Eliguk Journal – February 16, 2025.

The cold snap came to a close yesterday, right after February's full moon. While some scientists say the full moon doesn't affect the weather much, my observations suggest that temperatures more often than not, rise once its cycle ends. I could face the coldest nights of winter without my Mountain Man, even as the mercury plunged to -33°C (-27.4°F). It's not terrible, especially compared to the -51°C we endured a couple of years back. Still, my heart races as I track my husband’s journey to town, hoping he avoids any mechanical mishaps that could leave him stranded. It's one thing to walk 20 miles any other time of the year, but doing it in the bitter cold is the most life-threatening!

A vehicle being composed of metal parts, navigating rough terrain in the Chilcotin wilderness, during a cold snap is bound to have something give in to it's frosty arctic grip.  I also worry about a surprise snowfall, which could hinder his return to Eliguk in a Jeep loaded with a trailer, especially if a foot of snow decides to drop. One reason he braved the cold was to minimize the chance of significant snowfall; after all, with temperatures plunging, unpredictable weather tends to hold off.

It may be cold, but dressing for it makes a brisk walk on the lake worth every moment enduring frosty eyelashes and numb legs. The cobalt blue skies are simply amazing, and it lifts my spirits immensely to submerge myself in this wonderland. While embracing the chill, I took the opportunity to bring some much-needed organization to the cabin and focus on my literary project. As I pieced together parts of my book’s layout, I felt a sense of accomplishment and clarity. It’s amazing how creative pursuits can flourish in quieter moments, far removed from the busyness of everyday life. Especially when there's no need for menu planning when hot oatmeal covered in blueberries and pumpkin seeds holds me practically all day.

Practicing resourcefulness, my three buckets of water lasted just long enough for my husbands arrival home, as the dogs, chickens and I made it stretch over the five days he was gone. The wood pile on the deck, which would normally last 10 days or so was down to the last few split logs, as the wood stove had to be kept at a roaring pace. Regrettably, due to my botched hand surgery last November, I can’t create my own hole in the lake anymore, which keeps my husband accountable. He’s now more mindful about his time away from us in the great outdoors. It’s a stark contrast to his previous years passed two-week winter excursions to work on his airplane.

As the sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue across the lake, the pups' master finally arrived, pulling his load behind him—a sight that signaled both relief and anticipation. His journey had been far from smooth. Early on that week on the trip out, the front axle 4-wheel drive actuator on his Jeep had given out, leaving him to navigate the treacherous trails with an empty trailer in tow. Loading up on supplies in town had him anticipating the troubles he might face on the slippery slopes coming home: hauling the heavy load in from town. With each ascent, he felt the weight of uncertainty pressing down on him, as the front wheels often failed to cooperate on the steep hills, particularly at the tricky corners. More than once, he had to retreat down the incline, gathering momentum for another attempt. Each reverse slide down hills he navigated using side mirrors only, as a packed Jeep interior blocked his rearview.

Along the way, he accumulated scars on his trailer—a busted tail light and a split license plate—testaments to the challenges he encountered. The biggest incline required the assistance of a winch to reach the top, transforming a daunting obstacle into a moment of triumph. After a long and exhausting ride back to Eliguk, he emerged from his vehicle, a mix of grumpiness and joy swirling within him as the dogs showed their affection with plenty of vocal yips and slobbery licks. In those moments, you realize that every struggle is a stepping stone, every challenge a lesson, and every moment spent in nature a reminder of resilience. The journey may have been tough, but it was also filled with the promise of a loving family awaiting his return. Although he was happy to be home, he did tell me that it would be the last time he brings in a big item by trailer and Jeep in the snow.

That big item he brought in for me, was a hutch that Attila and Deanna helped him load up in Prince George. It will be my coffee and tea bar featured in the lodge, it's shelves soon to be adorned with antique glass jars filled with collections of harvested loose leaf tea for all resort visitors.

All the fresh supplies are always exciting to go through! Meal planning for the first week anticipating the crispy crunchy fare of variety in vegetables dictates dinners like big salads, stir-fry's, curries, and veggie platters with dip for lunches. Unboxing surprise parcels in the mail from friends sending treats brightens my month with their gifts of such thoughtful treats that I don't normally purchase - making it such a luxury as my mind swirls with emotions of gratitude.

Topping up the freezer with easily accessible dinners was part of the plan this week. In light of recent trends in meat quality, it's imperative to consider transforming some of the meat you've purchased into a superior ground product that surpasses anything available in grocery stores.

By taking the time to prepare your own ground meats at home, you can ensure that you're working with fresh, high-quality cuts tailored to your taste preferences - and it takes the mystery out of not knowing what's in the final product. This not only allows for a more enjoyable cooking experience but also leads to healthier meals, as you can control the fat content and choose the specific parts of the animal that you find most flavorful. In the end, it was cheaper and much tastier than buying the ground product, but of course in my case it took a few days of work to achieve it. Well worth it in my opinion, for a freezer full of prepared and conveniently portioned protein!

Valentines Day arrived and so did the Blackwater boys across the lake. I was shocked they were all able to leave their wives on the holiday that expresses affection amongst couples - although I know it's mainly a commercial entrapment, I do have a husband that holds the day in high regard to show his affection. This year he carved me a large spoon out of a Spruce tree root, and although he still has some sanding and finishing work to do - it's the most beautiful thing! I reciprocated with the intricate culinary works of pastry, cream cheese and cherries baked into a perfect 'love you' pie.

The Blackwater Boys came over for a visit, and because they don't spend a lot of time doing much work while they vacation over at their camp, they were in need of some 'easy to obtain' firewood. Being the nice husband of mine, he directed them to one of his may log piles where the men could pick from, going back and forth with their loaded skimmers to get them a seasons worth of firewood.

After our neighbors across the lake were all set-up with firewood, they invited us over for dinner the next day. It was exciting to have a spa-day, and dress up for a night out! We took the Jeep (with it's 2-wheel drive only) across the lake, so we didn't have to bundle up in big snowsuits with toques and scarves on a snow machine. We were treated to a platter of cold cuts, cheeses and crackers with a roast beef dinner, roasted potatoes and vegetables. How wonderful to be treated to an evening out, gathered in someone else's cozy cabin - dimly lit with the faint hiss of propane lighting. It's nice to have the occasion of neighbors that are only two minutes away a couple times a year!

Obviously my husband was still gob-smacked on how they managed a 'guys only' weekend on St. Valentines. When he asked, they replied that they started this 'men only' tradition by not falling for any of that lovey-dovey nonsense early on in their relationships. That's when my husband gripped my hand all the tighter giving it a little loving shake with no words needed - *sigh*