Gilpin observer., 1911-10-12

We had secured two famous teams. each OF
fourteen big wolfsh dogs.
We intended to follow the foothills into the in
terror up to the Alutora river that borders Kam-
chatka to the north, thence to circle seaward and
to use the coast line our home trip. We reduced
load to the utmost depending barter for our
needs. Pete and Jack took the lead, Austin and
the second sled.
A bitter cold had succeeded the purga and the
hard snow trail was in splendid condition
In full career swept across the frozen Karuga,
raced through the dog bedam of kitshiginsk and
arrived at night in the Koryak village of Vivniksk.
sixty miles distant the shores of Baron
Korf Bay. over each of the dugouts suspend
ed frozen dog, impaled under the chin on the
sharp end of pole, sacrifice to the Fish God, to
insure good salmon run for the next season.
Next day reached the first Yourtes of the
wandering reindeer Koryaks.
Along the seaward mountains beyond
menced against the monotonous toilsome winter
routine OF northern prospectors. But in the here
prevailing sandstone formations lost even all
traces of the yellow metal. After three laborious
months, entirely barren of results far gold
concerned, dipped into the valley of the
Alutora ultimate northern border of Kamchatka,
where the country Of the Tchuktches begins. We
followed this river to Its mouth and thence slowly
worked way back south trying lower water
courses and beach for minerals. Hope awakened
us in the morning; disappointment bedded at
night. Having learned our lesson now pay the
cost Nevertheless. We happy, vagabondish
crew. caring little and knowing less. how the world
may plod
The Lure of the Lone Trail seldom pays its sol
diers of fortune in cold cash. But there are other
glorious compensations In the glowing health OF
outdoor life. traihardened and the savage strength
of brute In every thew. We have felt the throbbng
pulse of life primeval and lain close to the loving
heart of our mother, the earth.
Thus we kept on, and one bright Sunday morn
ing in April ice-worn Nartas drew up with
flourish in front Of st. Andrews little church at
Ola. just as Father Juvenal was dismssng his fold
We encountered perfect storm of arectonate
but terrific welcome kisses which lodged
best could.
The rest of shedding time We put in prospecting
the upper Karuga which yielded few colors From
Its headwaters scaled In May the Yaga- Baba
Pass, 5000 feet high, and In the far distance
the Sea OF Okhotsk. agleam In the vernal sunshine
But the yellow stones" OF native rumor proved
slight sulphureus deposits OF an ancient crater.
After the spring breakup sailed southward as
far as possible with a koryak fishing expedition
examining the shore sands, unearthing nothing.
however. except little souvenir amber.
In July, when old friends the annual steam
er "Prmorsk" hove In sight we camped already on
the beach at Ola waiting for deliverance. Caress-
ing the rife had given him. Pete. faithful to the
end. sat sadly beside us. loath to go. But
Austins mouth organ is singing softly. We know
the tune and know Its words:
Thank God! when I'm skinned to a nnish
I'll pike to the Yukon again.
I'll fight and you bet it's no sham fight;
It's hell, but I've been there before;
And it's better than this. by damsite-
So me for the Yukon once more!"