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5 shore was one of our most delightful experiences of the summer. Those ancient cypresses simply took me captive, and the
shore views (there happened to be a tremendous surf during our stay there) were magnificent. We left Los Angeles Nov. 16
and stopped for a second time at the Grand Canyon on our way East. I had planned, as I told you, to also visit the Petrified
Forest, but was prevented by an unfortunate accident which deprived me of the use of my camera. I was starting out with a
pack-mule down the Bright Angel trail one morning. The trail was icy and the mule (the stable boys had given me one which
was smooth-shod) suddenly slipped, fell, and went rolling over the cliff out of sight, with my cameras on his back It was
a fearsome sight. But on going to the place where he had disappeared I saw him, 290 feet below, caught against a tree right
on the very edge of a 100 ft. precipice. It too six men with tackle two hours to get that mule back on the trail again. He
wasn't hurt, but my cameras - alas, alas I packed up and started for Boston as quick as I could get there. But the Petrified
Forest isn't likely to be made into lumber right away, and I hope to have another chance to visit it. 03995 6 Soon after
reaching Boston I called on Mr. Mifflin and gave him your order for the Thoreau books. He said he would find out just what
kind of binding you wanted and have them shipped to you. I guess you will think twice before you give me another verbal order
for books If you had written H. M. Co. at the time you spoke to me you might have had the books delivered and half read through
by this time Mrs. Gleason joins me in most cordial regards both to your daughter and yourself. We hope you are both in excellent
health. If only you in California could have a little of the snap and vigor of our New England winter in your atmosphere I
think you would be irresistibly attractive But really, I don't want any more of Southern California in the summer time.
Sincerely yours, illegible 03995