw the whole structure away; and at present it is neglected, windows broken. The Indian congregation is badly scattered and very little sign of life about that side of the river, while the east side does not present 'a flourishing mission.'
Jogging along, we passed old land-marks, such as the Old Ferry—now kept by John Chinaman— called a restaurant (save the mark!) where evidently no great accommodation is provided for man or beast. Yet we suppose the inmates are contented to make a living.
A mile or so further on we passed the supply stable of Messrs. Tingley & Co., and where a large stock of hay and oats are placed for the necessities of stage teams, etc.
Further on we passed to the right a comfortable looking building, the first of the Engineer residences erected, and expected to have been occupied by Mr. Eberts and family the coming season; he or his friends little expecting a short time back that his days were so few in this world.
We soon got within sight of the Suspension Bridge and surroundings, but turned off to the left to follow the road built to get to the Big Tunnel. After weary winding a road as crooked as a Virginia fence, and up and down—passing the Saw Mill upon the way—we finally got a view of the west end opening of the Big Tunnel, and beheld from our elevation the 'town-site,' and its half dozen buildings. Near the railway stands the building where the compressed-air machinery, with shop, etc., are placed; a little further on toward the river is the office and accommodation apartments of Mr. Bugbee, Mr. Jesse, Mr. Leamy, etc., and comfortable quarters they appear to be. A short distance away is the store, in charge of Mr. Birmingham. Near the river is located the large boarding house, and close by another building for lodging in, while a few smaller structures go to make up the village, as at present. Nature has done her part, for a more beautiful location could hardly be found along the road, especially during the summer months.
Accompanied by Messrs. Bugbee and Leamy, we visited the machinery building, and were highly pleased to behold the general arrangement of placing boiler, engine, etc. We will not attempt a description at present, not seeing the working of the same; suffice it to say that Mr. Bugbee informed us all was ready to start up when the work required it, but at present the nature of the rock is such that hand work is only necessary. The engine is a 100 horse-power, wheel 5 tons and other parts in proportion, that will give an idea of the power that can be applied. While steam condenses and loses power in the pipes the compressed-air can be conveyed to almost any distance and retains its power. Hence, the great advantage of the latter, which is now extensively used where great force is required at long range.
We next proceeded with the gentlemen named to the mouth of the tunnel—said to be when finished over 1,600 feet besides the approaches which will be 400 feet more—where a force of men were busy, and have, after finishing the open-cut approach, entered some 50 feet.
The rock is a mixture, of white and black pepper and salt appearance, sort of conglomerate, and comparatively soft and easily blasted or broken up. The tunnel is being carried forward full size, 21 by 22 feet, and less than a quarter of a mile is a ravine to be filled in, which is now receiving what is taken out. The place is near the river bank and the surplus can easily be disposed of. The road will run along the place prepared at the foot of the mountain, and along the river bank, passing from near the Suspension Bridge. The scenery along both sides of the river is magnificent.
From where the west end enters, the mountain gradually slopes backward, and is supposed to be 4,000 feet to the top. To get to where the men are working at the east end a trail has to be followed partly up and around the mountain. The work at that end is, as yet open cut, but they will soon be in out of winter's storm and summer's sun.
At present a fine body of men are working at and around the Big Tunnel, and Mr. Bugbee believes that, if necessary, the tunnel can be completed in 10 months, but it is expected not to be over a year in finishing.
Mr. Tingley having arrived and as night was fast approaching, we soon took leave of our polite friends at the Big Tunnel and were homeward bound. The nimble steeds seemed to understand we were retracing our steps and soon wayside objects were left in the distance. Our travelling companion has had an experience of over sixteen years in his connection with staging—having filled the position of teamster and now manager and part owner to the company—is familiar with the inland country and its past and present history was eagerly listened to with interest. Although the road in places is winding and difficult, yet notwithstanding it was night and cloudy we felt perfectly at ease in the keeping of one that appeared as if by instinct to know every rod of the way we were rapidly passing over, and while answering our numerous questions never ceased to recollect that he held the reins. We reached home in good time, after an enjoyable trip and amidst our hurry of type-sticking, etc., have endeavored to given the 'Sentinel' readers some account of our visit to the 15 mile Camp.
