The Slave River rapids were really in fine distinct series, and one, the mountain rapid could not be run at all. A portage was necessary there.
All the equipment necessary was four spruce trees shaped into oars, for each scow, and a large tree, similarly shaped to act as a rudder in each. A hold was bored at the point of balance in the tree and fitted over an iron pin on the stern of each scow.
Four strong rowers, a man in the bow to fend off rocks and the steersman completed a crew.
We were all ready.
The first rapid had to be run on the far side of the Slave, so having left Fort Fitzgerald, we paddled across, conserving our strength for later.
