Donald Manson Finlayson -- 12 augustus 1888

• Donald Manson Finlayson (1853-1889) hield in 1888 een dagboek bij van een tocht die hij maakte met zijn broer, een tocht die ze niet zouden overleven.

Sunday, August 12, 1888: Very rapid in a few places but not so much tracking. Slight rain at noon.

Monday, August 13, 1888: 4 rapids within 3 1/2 miles of Beaver Lake, tough work wading to our waist, water swift, sharp stones. Hanging on to grass, bushes, trees, or anything we get hold of pulling up boats. Arrived at Beaver Lake the last rapid on Sturgeon River is close to B. Lake. Crossed 1/2 way and camped for night. Large rocks as square on side as if they were hewn, had to get up in middle of night and move boats around in shelter as the wind sprung up strong. Head wind and very rough on lake but crossed safe. Water washed into boats a few times but they stand a good sea. I enjoy the sailing immense, especially in rough weather it looks fine to see a large wave coming along and give your boat a swipe sending the water spinning all over you. Its a fine life. Beaver Lake looks to be about 10 or 12 miles across in some parts more. Plenty of pipe-stone on some of the islands. This is extra good for whitefish. Tues. 14. Across Beaver Lake. Passed a small island about an acre and 1/2 in extent with potatoes, turnips, cabbage, carrots, pumpkins, all growing well. On Beaver Lake about a mile from the mouth of Pine River. First rapid on Pine River, carried pieces and tracked up boats. Pine on west mixed Poplar and Pine on East side. Fine river can row right along in most parts of it. Camped on Banks.

Wednesday, August 15, 1888: Passed Bail Rapid, camped about 2 miles above. Rocky hills all along, river fine and wide with very little current except at rapids.

Thursday August 16, 1888: Passing rocky hills, river very smooth with easy bends. Scoop rapid or Quapayhagan rapid very bad but portage about 40 yds. Good portage, hauled over boats and carried pieced, scooped up the white-fish with a scoop net. Camped 1/2 mile below leaf rapid. Mohawk had 6 pups, that camp is to go by her name after this through her having pups there.