Blog for the Westman WIlderness Club

On January 18 Steve, Di, Arthur and Scotty and myself camped in the Brandon Hills.  We pulled our toboggans just past the start of the B loop and set up camp at the top of a hill.  We enjoyed an evening of Arthur preparing Chinese fondue.

It was fun to use the canvas tent that was originally Fred Olive’s and he past it on to Jim Wilkie who past it on to me.  I have many fond memories of winter camps with this tent which I’ll be setting up this coming weekend for my scheduled winter camp on January 28 (we’re actually starting on Friday evening).

Hope to see you there.
Included are some pictures of us setting out with loaded toboggans for the Brandon hills camp.

Roger

It was a bit doubtful to begin with – but thankfully a little snow a few days before we were due to go – allowed most of us to ski into the cabin!  Eldon, Clarence, Fred, Jackie and Dover, Di and Scotty enjoyed a good ski – but 1st ski of the season with a pack on was a little nerve wracking!  Nadine and Brenda decided on an alternative mode of transport – snow shoeing and hiking!

A typical WWC pot luck supper was had – and we welcomed the New Year in with champagne – thank you Eldon!  We enjoyed several skis on new years day – including a short night ski.

We certainly made the most of the trails while we were there!  However, there wasn’t always enough snow to fill pot holes dug outs – and there were quite often suprises in store – especially around corners and at the bottom of hills!  Unfortunately, Freds guilt got the better of him – so he, Jackie and Dover left us ready for work on monday – but Robert joined us for the second night.  Now there’s someone who travels light!  It was a great w/e all in all – and thanks to everyone who came and made it a memorable occasion!

Di

These pictures were taken by Cheryl wingerof cross-country ski on Dec 18, 2011 from Stanley’s cottage in Parkview estates to Tamarack Lake.

Sunday December 18th, a Cross Country ski event was held at Parkview Estates at the home of members Alf and Janis.  Prior to the

Members Di & Scotty, Maureen, Grace, Jackie & Fred & Dover were accompanied by guests Neal & Sheila & Lucy and Dennis & Cole. Conditions for skiing would have been marginal @ best due to the lack of snow so hiking was a good alternative. We all hiked the 1.9 km to Kinisao Lake at which point the club members headed north to hookup with the Grey Owl trail and the guests headed back the 2.1 km via Brule. Once we got to the Grey Owl Trail we took a load off at the warming shelter.

The wonderfully mild temps meant we did not need to get a fire going although there was alot of wood to be had as the trail crew had recently stocked the wood shed, literally to the rafters. Just as Robert had described, Grey Owl Trail had been rutted by the trail crew vehicles rendering it unsuitable for skiing. It did make for easy hiking though!

We then made our way back the 3.6 km to the parking lot noting what appeared to be wolf tracks along the way. This had Scotty and Dover quite interested. Given the sunny, mild weather (temp @ end of the hike was -3C) the 4 of us decided to hike the Arrowhead Trail. I had skied it many moons ago and had forgotten how rolling the terrain is.

The not so controlled burn of this past fall was evident but did not detract from the scenery one bit. Neal & Sheila’s had graciously offered coffee and cake apres hike, so we stopped in and enjoyed their hospitality. Thanks to all who participated!

Fred & Jackie & Dover