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7

We were told in Lessnoi that it would be difficult if not impossible to cross the mountains with pack horses, the heights between this place and Podkagernaya being already covered with deep snow. My principal care was to reach Podkagernaya, there could be snow on the plains and with only tolerable weather it was possible to get to Kamennoi in a fortnight. Our horses could winter there, and their owners conveniently indemnified.   I did not want to buy them, horses being expensive in Kamchatka, from 100 to 125 roub. piece. I resolved to proceed without delay, but to take our baggage by water. 

Before leaving Tigil I had purchased a whaleboat which was now in Lessnoi, our baggage was put on board as well as on a "bagdara", large seal skin canoe. Kennan was sent over the mountains with one Kosak, eight Kamchadals and twenty horses; Dodd and myself took command of the boats.

We agreed about signals to correspond with the land party, and September 21st our two small crafts left Lessnoi by calm weather but a heavy swell, resulting from a furious gale of the preceding day. 

We had to see Kennan twice Podkagernaya, in places where the mountain road comes out on the sea beach.  If the land

Transcription Notes:
the final sentence does not make sense, but each word seems clear enough.