Getting hung up while on a cross-country ski expedition
When I was a young boy growing up in Inlet, I loved my Saturdays and the opportunity afforded me to spend a whole day exploring my winter world.
I would typically begin my Saturdays by watching the morning kids’ show, Salty Sam’s Super Saturday, followed by a few cartoons.
Then, with a bowl of oatmeal and some peanut butter toast in my belly, I would pull on my snowsuit and ski boots and glance at the temperature before heading out.
One morning when I stepped outside there was a slight wind that chilled me right through.
It seemed much colder than the 17 degrees that appeared on the thermometer.
The snow crunched beneath my feet like I was stepping on cereal as I headed to the garage for my skis.
I was accompanied by my dog Mutt who had expressed an interest in tagging along on the adventure.
While I was pulling out my skis I spied a sled laying on the floor.
I decided I would make a harness with some rope and pull it behind me—just as I had seen in old movies depicting Antarctic expeditions.
It took some time to figure out how to make the harness, making a variety of knots with a piece of nylon rope.
Once completed, I attached it to the sled. I took a few test runs in the driveway to make sure there was enough space between the backs of my skis and the sled.
Mutt begged and whined in anticipation of our trek in the woods.
Though she wasn’t much help with tying the knots and making the harness, she seemed really keen on guiding the expedition.
As we pushed off downhill towards the lake the sled tried to catch up with me.
I had to double pole as quick as I could to stay out in front of it. Continue reading
