M., found more water and feed there than
before; then proceeded up the creek and got safely over the most
dangerous part of our journey. Camped near the head of the Gap in a
flat, about two miles below our former camp at the Gap.
Tuesday, 12th March, 1861.--Camp 24R.
Wednesday, 13th March, 1861.--Camp 25R. Rain all day, so heavily
that I was obliged to put my watch and field book in the pack to
keep them dry. In the afternoon the rain increased, and all the
creeks became flooded. We took shelter under some fallen rocks,
near which was some feed for the camels; but the latter was of no
value, for we had soon to remove them up amongst the rocks, out of
the way of the flood, which fortunately did not rise high enough to
drive us out of the cave; but we were obliged to shift our packs to
the upper part. In the evening the water fell as rapidly as it had
risen, leaving everything in a very boggy state. There were
frequent light showers during the night.
Thursday, 14th March, 1861.--Camp 26R; Sandstone cave. The water in
the creek having fallen sufficiently low, we crossed over from the
cave and proceeded down the creek. Our progress was slow, as it was
necessary to keep on the stony ridge instead of following the
flats, the latter being very boggy after the rain.
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