June 9, 1793. An Idea Too Painful.

Excerpts from: Alexander MacKenzie's epic Voyage Of Discovery overland to The Pacific Ocean.

June 9, 1793. Day 32. 

     “The rain of this morning terminated in a heavy mist at half past five, when we embarked…(13 ½ miles) here we perceived a smell of fire; and in a short time heard people in the woods, as if in a state of great confusion, which was occasioned, as we afterwards understood, by their discovery of us.” 

      Most of the journal entry on this day describes first contact; it is beyond me or the scope of this blog to take excerpts from it, regarding that experience. I suggest that those interested in learning more about this important part of the story read his account of it for themselves. (Vol ll, Chapter lV) 

     In this blog I am more interested in re-tracing his route; trying to determine where he camped, and where the adventures he describes actually took place. 

     “It was my purpose to continue my progress up the present river, as far as it was navigable, and if we did not meet with natives to instruct us in our further progress, I had determined to return to the fork, and take the other branch, with a hope of better fortune.” 

     It’s easy to see now, what would have happened to the voyage if he would have turned back and went north. He depends on the local natives to share with him their knowledge and information regarding any route or river to the Ocean.  

     “It was about three in the afternoon when we landed…”

     I believe this encounter, and encampment was located approximately where the Table River joins the Parsnip River. Google Earth Lat & Long 54.42.09 N and 122.17.30 W. It’s really interesting to see from above, the snake-like meanderings and oxbow lakes of the river in this part of it (Picture 1).

Picture 1. June 9, the meandering Parsnip River     

      “In this state of perplexity and disappointment, various projects presented themselves to my mind...At one time I thought of leaving the canoe, and everything it contained, to go over land…(but) it would be impossible for us to carry provisions for our support...at another time…(my desire to succeed) incited a wish to remain with the natives...would have required a portion of time which was not in my power to bestow...and to return unsuccessful, after all our labour, sufferings, and dangers, was an idea too painful to indulge.”