The whole character
of our country changes here. Ridges and hills extending into
mountains on the north. Must know what lies there before we
proceed. George will scout. Wallace and I will dry fish. While
George was scouting, I lay in tent awhile, too weak to fish even.
Fish not biting though. Oh, but I'll be happy to see Michikamau!
George returned late. Climbed mountains to north. Reports fair
line of travel to northwest, long lakes and tolerable portages.
Will go that way, I think. Wallace got a few trout. George killed
two partridges with my pistol.
Tuesday, September 1st. - West wind. Fair, warm. Very weak to-day.
Our stuff so light now we can take all but canoe at one trip over
portage. Have just crossed portage from lake by yesterday's camp,
to other lakelet N.W. Boys gone back for canoe. I sit here and
write. Very rough portaging here, all rocks and knolls. Little
clear lakes between. Have to put canoe into water every 40 rods or
so. Shot a plover with pistol to cook with George's partridges.
Later. Made about 4 1/2 miles. Caught about thirty-five trout at
edge of lake where stream empties.
Wednesday, September 2nd. - West wind. Fixed moccasins in A.M. and
started portage west. Camped in swamp.
Thursday, September 3rd. - Rain all day by spells. Wind west. Got
up in rain, hating to leave blankets. At breakfast, bread and tea
and venison. I took no tea. Am trying now just venison and fish
broth. May agree with me better than tea. Don't miss sugar much
any more, though I do plan little sweet feeds when I am out. Very
nasty work in rain. Am well again and strong. Worked well.
Portaged and paddled west 4 1/2 miles. Wallace turned round again
and carried pack back to starting point. George and I carried
canoe. Sky cleared in evening. Saw all day big spruce trees.
Country here not burned I think.
Friday, September 4th. - Rain. West wind, Portaged west 1 1/2
miles, with two little lakes to help. Rain all time. Stopped to
let George scout best way to big lake ahead. Thinks it is 3 miles
away. Hope it leads to Michikamau. George and Wallace mending
moccasins. George reports big water about 3 miles ahead. Hope
Low's Northwest River lake expansions. Cannot be far now from
Michikaman. Spent much time over map in P.M. Think we must start
back 1st October to the St. Lawrence, if we can get guides.
Otherwise to Northwest River and then snowshoe out.
Saturday, September 5th. - Rain by spells. West wind, cold. Awoke
in rain. Last three nights have been as clear as crystal,
beautiful moon. Then rain in the morning. Very disappointing. We
waited a little while about getting up, hoping rain would stop.
Slackened, and we started. Poor day's work.
