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Page 31
8th. Snow had fallen during the night, and the whole country had the
appearance of the middle of winter. We dropped down with the ebb-tide,
but were obliged to anchor again near the entrance of the bay. When the
tide turned we proceeded, and, leaving _Kikkertorsoak_ to the right,
made for cape _Kattaktok_, where we spent the night at anchor among some
low islands. The night was clear, and a comet appeared N. by W.
9th. Wind favourable and strong. We set sail at sun-rise, and steered
for _Uibvaksoak_, and so rapidly did our boat make way through the
waves, that we arrived there already at four in the afternoon, passing
swiftly by the Dragon's dwelling, (_Torngets_). A thunder-storm was
approaching. The wind, which felt quite warm, was in our rear, and
violent gusts assailed us now and then, which made us shorten sail; yet
the boat seemed to fly from island to island. We were unable to find a
safe anchorage till 8 P.M. when it was already dark. We had sailed, in
fourteen hours, about 100 English miles, and were all completely wet
with the spray of the sea and frequent showers. Our Esquimaux were
obliged, in this condition, to lie down either on deck or on shore.
10th. Reached _Omanek_, about 40 or 50 miles sail.
11th. Wind contrary, with much rain. We were confined to our narrow
cabin, and shut in all day, with a lamp burning.
12th. Clear weather: set sail at noon. In the afternoon we were saluted
by some shots from _Killinek_ Esquimaux, who were halting not far from
the Ikkerasak, or straits, at the entrance of which we cast anchor about
7 P.M.
13th. Though we wished to have some conversation with the _Killinek_
people, as they cannot often come to Okkak, yet we thought it adviseable
to lose no time, and, with the ebb-tide, passed through the _Ikkerasak_
in perfect safety. When, about 1 P.M. the tide turned, we ran into a
cove on the south side, and at 5 P.M. anchored in the lagoon above
described, (See page 43), the entrance to which will only admit a boat.
14th. Reached _Oppernavik_, where we first met Uttakiyok.
15th. Set sail with a gentle breeze, which permitted us to have our
Sunday's service on deck. The wind, however, soon turning against us, we
were compelled to return to our former anchorage.
16th and 17th. We were unpleasantly detained by wind and rain, and on
the latter day much snow fell.
18th. Reached _Kikkertarsoak_ about 1 P.M. Our men went out in their
kayaks, and returned in the evening with three seals. The night was
fair, with beautiful appearances of the Aurora Borealis.
19th. The morning was calm: some indications of approaching storm made
us anxious to proceed. We set out early; but a fog coming on, we came
again to an anchor off a barren island. After staying here two hours,
hoping for a favourable change, Jonathan proposed to proceed, and
steered S.W. not knowing rightly where we were. On this occasion, we
could not help admiring the composure of the Esquimaux. But having last
night made a hearty meal of the provisions they had acquired, they
seemed to take things easy, and thought it would all be right in the
end. So it turned out; for by and by we saw the continent, and kept
along shore, till we got to the promontory _Kakkeviak_, where, on our
passage, we had nearly suffered shipwreck. (See page 38). Here we cast
anchor in a wide shallow bay, and spent a quiet night.
20th. The fog had dispersed, and the wind was favourable, though
shifting from W. to N.W.N. and N.E. At 7 P.M. we reached _Kumaktorvik_
and found good anchorage close to the Esquimaux winter-houses; but we
were disappointed by finding them empty, the people being probably out
on the reindeer-hunt. There were four houses standing, apparently not
old, and the traces of eight others, situated on a low point of land,
well covered with grass, and surrounded by high mountains.
21st. Wind N.W. set sail by break of day; reached _Nennoktok_ about
noon, and steered across _Sangmiyok_ bay, for the northern promontory in
_Nachvak_ bay. Sangmiyok bay is full of breakers, and the sea running
pretty high, they appeared very distinctly. The wind dying away in the
afternoon, we got no farther than the steep rocks under which we had
spent the night of July the 18th, where we came to an anchor. A heavy
swell from the sea, and violent gusts of wind assailing us in all
directions from the mountains gave us much uneasiness; but, by the
protecting care of God, we suffered no harm.
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