✨ Expedition Narrative
65
being a comfortable spot, we will pass the night here, and make a long stage to-morrow.” We accordingly did so, and the following day continued our course up the river. We had no trouble, as we were able to keep in the river-bed, and cross at almost any spot from side to side; but it got very cold, raining now and then, with a very strong wind. We found a spot suitable for camping, but as it was still early, about three o’clock, we determined to go a few miles further; having walked on about a mile, the wind became so strong, that it was only with the greatest exertion we could advance against it. We repented now that we did not remain at the first place, so we determined at once to return to it, and camp there for the night. The wind fell on the following morning, and a splendid sunrise gave promise of a fine day. High mountains rise up on both sides of the valley, with their tops covered with snow; further towards the south we could see glaciers, with perpetual snow, and it was in this direction that we must seek for a Pass leading down to the West Coast across the mountains. I was sent on in advance to find a good camping ground. I walked fast, my thoughts recurring to my native land. These mountains and glaciers reminded me of my young days, when oftentimes, light-hearted and free from care, I had wandered about in just such places. How things are changed since then! I found at last a convenient spot, with wood, water, and feed for the horses—it was the last place available for camping in this valley. About two-and-a-half miles further to the south a large glacier blocks up the now narrow valley. High snow-covered mountains and blue glaciers rose to a towering height on all sides, and to proceed further in this direction it was quite evident would be attended with the greatest difficulty. On the west side of my camping-ground I observed a deep fissure in the mountain range, from which, out of a side valley, a large stream came rushing down; I thought perhaps this might be the Pass Mr. Whitcombe was searching for.
The remainder of the party had now reached me. We unpacked the horses, and they were soon enjoying the young tender grass never before trodden by a four-footed beast. We put up the tent, and a good supper was soon prepared in our snug quarters. After supper I happened to be alone with Mr. Whitcombe, the other two men having gone to look after the horses.
Suddenly he asked me if I was not afraid to accompany him alone to the West Coast; he was determined, he said, to go quite through, and to return to the Teramakau. I said I was not the least afraid, but I could not exactly see how I could carry all the necessary things. He said we would not require to carry much for fourteen days; that he would carry his opossum rug and a dozen biscuits, while I could take the remainder. He then asked me how many biscuits I thought we should require each day. I answered, “I could do with two a day,” in which he agreed with me. I then asked him, why he would not
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Canterbury Provincial Gazette 1863, No 10
✨ LLM interpretation of page content
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Publication of West Coast Expedition Narrative
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🏘️ Provincial & Local Government29 June 1863
Expedition, West Coast, Narrative, Publication, Jacob Louper
- Whitcombe (Mr), Expedition leader