CHAPTER XI.
Proceed westward in a boat—Cheerless state of the western sea—Struggles in Bellot Strait—Falcons, good Arctic fare—The resources of Boothia Felix—Future sledge travelling—Heavy gales—Hobson's party start—Winter quarters—Bellot Strait—Advanced depôt established—Observatories—Intense cold—Autumn travellers—Narrow escape.
PROCEED WESTWARD IN A BOAT.
Most anxious to know the real state of the ice in the western sea—upon which our hopes so entirely depend—I intend starting this evening by boat, as far through Bellot Strait as the ice will permit, then land and ascend the western coast-hills.
Sept., 1858.
1st Sept.—My boat party consisted of four men and the doctor, who came with me for the novelty of the cruise, bringing his camera to fasten upon any thing picturesque. We landed near Half-way Island, and pitched our tent for the night. Early next morning I commenced the rather formidable undertaking of ascending the hills, for it is not possible to pass under the cliffs, and at last I gained the summit of the loftiest, overlooking Cape Bird at a distance of 3 or 4 miles, and affording a splendid view to the westward, as well as glimpses between the hills of the blue eastern sea. Long and anxiously did I survey the western sea, ice, and lands, and could not but feel that in all probability we should not be permitted to pass beyond our present position.
M'Clintock in his Boat sailing through Bellot Strait.
FOUR RIVER POINT.