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My boil was very troublesome all the way riding out. As soon as we reached there and put our horse up we went up the brook to explore to see if it would be worth while to camp there. I found the stream pretty particularly in the color of the rocks etc. We returned to supper intending to go up again tomorrow. Gifford and I went through here a number of years ago, more than fifteen years for it was while we were living in our little house. I was surprised to find how little I remembered of the road. I found the valley more cultivated than I thought. There are only two or three clearings however beyond the mill.

Wednesday Sept 5" 1883. A heavy shower passed through the valley last night. After breakfast we again went up the stream following it up into the Notch. I was surprised not to find a trace of a wood road for I distinctly remembered a well defined road through the Notch. When we got back we learned the road was on the other side of the stream. We selected a place for a camp and decided to come out next Monday. Downing fished down the brook. He happened to have a couple of hooks and made a line of the cord of his eyeglasses. He caught eight little trout specially for his grandmother. We arrived at the Mill about 2 o'clock. Every one had gone to a pic nic except Mr. Wilber and he had made arrangements for us to get our dinner at his brothers across the stream after which we arranged with him to haul our camp outfit up from Mt. Pleasant on Monday 10" and started for home at 3. The wind had changed and blew directly after us. The rain had not extended beyond the mountains and we returned as we went in a whirlwind of dust reaching home at 6.30 after a most uncomfortable and fatiguing ride. My boil while getting better was still painful and added to the discomfort of the journey. I found a letter from Royal Reed telling me that William Boynton one of our Maine guides and a favorite one died last winter. The announcement gave me a feeling of genuine sorrow.

Thursday 6. I expected to be very busy today making preparations for our departure but I awoke with a headache and have been able to do but little. It passed off before night. I answered Royals letter. Annie Norton was here at dinner and seemed disappointed that Downing and I are not to be at Lily McEntees wedding on Thursday next. I regret it but hardly feel that I can wait so long. Had a nice long letter from Eastman wanting to go some where but cant find any one to go with. Wants me to go with him somewhere when I get back.

Friday 7. Downing and I went down town and spent the whole forenoon making purchases for our camp and this afternoon packed them. Julia Vaux came up by day boat. I had a very nice letter from Stedman. He seemed to have fully appreciated my letter. I am very sorry for him in his trouble. There was something very significant in Freds name being crossed out at the head of the note. He just ruined his father and himself also so early in life.