Thus, if they broke through, they could cling to the pole that bridged the hole made by their bodies.

Several such accidents were the share of each.

At fifty below zero, a man wet to the waist cannot travel without freezing; so each ducking meant delay.

As soon as rescued, the wet man ran up and down to keep up his circulation, while his dry companion built a fire.

Thus protected, a change of garments could be made and the wet ones dried against the next misadventure.
To make matters worse, this dangerous river travel could not be done in the dark, and their working day was reduced to the six hours of twilight.