Map from Canadian Heritage Rivers System (www.chrs.ca)

The Hayes River was a major route used by fur traders and native people. This was also the way the Selkirk Settlers took to reach Lake Winnipeg and then the Red River Settlement, after landing off Hudson’s Bay. The river begins near Norway House and runs NE through Oxford and Knee Lakes, reaching Hudson’s Bay at York Factory, a distance of 600 kms.

The young Swiss artist Peter Rindisbacher always practiced his skills using materials at hand. People who knew of his gift and were in a position to supply him with paint often did. He preferred watercolours, and he often sketched in ink his subject prior to completing a painting. Rindisbacher sometimes used these sketches or studies to create several paintings, which he would sell to HBC employees, military or government officials and publishers.

As I have read through the literature researching this topic, it has become apparent that, in the early days of the RRS – and well into its history – man’s best friend functioned mainly as the sled dog. A good breeding stock must have been in the area before the settlers arrived. Although there is mention of dogs being used at York Factory, I didn’t see any reference to them being brought down in the boats.

It rained hard in the night with lightening & thunder we all got completely drenched- the rain ceased and we set off, but it soon began again we continued going on in the rain till 11 o clock when we were forced to put up on South side opposite a Lopt Stick at the Sugar Loaf Hill.- It continued to rain for the rest of the day.

“Sunday got our last boats off in company with one of the Compy’s Crafts this afternoon exclusive of the people’s baggage & provisions they have brought few kegs of Spirits and Bales of Blankets.”  – Archibald McDonald’s Journal

“party could not start till 5 owing to some snow falling from the S.W. which detained the Steersmen in case it might come on more heavy & steady as the leather sails & coverings we have answers wet weather badly from the great quantity of water they absorbe-”  – Archibald Macdonald Journal

“Party warned to be ready to-morrow by 4 O’Clock & not to Breakfast till 10- but still that it may be partly cooked to-night so as to detain us in the morning as little as possible.- The Rice, pease, Meat &c. can be cooked & made warm at Breakfast time.- In the morning gave every one of the party a pair of shoes & the Men had theirs worn out already.”  – Archibald Macdonald Journal

“After some consideration with Mr. Cook last night he would not take upon himself to advise me comply with the request of the people though he saw the propriety of some of their demands, such as they Tobacco.- Consequently I have this morning received 9 1/4 lbs Tobacco from Y.F. for their use on my own responsibility.- The Rum they are not to have a regular allowance of , but that they have refused to my own generosity. The Trowsers I must deny them entirely & as for the additional allowance of provisions I have made them sensible that they will have what will be sufficient if they only exert themselves to make a quick passage of it- So that everything is settled to their satisfaction in the best manner we can- and at 7 O’Clock in the morning the two Boats got under weigh with fair wind-” Archibald Macdonald Journal