1st
WHITBY VENTURER COMPANY
Friday February 09, 2001
Well departure time of 11:30am, from Scott’s house was delayed a bit;
OK we left at 1:00pm (Thanks Brian!). Travel was good for the most
part, OK except for the pouring rain and puddles on the road. After
realizing Scott was trying to follow me and that he was driving a car,
not a 4-WD pick-up truck like I was, I decreased speed to allow for easier
following. We arrived at the camp to find that the rain was not going
to stop to let us hike in to the cabin. So we with gear on our backs
and on a sled began to trudge through the knee-deep snow to the cabin.
It wasn’t that bad we were just a bit wet, OK soaked, by the time we arrived
at the cabin. A fire was soon underway and wet clothes were replaced
with dry ones.
The first chore was to find some kindling. An emergency meeting was called to order and by a vote of 3 to 1, Keith was elected to travel to the other cabin and get some kindling. After debating his election to this position he quickly disappeared over the hill to the other cabin. Keith returned with one log, not much good for kindling. Keith was then sent back for an axe so that the log he fetched may be turned into kindling, the product we were looking for. Keith, again after some debate, was off to ask the neighbors if they had an axe that we might borrow. Keith returned to tell us that they had no axe, so we would have to survive without. These findings that Keith reported were cross-examined by the company president, Scott. It was agreed that we would accept Keith’s word and we concluded that there was no axe. We would find out later that the status of an axe with the other group is still unknown, since there was no one there when Keith went to borrow one, contradictory to what he had originally reported. By this time a small fire had been developed and nursed to life by the company advisor, Brian Wick. So since the fire was under way, somewhat, it was decided that since Keith did not complete either of his first two tasks he should go to the wood pile and retrieve some firewood so we would have enough to keep the fire alive through the night. Keith this time created a large commotion, but finally gave in to the request and retrieved some firewood.
Supper was served; delicious chicken noodle soup and grilled cheese was what the menu dictated. OK at least that’s what we remember the menu saying. Probably, but not sure, since no one actually brought a copy of the menu. Following supper Scott, Andy and Keith decided to go out for firewood. A couple of trips were made, each producing a sleigh full of firewood. Upon the return of their final trip for firewood, the rain that continued to fall had soaked them. A quick change of clothes or the removal of snowsuit would quickly return everyone to the warmth and dryness of the cabin. Their expedition did however prove to be an extreme success producing enough firewood to last the whole weekend.
The issues surrounding the uniform in Whitby District were discussed so that I may develop a report to submit to the District so that the company’s views may be heard. Following this Scott, Andy and Keith resorted to a night of cards as the rain continued to fall. I went to work at the computer and Brian sat up for a while before passing out around 11pm. Cards came to an end around 11:30pm.
As everyone piled into bed and lights were shut-off either the noise or the change in lighting caused Brian to awaken. Discussions were then started and covered many topics.
Brian explained his business and the old technology he used to have
to work with, he was telling some story about card readers (Yeah like we’re
going to believe that!). Brian was soon back to bed and discussion
about everything and anything continued until finally everyone was asleep.
Saturday February 10, 2001
We awoke around 10am to find that the rain had stopped during our sleep,
and a fresh thin blanket of snow had been added to the already 2 foot deep
cover on the ground. The icicles dangling from the rooflines showed
wind direction and indicated that the temperature must have dropped very
quickly overnight from a balmy +7C Friday night to the current sub-zero
air. Breakfast was soon underway and the smell of pancakes and sausages
filled the cabin. The fire had kept alive well overnight, maybe someone
fed it during the hours of my sleep, but it was toasty warm when I awoke.
Following breakfast everyone bundled up in layers of clothing, snow pants, hats and gloves and ventured outside to experiment with the sled on various hills. It was then decided that we should walk out to the road to the vehicles so Scott could retrieve his shovel, Andy could look for his hat that was lost on the hike-in last night and Brian could get some screws and a screwdriver from his truck so that the cabin door which had come off it’s top hinge could be repaired.
On our trek up the hill we saw fresh tracks in the light dusting of snow including deer, rabbit, birds, coyote, and small rodents. At the parking lot we found that the hill leading to the parking lot was covered in heavy slush and would soon turn to ice. It was decided that the vehicles should be moved over the hill so we wouldn’t have to cross it tomorrow on our way out after it had turned to ice. The vehicles were safely moved to the other side of the slush-covered hill. It was back to the cabin to escape the cold air and fierce wind that burned your faces. Water was soon boiling on the stove and hot chocolate and coffee was served. Scott, Andy and Keith resorted to cards, Brian relaxed with his coffee and I worked on the log. Brian soon joined in the game of ‘Asshole’ and I curled up for my afternoon nap.
