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High Temp.
0 F
Low Temp.
-12 F
Wind
NW 10-20 MPH
Miles Traveled
18
Hours Traveling
8
New Snow 1
Inch
(since last update)
People
Seen 4
(since last update)
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March 6, 2003 Near Dancing Point, Lake Winnipeg
Click To Enlarge
Traveling on Lake Winnipeg is a good chance to see what it would
be like in the Arctic |
Tuesday night the temperature plunged to
-42 degrees. I woke up every few hours to stoke the stove and was
able to keep the tent at -30. The hoods of our sleeping bags were
cinched tight, leaving only a small hole for our nose and mouth. The
moisture from our breath froze instantly when it hit the cold air,
leaving a ring of frost on the edges of our sleeping bags. We must
be getting used to the cold because when I stepped out of the tent
to feed Lichen and Saylix the -35 day didn't feel all that cold. However,
after a few minutes my hands began to throb and I ducked back into
the warm tent for breakfast. |
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We trudged straight into a strong south wind, ducking in behind
points for a quick snack. The temperature rose to around 0, but
with the wind-chill it was -30. Stopping to take photos, or a drink
of water leaves you chilled. Constantly moving is the only way to
stay warm.
Fox
and wolf
track, scoured by the wind were reminders that we are not the only
ones out on the lake. Lichen and Saylix sniff at the tracks we pass,
undoubtedly learning more from them than we can.
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Just before dark we made our way into a thick stand
of black
spruce. The trees were so thick that that we were barely able
to find a path through them. Once inside the maze of trees we were
able to find a cozy little spot for our tent, safe from the lakes
howling winds.
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Click To Enlarge
Last night we camped in a spruce bog. They're one of the many
treasures of the boreal forest. |
Click To Enlarge
The expanding ice buckles under pressure, creating amazing
natural sculptures.
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Today the wind was from the north, and
its cold fingers propelled us down the lake, helping our skis glide
across the wind-packed snow. We wound our way through a labyrinth
of wind polished chunks of ice jutting out of the lake.
Just as we were starting to look for a good place to camp we spotted
a trail leading back into the woods. Being the first signs of humans
that we have seen in several days, we decided to investigate. We found
two small cabins and 4 friendly fishermen who were as surprised to
see us as we were to see them. |
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We set up camp on the edge of their encampment and joined them
for coffee. They are from an Ojibwe
village several hours to the south and spend several nights each
week here. We enjoyed their company very much and can see why they
like fishing and the lifestyle that goes along with it. It is hard
work, but the money is good and you can be your own boss. In the
morning they we leave to check their nets and we will continue our
long walk.
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Click To Enlarge
Commercial fishermen use Bombardiers to check their nets. These
ancient vehicles are no longer made, but widely used throughout
northern Manitoba |
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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