Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1909-10-19

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paid of our guides, made presents to
their women and children and set sail
for Etah.
Clearing weather after the storm af-
forded delightful yachting weather. A
fairly strong offshore wind filed the
big wings Of canvas. The cool air was
bracing. while the bright sun threw
glittering smiles from slant to slant.
The seamen forward sang of the de-
lights Of fisher folk.
A phonograph sent music, classical
and otherwise, into the arctic air from
the cabins. At table there was a kind
Of continuous performance with a
steady hand and receptive stomach.
During two days of stormy discom.
fort several important meals had been
willingly missed. But in the arctic
food accounts must be squared as
quickly as possible.
On the following morning we passed
Cape Alexander and entered Smith
sound. Half q gale came from the sea,
and we entered Foulke ford. The
town Of Etah was composed Of four
tents, which for this season had been
pitched beside small stream just in
side Of the first projecting point on the
north shores.
Inside this point there was sheltered
water to land the Eskimos' kayaks.
1t also made good harbor for the
yacht. 1t is possible in favorable sea
sons to push through Smith sound.
over Kane basin. into Kennedy chan
mel, but the experiment is always at
the risk of the vessel.
There was no special reason for US to
hazard life; therefore the yacht was
here prepared for the return voyage.
This was to consume several days, and
we sought to occupy the time in ex.
ploration and sport.
Much Game at Etah.
The vicinity of Etah Is notable as
the stamping ground Of DR.. Kane and
DR.. Hayes in the middle Of the last
century. There were no unexplored
spots in the neighborhood, but there
was a good deal of game nsar.
Far beyond, along the inland ice,
were caribou. but we preferred to con-
fine our exploration to the seashore.
The bay waters were alive with
elder ducks and guillemots, while just
outside walrus dared US to venture on
an open contest on the wind swept
seas.
After ambitions for the chase and
local exploration were satisfied we
were told that the people Of Annootok.
twenty-five miles to the north. would
be glad to see us. Here was the
chance to arrange jaunt In the mo-
torboat. The tanks were filed, suit
able food and camp equipment were
loaded, and Off We started on the
morning Of Aug. 21 for mans ultima
Thule.
It was a beautiful day. with light
air from the sea. Passing inside Of
Littleton island, we searched for rel
les along Lifeboat cove. The desolate
cliffs Of Cape Hatherton were blaze
Of color and light, but the sea was
refreshingly cool, with fleets of blue
towering bergs to dispel the fire Of
arctic midsummer.
As we rushed In comfort past the
ice polished and wind swept head
lands the sea was alive with birds,
seal and walrus, but little shooting
was done, for we were bent on en-
joying the quiet sport Of motorboat-
ing.
Arrival at Annootok.
AS we passed the sharp rocks OF
Cairn Point we located nine tents In
q small bay under Cape Ingle6eld.
"Look-there is Annootok" said
Tungan, our native guide.
Looking up Smith sound, we noted
that the entire channel beyond was
blocked with jam of hard blue ice.
The northernmost limit Of motorboat-
ing had been reached. A perpendicu'
lar cliff served as a pier to which to
fasten the boat. Here 1t could rise
and fall with the tide, and the drifting
ice did not give much trouble.
A diligent exploration Of the town
disclosed the fact that we had reach
ed not only the northernmost town,
but the most prosperous settlement OF
the Greenland shore. The best hunt
ers had gathered here for the winter
bear hunt.
Their game catch had been very
lucky. Immense catches Of meat were
strewn along the shore. More than a
dogs voiced the hunt force,
with which Eskimo prosperity Is
and twelve long haired
wild men came out to meet US as
friends.
The wealth in food and furs Of this
place fixed my determination on this
spot as a base for the polar dash.
We were standing at a point within
700 miles Of the pole. The strongest
force of men, the best teams OF dogs
and an unlimited supply Of food. COM
bined with the equipment on board
the yacht, formed an ideal plant from
which to work out the campaign. The
seeming hopelessness of the task had
q kind of weird fascination for me.
Many years Of schooling in both polar
zones and In mountaineering would
serve a useful purpose.
Conditions Right For Dash.
Here was my chance. Here was
everything necessary conveniently
placed within the polar gateway. The
problem was discussed with my col
league. Mr.. Bradley generously vol
to land from the yacht the
food, fuel and other supplies we had
provided for local use. There was
abundant trading material to serve
as money.
My own equipment aboard for
sledge travelling could be made to
serve ever- purpose in the enterprise.
The possible combination left abso-
utely nothing to be desired to insure |
success.
Only good health, endurable wealth
r and workable ice were necessary.
The expenditure of a million dollars
L..