A rapid near the lake. I thought it might not be
very deep. Then, seeing that I could not do any better, I thought
I would wade out a piece and the rest I would swim to the other
shore.
I started out, and up to my waist before I got any distance out,
and the floating ice coming against me, and the cramps began to
take on the legs, that I was obliged to turn and just got out to
shore in time.
I stood for some time thinking that I will never be able to cross,
and that I would sure to starve there. It got dusk and I started a
fire. I was very, very cold, and had something to eat. I was
troubled very much and could not forget the river, and the ice
floating and rubbing against the shore, made things worse, to hear
that sound all night, and thinking if I only had a canoe, I could
get to Northwest River to-morrow. It was yet 40 miles to the post
Northwest River.
Tuesday, 27th, as soon as daylight I tried to wade across again the
same place; but things happened the same. Along the lake lots of
drift wood. I thought I better make a raft if I could. It was
blowing very heavy from the west. I got my raft made. My tump
line I made two pieces to tie the four corners of the raft, and my
leather belt I made another piece, and a piece of small salmon
twine I had at the other corner.
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