Frank Yeigh

“ Crossing in part the same route as that covered by the Upper Yoho trail to Inspiration point, with its superb and dramatic picture of the Takakkaw falls on the far side of the valley, a turn to the left was made by the guide in order to reach the foot of the ice-sheet whose gleaming edges hung suspended far above us. A stiff bit of ascent over a boulder-strewn incline gave each one unexpected surprise practise in baseball catching, as descending rocks were caught and hurled aside in order to prevent a rock-slide. ”

“ In the centre of the Square the big fire burned unceasingly, brightening up for the evening hours, when it was surrounded by as many fire worshippers as there were occupants of the tents, and where were heard more Demosthenian eloquence and oratory, more jokes and quips and antique chestnuts, and more accomplished entertainers than ever gathered on a mountain summit before. It is a pity the Journal cannot hold within its pages all that was said and sung and done around that cheerful camp fire. ”

“ The great success of the camp was almost wholly due to the skill, energy and business-like determination of the outfitters—the men in buckskin—who started out to make the camp a success and did so. No whit behind were the ladies present, all of whom gave the heartiest assistance in all matters wherein feminine skill is most required—in helping the cook, decorating and waiting on the tables, and generally making themselves charming around the camp fire. ”

“ It is a peak presenting many difficulties and some danger. The average time of ascent was seven hours and of descent three and a half hours, making altogether an average climb of ten and a half hours—a pretty fair test and initiation for those who were, for the most part, absolute novices. It goes to show that right here in Canada we have the very best of mountaineering material, and it only needs a little fostering care to develop to the fullest extent this latent talent. ”

“ A summer camp in some suitable part of the mountain regions shall be organized in each year for the purpose of ennabling graduating members to qualify for active membership, and the members generally to meet together for study in the alpine districts of Canada. ”

“ After the delta, the deluge, as a storm broke over us, giving the invaders of the hills their first, but not their last, nature bath. After the delta and the deluge, the initial bit of stiff up-grade climbing, of nearly a thousand feet, tested strength and breath. ”

“ It was no small task to plan such a camp, to be placed on a summit 6000 feet above the sea, and at a distance of nearly a score of miles from the nearest railway station. It was an even greater task to provide at such an inaccessible spot for a hundred people and to carry thereto on pack ponies the thirty or forty tents, with necessary equipment and provisions. The Club, moreover, was at the time only four months old, having been organized in Winnipeg in the previous March. Never before had a camp on such a large scale been attempted, especially by such a youthful organization. ”

“ All honor is due them, for they cannot well afford to curtail the profits of their short seasons. The Canadian Pacific Railway Company was no whit behind. It loaned the Club two Swiss guides for the week of the Camp, loaned tents, canopies and other outfit, and placed its cooks in the Company's Yoho camps at the disposal of the Club. Tents also were loaned by the Royal North-West Mounted Police at Calgary and Banff, and bunting by the Superintendent of the Rocky Mountains Parks. ”