I awoke around 2:30 when the afternoon card game was coming to an end. Scott, Andy and Keith headed out into the covering of the brush to build a winter shelter to sleep in for the night. Brian cleaned the cabin and I went for a short walk in the woods.
Scott, Andy and Keith returned from building their shelter and were satisfied with what they had created. Everyone was ready for a break and crawled into bed. So far everyone remained committed to spending the night in the shelter they had built. Brian was quickly out and soon snoring, everyone else followed suit not long after.
After a quick power nap everyone was again awake and the smell of supper soon began to appear. Everyone gathered around the table for a supper of rotini pasta and meat sauce and then it was time for the post-supper card game.
The game came to an end around 6:45pm and Scott, Andy and Keith packed
some hot chocolate, hot dogs, firewood and fresh water and were off for
their overnight adventure in the shelter they had built. Brian and
I went along to check out their shelter. By now the temperature must have
dropped to nearly –18C. The shelter was of a good size, enough room for
four or five people. The shelter which was made in a snow bank, had
a huge rock on one side, which served as a wall, the other side had a wall
of snow, along with the back wall, which the wind blew against. The
front had a large opening, which led out to a fire pit, a couple of feet
away, inside the snow wall which had been created, and a tarp made an excellent
floor. It looked good; it would definitely serve as a good windbreaker,
large inside with a large opening, but with the help of the fire should
stay quite warm. Soon Scott had a fire underway and Brian and I retreated
to the warmth and safety of the cabin. Brian and I played Blackjack
for a couple of hours, before Scott and Keith returned for more firewood.
They quickly loaded up with some more firewood, Keith grabbed his coat
and then they were off again, back to the shelter and fire they’d left
Andy in charge of. Brian and I continued our Blackjack game until
Brian decided he was going to cook some rice, around 10:30pm. The
hot rice, made an excellent snack. Brian played with the fire to
try and heat the cabin up a little more; good thing he’s not sleeping outside.
Brian decided that he’d lie down for a half hour to warm up and gain some
energy. Well 11:46pm: Whom could that be coming in the cabin?
Surprise! It’s Scott, Keith and Andy. We they survived almost
four and a half hours in their emergency shelter. Unfortunately a
bear came and kicked out their fire. That was their story anyway,
whatever! At least they were smart enough to come back to the warmth
of the cabin. It is definitely cold out there and the wind is picking
up somewhat. It was probably down to –25C and Jack Frost was making interesting
patterns on the windows. It even seemed a challenge to keep the temperature
up in the cabin as the wind pressed on the windows. Now that they’re back
it’s time for another game of cards. Maybe it wasn’t the cold that
got to them but they were having card withdrawals. Following a quick
game of cards everyone was soon asleep.
Sunday February 11, 2001
Everyone awoke shortly before 10 a.m. Brian and Andy quickly
had eggs cooking for our English muffin and egg breakfast, toasted with
ham and cheese. During breakfast Keith found it necessary to debate
whether he was or was not going to be the Master of Ceremonies for the
1st Whitby Banquet. As far as everyone else is concerned he has volunteered
already and he will keep his word, no matter how much he chooses to debate
it. Following breakfast clean up was underway, packing of gear, cleaning
of the cabin and restocking firewood. Following packing up of personal
gear and cleaning of dishes, Scott, Andy and Keith were off to clean up
their shelter area and gather anything they had left there after retreating
at 11:30 last night. They still insist that a bear came and kicked
out their fire forcing them to leave. Keith, after putting on his
‘spacesuit’ (one-piece fluorescent green and pink snowsuit) had to go pee
yet again. Funny how this happens every time he gets dressed.
It should also be noted that Keith has the responsibility of representing
the group at all Group committee and District Council meetings for the
remaining of the year for peeing on a tree last night.
Everything was cleaned up and we set out to the parking lot at 11:45 a.m. By now the snow was hard and easily supported our weight making the trip easy. Scott’s car started despite the fact it still felt like –15C. First stop was in Haliburton for coffee, chocolate milk and chips. The clear dry roads made travel easy. After a stop in Beaverton for lunch, we continued home for arrival at about 4 p.m.
All-in-all, the weekend went really well.