Discovering the North Sector

2023/2024

Back in December, out of nowhere, Tracy says she has four four-season tents booked on my birthday; what a coincidence, I say to myself. She’s been trying to get a group of us there for a long time, and now it’s going to happen.

Everyone has their own ideas about what is required for one night’s stay in the ‘wilderness’.

We’re walking the two kilometres due to a lack of snow this December but if you hang in there, you’ll see that we end our stay with a bonus ski.

We’re seven people after a few cancellations and some illnesses; the walk is filled with laughter, bag escapees and some confusion about the way to get there on foot. We get there eventually, unpack and wait on Carlyn and Andrea (we were supposed to go help them but I think we chose a drink instead)

Go easy on the wood stove…

We’re all together for a communal dinner around a campfire (not allowed) after stoking our respective stoves. Again, many stories and laughs, great food and drink, then it’s time for bed. All of us — perhaps with the exception of Jane — have created saunas. Open the windows, strip down and maybe sleep will be a possibility.

Some of us had brought our skis so on day two we head out with our packed up gear, communal breakfast enjoyed by all, and head back to the parking lot.

Say goodbye to Jane, Andrea and Carlyn and off we go with low expectations; we were pleasantly surprised that skiing was so good given the lack of snow.

The night of camping, the skiing and camaraderie was so much fun I thought we’d try it again. You can read about it here:

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Taylor and Renaud Lakes (Feb 2024)

Iyad’s been under the weather so we’re going to get him out and see what he’s able to handle. P20 is once again the destination as there are no significant hills and it’s a nice easy-going trip. Tracy’s excited to show us the Renaud day-use cabin and the Taylor Lake yurt.

Snow!

It’s not been a year where one can go on about all the snow but today was an exception. As we headed to Taylor Lake the snow got heavier and heavier. It was magical. This afforded Iyad and I (mostly Iyad) the opportunity to solve all the problems in the Middle East.

Renaud Cabin

Tracy takes her stops in the day-use cabins very seriously. Lunch consisted of:

• Fruit
• Chocolate caramel fondue
• Carlyn’s homemade cinnamon buns
• and one delicious orange

I think everyone wanted a break from the falling snow and the cabin was jammed pack. So peaceful though just sitting, watching the people, and enjoying the warmth, looking out the large windows at the wintery scene.