Mollie Adams Diary of Her Journey in the Canadian Rockies June 17, 1908

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On June 23, a new book about Mary Schäffer, An Adventurous Woman Abroad, will be launched. Many people have heard about Mary Schäffer, the first non-native woman to see Maligne Lake. Her survey of that beautiful lake contributed to its inclusion in Jasper National Park. Fewer people know Mary (Mollie) Adams.  Mollie Adams was Mary's traveling companion on many of her journeys into the backcountry and abroad from 1905 until 1911. Mollie documented their 1908 journey in search of Maligne Lake in her daily diary.  Follow their adventures over the next few months as her words are revealed. This is Mollie's diary entry for today’s date in 1908.

Mosquito Camp, Tuesday, June 17.
We took our lunch with us and made an expedition back across the Sask[atchewan], M, Un., and H. going on a few miles up to the Bear Creek canyon, and I staying at the mouth of Bear Creek to fish. Had no luck, however, only 3 small trout, the largest not more than 6 inches long. After catching the third, I found my fingers were so paralysed with cold that I could hardly take him off the hook; so stopped fishing, ate my lunch and lay down on the lee of a bush and had a few peaceful naps, roused occasionally by Bugler’s trumpeting. It was raining all around – on Mt. Wilson, Murchison, Sarbach, and up the Glacier L[ake] valley, but only a few drops where I was. The others had quite a scramble before they found the easy trail to the gorge. The Sask[atchewan] was lower than when we crossed it on the 11th.

Trout, Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, Mary Schäffer fonds, (V527/PS 1-225)



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