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High Temp.
4 F
Low Temp.
-31 F
Wind
NW 5 MPH
Miles Traveled
14
Hours Traveling
5
New Snow 0
(since last update)
People
Seen 0
(since last update)
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February 25, 2003 Grand Rapids, Manitoba
Click To Enlarge
Frosty, back on the trail, cooks up some oatmeal for breakfast.
We eat oatmeal each and every morning |
Following our great stay in Easterville, we set off
to find the trail that would safely lead us the rest of the way across
Cedar Lake.
Because of the hydroelectric dam near Grand Rapids, the water levels
of Cedar Lake fluctuate. The Manitoba Hydro Company can actually increase
or decrease the amount of water allowed to flow through the dam. Any
change in the water level can quickly change the ice's conditions,
behavior, and safety. |
By mid-afternoon, Grand Rapids was in sight. There
was a large cloud of steam rising from the open stretch of water.
Why would steam come from open stretches of water, and more importantly,
how could water not be frozen in subzero temperatures?
Even though the temperature has been hovering around 15 below zero
for the past few days, we still couldn't count on the ice being safe
to travel. The reason is that the current of the river never allows
the water to freeze. Since the water is always moving, the water is
a higher temperature. |
Many people warned us about "bad ice" on Cross
Bay, the final bay before entering Lake Winnipeg. Cautiously we followed
an established snowmobile trail, checking the ice with an ax or our
ski poles as we went along.
Lichen and Saylix also are able to smell "bad ice," making
us even more reliant on the instinct of our four-legged canid companions.
The dogs become nervous, and reluctant to go any further.
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Click To Enlarge
Just off of the snowmobile trail, we came across these very small
tracks. It looked like whatever animal made them was sure in hurry.
Who do you think made them? Post you suggestions to the message
board |
Click To Enlarge
Saylix never misses an opportunity to roll around the snow. Whenever
we stop, he rolls around on the ground and has become a reliable
source of laughter during lunch breaks. |
When we got back into the routine of travel,
the worry of bad ice faded and our minds were left to wander. Passing
by shoreline of willow, spruce, and birch made us feel right at home.
It was nice to be back on the trail after an unforeseen rest in Easterville.
Our muscles worked hard, and the dogs howled as we helped them into
their harnesses. Lichen has even taken to trying to put his harness
on by himself. Recently when I've approached him with his harness
he waits patiently, and then tries to put his snout through any available
opening, usually getting himself hopelessly tangled.
We're excited to be in Grand Rapids. It will be the last glimpse of
civilization for the next two weeks. |
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The Wilderness Classroom Organization
4605 Grand Ave.
Western Springs, IL 60558
(630) 204-0420
info@wildernessclassroom.com
All content copyright (c) The Wilderness Classroom, 2002. All
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