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Down North
Friday July 23
My own little precious one
I do hope you are well and not missing me as much as I am missing you. I could kick myself for not insisting on your coming with me. The "Athabasca River" was a good deal more comfortable than the "Berengaria". The last 2 days have been pretty idyllic. Cool bright weather, no flies, and slipping down broad rivers among great woods. I
[near Fort Smith on the printed map:] X Here we are
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simply sat in the bows & basked and dreamed - a perfect rest. We have a very nice company on board. Dr Woods is delightful, and "Maggie" is really very nice, a wonderfully efficient professional whose mind is wholly on her work.
Fort Chipewyan, which we reached yesterday afternoon, is like a lovely little West Highland village. I was met by a very impressive Chief of the Chipewyan, and a Hudson
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Bay factor from Aberdeen!
We are really getting into the North, for the nights are short, and the sunsets are beyond belief. We are just starting to make the 16 miles portage to avoid the rapids. At Fort Smith, at the other end, we join our main boat, the "Distributor". The Hudson Bay people are taking the most wonderful care of our comfort. It is great fun talking to the old folk of the North. But how I
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miss my B.M!
I have started on my Augustus index. I find one doesn't want to read much; there are too many things to see. I am very well. There has been some rain here, so the mosquitos will probably begin!
My love to the Hambers. Have a real rest, my darling. I am counting the days till we meet again. My love to my dear little man, & Joan & Pat
from
John
