Hi all:
This morning was a cold bugger (-27 degrees). I don't shiver now, but the air on my face, ears and fingers (in gloves) really sting quickly. The locals are used to the cold and wear light clothing. I usually wear three sweaters and a jacket, but exposed skin and fingers take a beating.
I spent most of the day hauling a broken sled and trying to catch up to the pack. I was on my own in Sask. unpaved roads for over 300 miles. I kept my fingers crossed for not getting a flat or truck trouble. There definitely is no AAA service out here. Fortunately, my SPOT tracker is registering on the central command center and I do have "on star" satellite reception on the truck. You can spot me by going to real time satellite tracking. My identifier is "Chase 2....).
The prairie in Sask. is much broader than in Manitoba and the Minn/ND farms. one can truly see to the horizon without seeing trees or the forest. I was on a sea of snow that seemed endless. This probably what the Arctic looks like. I need to wear my sunglasses to avoid having my eyes sting. Like in middle ND, The wilderness is both thrilling but also scary due to the vastness of the vista. Tomorrow, if I have time, I'll try to send some pictures
As exhaustion is setting in, the nerves of the riders is fraying. Arguments and insults abound. People get ripped if one sled touches another on the trail. Also the riders are in a set sequence in the column. I would recommend changing positions, but they want to ride the same everyday. Those guys in the rear have whipsaw to contend with as the space between riders and increases or decreases. The guys in the rear have to speed to significant speeds 60-80 mph in short bursts to catch up. Information for the day's sledding is sparse or nonexistent. These guys are sailing by the seat of their pants. I would have a morning brief (10 min) for all to know the day's events, route and contingencies. I guess that's my military training coming to fore.
Yesterday, the last guy in the column crashed by hitting a hole and severly damaged his machine, his knee and head. Fortunately, we got the sled fixed this morning at Lindlaw Sask. a tiny hole in the woods. His head is OK and he will start tomorrow.
A mechanic who was working on one of two sleds that I hauled indicated that there may be a lack of snow in Alberta. We'll see.
We do see some wild game. Saw a moose today, several deer, a covy of partriges, a fox and ptarmingen. I'm surprised that there is no road kill on the highways. The speed is posted at max 100km or about 61mph. I only seen one mountie that we met going to our town - Nipiwin.
Tomorrow, we go to Big River to the west of Prince Albert National Park. It should be a drive of about 250miles by road and by sled and is about 2/3rds of the way across the Province. The Canadians are so nice to us and so cheerful. I guess you have to be this way in the remote areas that we are passing through.
I have to get up ahead of the riders to open the trailer and put equipment out (oil etc.), then refuel with Deisel (with additive). Taking a leaf from Phil, I filled two jerry cans with 20 gallons for emergencies.
Well, that's it for tonight. Each day's routine is the same - get up at five to open, close at 6:30 for the night (with headbolt heater on) supper and sleep. I'm a bit tired myself.
Please disregard the disjointed narration, I just put down a "stream of conscience" of what struck me today. Maybe one day, these notes can be better arranged.
Take care......Tom
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