The Wampanoag had two means of travel available to him—going on foot or by canoe. Likewise, for the transport of his belongings and any trade goods he could use his canoe or his back.
Travel on foot through the forests was difficult, owing to the dense growth of bushes and low trees. There were paths worn along regular routes, but hunters had to traverse the woods. Early observers reported that in order to ease movement through the woods the Indians periodically set fire to the woods and burned out the undergrowth.[359]
The Wampanoags were efficient about the business of foot travel. They knew the country well and crossed seemingly trackless woods with accuracy of direction.[360]They trained at running from early childhood and a man could travel along all day at a jog-trot with ease.[361]The traveling costume was designed for a minimum of encumbrance on the journey—the normal dress being the breech clout. The traveler carried a bag of parched corn meal for sustenance and a pouch of tobacco, along with flints and pipe. He either wore or carried his moccasins. A quiver of arrows hung over his left shoulder, with the end resting in his right hand. In the left hand the runner carried his bow.[362]A small quantity of corn sustained him during the day, and by night he would seek shelter among friends of another village, or if alone he would kindle his own fire and dine on corn meal and water.
For water travel, either the birch bark or the dugout canoe was used. The bark canoe was probably preferred for travel on inland waterways, since portages could be made with greater ease, owing its lesser weight.[363]Birch bark canoes were said to be difficult to keep from capsizing. The Wampanoags, however, were skilled in the use of these bark boats, and they are described as venturing out in rough coastal waters.[364]They were strong swimmers and quite prepared to rescue themselves in case of mishap. The canoeist knew how to right his craft while swimming alongside and scramble in again.[365]Canoes were usually propelled by paddles.[366]However, the occasional use of sails is noted. A pole served for the mast and a skin robe or two for canvas.[367]