Sir George’s Travels
In 1841, the newly-minted Sir George Simpson travelled from England to Canada, and then on to Red River by the traditional route to Ruperts Land. As we know, that route…
Read moreOars or Paddles
Did the HBC men use oars or paddles in their boats? I would have thought paddles, but I think I am not correct in every instance. So, let’s find out!…
Read moreAnderson and the River of Rapids
James Anderson is continuing his way up the Back River, having spent the night just north of Baillie’s River. Now it is time to ascend the long rapid — the…
Read moreFinan McDonald
Finan McDonald was one of David Thompson’s men, but unlike most of his men he also worked for the Hudson’s Bay Company as a clerk at Spokane House, and later…
Read moreBirchbark Canoes
From a book titled Canoe Crossings, I learned that what made birchbark canoes so special was that the grain of the bark that covered them was transverse rather than longitudinal.…
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