George made paddle and scouted. Burned his
knife.
Monday, August 10th. - Rain and east wind. Caught one big fish
before breakfast. Wallace ate it. George and I ate pea meal. On
first portage found old summer cuttings and wigwam poles. Feel
sure that this was the old Montagnais route. Went 3 miles and
crossed four portages. Then on strength of being on right road and
needing fish, camped before noon. Mother's birthday. Ate some of
her dried apples last night with sugar.
Tuesday, August 11th. - East wind. Warmer a little. Just a little
rain. No fish biting. Slept late. Climbed ridge and tree. See
ridge of high half barren hills away ahead. Think this the ridge
east of Michikamau. Hungry all the time. Down to 40 lbs. of
flour, 8 lbs. tea, about 20 lbs. pea meal, a bit of sugar, bacon,
baking powder and dried apple, just a bit of rice. Saw mountains
ahead from a bluff just below our evening camp. River runs north
apparently; it must therefore be Low's Northwest River I think.
Mountains look high and rugged, 10 to 25 miles away. Ought to get
good view of country from there, and get caribou and bear.
Moccasins all rotten and full of holes. Need caribou. Need bear
for grease. All hungry all day. George weak, Wallace ravenous;
lean, gaunt and a bit weak myself. Fish braced us wonderfully.
Wednesday, August 12th. - Best day of trip.
