Who Said It Better – 1800’s Miner or Today’s Kayaker?
Most of my California kayaking takes place near or around gold mining towns. As I’ve learned more about the average 1800 gold miner, I am amazed by how similar miners were to today’s white water kayaker. Take for instance the following historical quotes – most of them, a little less eloquently, have been said by kayakers.
On the topic of women:
”I discovered the track of a – not a grizzly bear, dear reader, but of a female. I did really discover the track of a female in California. It may seem trivial circumstance to you, it was not so to me. A galvanic battery would not have created a more startling sensation.” ~John M. Letts, 1849
On paddling the gnar:
“A man drowned just below here today. Three men started down the river in a large canoe, and one was dragged out by a bush, and was not able to swim ashore and was lost. This is the last day of the year 1849 which is now rolling into eternity.” ~James Tolles, December 31st, 1849
On drinking:
“There is much drinking and gambling done here, many will die next summer from the effects of drinking too much liquor, which is very injurious in this climate.” ~James Tolles, March 21, 1850
On being a dirtbag:
“There were no distinctions in society; dress did not indicate wealth or poverty. The most filthy and ragged looking ‘ombre’ might have the biggest pile.” ~ Luther Melanchthon Schaeffer
and
“The payment of rent has always annoyed me, and I had often wished that I could turn into a snail and carry my house on my back. In California, my wish came true; for everyone arrives with his blankets slung over his shoulder and immediately sets up his hotel wherever he pleases.” ~Herman Scharmann, 1849
On the Kayaking Town of Coloma:
“There is no hamlet in the Sierras more serene and poetic; the air is perfectly ethereal, during the day mellow and golden, during the night silver and purple.”
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I love these quotes, they are classic! And truly kayaker-appropriate.
Hey Irene,
I thought so too! Seems like there is something about foothill living that cultivates the dirtbagging it. Thanks for checking out my blog.