We
waited a little while about getting up, hoping rain would stop.
Slackened, and we started. Poor day's work. Portaged about 2 1/2
miles west. Came out on barrens and ate lot of blue berries. Saw
big waters to west, big blue hill, blue sky-line where we hope
Michikamau lies hidden. Pint berries raw for supper. Otherwise,
venison and broth, thickened with three spoonfuls of flour, each
meal.
Sunday, September 6th. - Temp. 5 A.M. 38 degrees. First snow came,
mixed with nasty cold rain. Nasty, raw, west wind. Worked in it
most of day, portaging 2 1/2 miles N.W. Tried carrying all stuff
at one trip. Grub low. Big water ahead. Believe this big water
will lead to Michikamau. Almost a desperate hope. If it does not
and we find no water route, I scarcely see how we can reach the
caribou grounds in time to see the crossing and meet the
Nascaupees. Without that I am doubtful of the success of this
trip, and failure makes me shudder. Besides it is liable to make
us all very hungry. We must push on harder, that's all. And get
there somehow.
Monday, September 7th. - Temp. at 5 A.M. 48 degrees. N.W. wind,
slight. Rain by showers. On portage crossed worst swamp of trip.
In to my knees and fell down with heavy pack on my back.
Floundered out in nasty shape. Found small stream flowing N.W.
toward our big water.
