Wednesday, September 2nd.—­West wind.  Fixed moccasins in A.M. and started portage west.  Camped in swamp.

Thursday, September 3rd.—­Rain all day by spells.  Wind west.  Got up in rain, hating to leave blankets.  At breakfast, bread and tea and venison.  I took no tea.  Am trying now just venison and fish broth.  May agree with me better than tea.  Don’t miss sugar much any more, though I do plan little sweet feeds when I am out.  Very nasty work in rain.  Am well again and strong.  Worked well.  Portaged and paddled west 4 1/2 miles.  Wallace turned round again and carried pack back to starting point.  George and I carried canoe.  Sky cleared in evening.  Saw all day big spruce trees.  Country here not burned I think.

Friday, September 4th.—­Rain.  West wind, Portaged west 1 1/2 miles, with two little lakes to help.  Rain all time.  Stopped to let George scout best way to big lake ahead.  Thinks it is 3 miles away.  Hope it leads to Michikamau.  George and Wallace mending moccasins.  George reports big water about 3 miles ahead.  Hope Low’s Northwest River lake expansions.  Cannot be far now from Michikaman.  Spent much time over map in P.M.  Think we must start back 1st October to the St. Lawrence, if we can get guides.  Otherwise to Northwest River and then snowshoe out.

Saturday, September 5th.—­Rain by spells.  West wind, cold.  Awoke in rain.  Last three nights have been as clear as crystal, beautiful moon.  Then rain in the morning.  Very disappointing.  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.