Saturday, 8 October 2941 T. A.: Leaving Lake-town

Boat of the Lakemen
(dated 1909, author unknown)

Latest on this day, but maybe also a day or two before, in 2941 T. A., a well-provided expedition left Lake-town north along the Western shore of the Long Lake. The Dwarves and Bilbo were aboard three boats rowed by Lake-men. Clearly, the current from the north was weak enough that the boats did not need to be pulled at ropes; it is interesting to note, though, that sailing was either unknown or not an option despite Bilbo reporting cold winds and falling leaves that day.

"Autumn was now getting far on." Just a few more weeks to go until winter would begin according to the old Anglo-Irish reckoning that Tolkien adhered to.