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COASTING AND CAMPING. QUITE a high sea was running on Thunder Bay when, on July 30, having parted with the Bishop, I started off in The Missionary with my seven Indian boys. A stiff south-east wind was blowing, and, as our course lay in a southerly direction, we had to tack. We managed, however, to run across Thunder Bay within five or six miles of our point, and then tacked about to reach it; and about three miles further ran into a nice little sheltered bay, where we camped for the night. The boys were merry, and soon had a capital fire blazing up and the camp-pots hissing and bubbling. By eight o'clock supper was ready, and then, after prayer and singing and each one repeating a verse of Scripture around the camp fire, we all turned in for the night, having safely accomplished the first twenty miles of our homeward trip. It may be well to state at this point, for the information of those who are not acquainted with the topography of Canada, that Lake Superior, upon which we were now sailing, is the largest body of fresh water in the world, the length of it from end to end, by the course which the steam- boats take, being 623 miles. The breadth of the lake at the widest point is 160 miles. Its area is fully as large as Ireland, and its mean depth is 1000 feet. The north shore of the lake belongs to the Province of Ontario, is exceedingly wild and rocky, and is inhabited almost exclusively by Indians; with a few Hudson Bay Company's posts at various points on the route. Prince Arthur's Landing is the only Canadian town on the north shore, and that has risen into existence only within the last few years. The south shore of Lake Superior borders on the State of Michigan. July 31.—
A dense fog filled the air when we arose early this morning. We waited
until eight o'clock to see if it would lift, but as it appeared
At 8.30 we all gathered for prayer, and then went to rest. The total distance we had come, since leaving Prince Arthur's Landing, was about l00 miles. We passed a quiet
Sunday in our camp at Red Rock. No Indians came round, but
we had a little service for ourselves under an awning. In the
Aug. 5.
- We had intended to be up and preparing for our trip to Lake Neepigon
at five a.m., but heavy rain caused us to prolong our slumbers, and we
did not breakfast until 7.30 a.m. By this time, however, the weather was
clearing, and we determined on making a start. There was plenty to
do. We had a trip of 200 miles before us, and expected to be away
about ten days. All the things in The Missionary that were
not wanted were packed away in Mr. McLellan's
storehouse; provisions were given out, sufficient to last the three boys
who were to remain behind, and supplies put up for the travelling party.
Then — about ten a.m. — the large canoe which we had hired was brought
round; Uhbesekun,
our guide, put in his appearance; portage straps were brought out, the
packs made ready, and all placed on board. The Bishop and myself
walked across the portage, about three-quarters of a mile in length, while
Uhbesekun
and the boys propelled the loaded canoe up the rapids with poles.
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