By Madge Macbeth circa 1924
Nipigon Historical Museum Archives
THE FIRST DAY
We were amazed to hear the splattering of rain drops on our tents in the morning. After such a night, it seemed incredible. However, no aspect of weather could dampen our spirits, and with the outfit furnished us, there was little that could interfere with our comfort.
This outfit deserves a paragraph at least. We were provided with tents, easily accommodating two persons. For the benefit of those who refused the luxury folding camp beds and preferred sleeping bags or mattresses laid upon the ground, there were tarpaulin floors. Otherwise, we used canvas beds, a towering pile of NEW blankets (none too many for the sharp cold nights) and pillows! We had a dining tent, furnished with a substantial table, and very comfortable folding chairs. We had also a Community tent, where a glorious fire burned throughout the rainy days, and where afternoon tea was served and coffee after dinner! We had a cook stove with which the "Prince of Wales' Jimmie" performed indescribably delicious gastronomic mysteries. We had bath towels and soap. I felt on more than one occasion that had I asked for a change of underwear or an elephant's tusk, my whim would have been gratified.
Confidentially, I might confess that there was some grumbling. The party included a few desperate sportsmen who resented our luxurious equipment and the sensation of being coddled. They up and spake their minds, and the rest of us were abashed, wishing that we hadn't written home to say that we were "camping." We avoided one another's eyes and felt like cheats - impostor's.
And we were not a little surprised to hear the sportsmen agree to try those confounded beds - as the ground was wet - and the next morning to hear them call for a basin of hot water!
We fished in the rapids from the shore the first day, taking our quota of speckled trout, and several white fish. The largest of the former tipped the scales at five and a quarter pounds, and evoked the observation from the jealous member of the group that, on such a day, anyone should be able to catch fish.
"In this downpour," said he, "they don't even know that they're out of the river!"
TO BE CONTINUED
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