NARRATIVES OF SASKATOON

1882-1912

Genealogy, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, Pioneer,Saskatchewan history, Temperance Colony, Temperance Colonization Society, Pioneers,John N. Lake, John Lake, Saskatoon history, Saskatoon Gen Web, Genealogy, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, Pioneer,Saskatchewan history, Temperance Colony, Temperance Colonization Society, Saskatoon history, Saskatoon Gen Web

them off and with the warmth and a little nourishment, I revived, but I was not able to get around for about ten days." (I). (Mr. Bate tells of a trip he took alone from Saskatoon to Moose Jaw:) It was at midsummer in 1888; having a light spring wagon and a team of fresh and high-spirited ponies I looked for a rapid journey. I had been over the trail a few times before, in company and with oxen, so that I knew the details of the road fairly well. This time, however, there was an unusual sense of responsibility, for I was to meet in Moose Jaw my sister who was to come back with me for a visit of a few weeks. The time of year forbade prospect either of having company on the way or of the likeli- hood of falling in with any other traveller. At no time was it the simplest of matters to go alone through that journey over 160 miles of uninhabited wild country; to care for the safety and comfort of a lady added the bur- den of a constant anxiety to what usually was no more than a somewhat monotonous adventure. Not only must there be above all else nothing to mar the return journey, but there must be good luck on the way down also to the railroad town, since that particular train must obviously be punctu- ally met on arrival. The greatest drawbacks, however, of that journey were absent, for the mosquito season was past and these were the days of pitiless, glorious sunshine with still starlight nigbts,~ideal weather for camping. Water was scarce along the trail at any time but in early spring, only three unfailing places were known: at each of these a night camp must be made. These were at Beaver Creek (Brightwater Creek on some maps) 45 miles out, the Arm Valley where it joins the Saskatchewan at the Elbow and the "Indian Grave" ravine, some 40 miles this side of Moose Jaw. Setting out at daybreak, breakfast was made at the "big bluff" three miles beyond which to~day lies the village of Clavet. In view of the ex- ceptional necessity for having everything right, I took the trouble at this place to make up the full camp as if for night, in every detail. It was possible here, and it was the last chance, to remedy any serious defect or omission by a return as far as the most outlying neighbor's place. Every- thing was found, however, to be in order and the first unhitching and re- hitching of the team went well. One might possibly be allowed to be less careful in this when at home, but here was no place to play hide and seek with loose horses. Mine were bred not far from the first night-camp I was making for and would, I knew, not stop short of that place should they get away at any place on the road. At every turn care was demanded, since the slightest mishap or loss might have extremely awkward results. Food for such a trip would necessarily be limited as to variety. Cann- ed luxuries were out of the question then; flour, bacon and tea were the mainstays. Having no device for keeping bread or butter fresh in such weather, these could be enjoyed only for the first days out. Game, in season or Out, would be shot if possible on sight. Except. at one or two places, fuel could not be found. I made a practice of carrying a couple of stout dry poplar poles, slung beside or under the rig, cutting away when necessary enough for a small fire. They had been found also on more than one occasion very useful, used as levers, in emergency. Camp at night was selected chiefly with a view to the comfort of the team. On this trip I was to learn that it is safer to tether horses well out in the open, away from dark places or scrub. When picketing horses out after dusk, experience taught me the wisdom of leading each one after driving the picket pin round the outer limit of the circle,-the rope sweeping the ground,-to make sure that no unseen obstacle could catch the rope and limit the freedom of the tether. Each would be so picketed as to be able to rub noses with the other without danger of crossing ropes. Sleep (1) Mr. McCordick, In carrying Willoughby for such a long distance, had his thumb frozen, for the circulation of the blood was arrested in his hand by the position. In consequence he lost part of his thumb. Page 20

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