It’s day two of our 2-night adventure in a four-season tent in the Gatineau Park and so far it’s been great. Getting here from the parking lot with all our gear was an adventure to say the least:
On the first ski to the accommodation the uphills were quite the challenge (the most difficult part or so we thought) then Bill begins the downhill section. “This is so neat that the toboggan is passing me” — then it cut him off; one bent pole and a sore noggin later and he’s ready to continue.
The delay gave Carlyn time to retrieve a lost backpack from fellow campers and deliver it to their site. Good deed for the day.
One kilometre down
Bill was a trooper and forged ahead up the next incline where I suggested that he just let the toboggan go down the next descent.
Finishing an incline we arrive at our tent, two kilometres, two hours, many laughs.
Day 2
Unlike our previous trip here in December, we have a whole day to not even think about hauling gear. Bill’s going to hang out and do a smaller ski and Carlyn and I are going to head south along the 50 to a cabin (Herridge).
Conditions are superb.
Herridge is a two-storey, historic home converted to a lodge for skiers. A peanut butter sandwich and lovely conversation with two women and we’re off to check out Healey.
Small world
We’re cold so we head into the brightly lit and crowded Healey cabin. This familiar woman walked by and then we caught each others’ eyes; it’s Denise from Agriculture where we both worked back in the nineties! The four of us chatted for quite a while (Rachel, Denise’s childhood friend was a gem).
I was looking forward to a beer on our return.
We all returned from our respective skis, shared the beer that I brought (beer was one of the many things on Bill’s list of things to forget)
Great conversation over chili (Bill) pierogies and kobasa (Carlyn) and we’re ready for the overnight sauna.
Pack and go
Somehow we manage to get everything into the two toboggans and we’re set to go. The load is lighter but bulky.
We wait for Bill after the first turn and here he comes! It’s difficult to describe but there’s much flailing and near disaster (and laughing) but Bill stays on his feet.
Let’s avoid the downhill runaway toboggan; I suggest Carlyn hold the second strap and offer some drag. All goes well until drag=tug and Bill’s on his back.
We got this! The rest of the trip is uneventful we get back to the vehicles and the consensus is that this was the perfect outing.
First, I must say you folks look two tents! Get it!!?? Second, way to go Billy Bob, me so proud!!!! Sniff sniff, and “C” Bill and Carlyn had me at Pierogies and Kielbasa sausage.
I totally agree that this was the perfect trip, and for me a perfect introduction to ski camping. Thanks for your patience Paul and Carlyn.
Dear Chuck – it’s ковбаса not kielbasa. This was an actual conversation😉 at the tent. For sure next time join us for perogies, kobasa and smetana.
Bill and Paul – thanks for the laughs of a lifetime. When’s the next time?
I would love to do this one more time this season
Carlyn, is “ковбаса” even part of an alphabet? Looks more like hieroglyphics to me. Sounds like you kids had fun. Were there any beans?
Forgot, the goofball moderator has to approve my comments! What kind of democracy is this site any how?
You must have used one of the forbidden words (what?)