Full resolution (JPEG) - On this page / på denna sida - XV. Through the Lena Delta
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that he had reached the border of his district and must
return home. Having ordered his men to faithfully
accompany us “in life and death,” he received payment for his
services and presents.
This was the last inhabited place in the delta we should
meet with. There remained some 160 miles to the mouth of
the Olenek, and of this distance about 100 miles were over
the open sea. It was therefore with some hesitation that
we contemplated committing ourselves in our “box” on
so hazardous a voyage, but there was no time to lose,
and we had to make our decision quickly. The strong
wind being favorable we resolved to run the risk, and
accordingly started as quickly as we could, followed by the
cheers and good wishes of the natives. With the aid of our
primitive sail we made very fair speed in the strong wind.
We were most anxious to reach the last island in the delta
on that day, so as to be ready at the first favorable
opportunity for the attempt to cross the sea to the mouth of the
Olenek. We never stopped for rest or food, but worked
away all the time, eating some frozen fish while at the
oars. In the evening after having made some 56 miles,
we reached the small uninhabited island of Kangelak,
the furthest western island in the Lena delta. Here we
found a number of yurtas, of which we selected the largest
and best. In Yakut fashion we put ice instead of glass
in the window-openings, mended the fire-place and the
chimney, and soon had a splendid fire with the tea-kettle
and meat-pot boiling over it. Only Arctic travellers will
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