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March 21

… I can’t wait forever for better days, although that is exactly what this is, a waiting game. If I wait long enough and be patient and feet hold out I win, if I don’t, I lose. To be quite frank I don’t think I’ll be picked up until April if I am picked up at all. By then the weather will have had time to warm up and I will have plenty of time outside, both to watch and to give signals. Right now that’s not a very encouraging thought as April is 10 days away yet. I am not eating too well, but facts must be faced if I am going to make it and those are the facts whether I like them or not. Although right along I have looked at the long range view to survival and it has paid off. One can only plan for the worse and if something better happens then it’s a break in my favour, if not, well the worst was expected anyway so then you’re not quite so disappointed …

March 22

… Boy, how I long for a hot shower and clean clothes. I itch all over and smell worse than a hog. Sure miss everyone, I try not to think too much of home as it makes things so much harder, but at times it is impossible not to …

March 23

… I’m getting some terrible spells of depression now and when you look at the odds it’s no wonder, but the will to live seems to be staying with me and I suppose as long as I have that I have a chance …

March 28

… I pulled a real dandy a couple days ago. I tried to walk to shore and build a fire from dried bush. I didn’t realize how weak I was and I came so close to perishing, it wasn’t funny. I dropped things on the trail and just barely staggered back to the airplane. If it would have been 50 yards further I would not have made it. If I survive, I’ll tell you the whole story, if not it doesn’t matter anyway … A couple of ravens not far away along with last night’s wolves, perhaps they sense death, I’ve read that they can. I hope it is wrong … I imagine by now you and the girls must have given me up for dead. Well, honey I don’t have much time left but at least you know that I sure tried to come back to you …