Eliguk Outpost

Ahhh, Spring is in the air! Daytime temps are above zero and the snow is melting at a fast pace. Well, we got most of the work done in preparation for the next big group's long stay at the end of the month! (combined with the list of things to do before surgery!) Wood, wood and more wood! Several cabins backs are now lined with walls of firewood. A few more loads for the greenhouse is still on the agenda, so we can plant earlier this year than ever. Then we should be all set! Lots of wood in prep for surgery. Finger food and a blood red Caesar... I'm…

  (Not my image) When the action starts around here, it seems to strike like a matchstick being dragged across an abrasive surface; finally combusting into a ball of fire! Was it the fact I was feeling solemn? Almost content like; with our little life out here in the woods? The amount of detail I was catching up on at my own pace, 'in and around all things to do with Eliguk', was pacifying. I could feel the soothing calmness, as the  wrinkles on my forehead relaxed somewhat. In my own little snow globe world! The heavenly spirit above must have noticed I was being less vigilant, almost at peace,…

Finding ourselves often on the cusp of bad weather... Eliguk, having missed most of the last few weeks of heavy snowfall in the BC region has been miraculous! Each day we keep watch on the radar as the snowfall warnings creep all around us. Getting a back drop of sunshine against the impending surges of storm clouds; makes one feel pretty fortunate, and I get great photo opportunities! February, like usual, was on the colder side. Now that March is here, I'm expecting raging winds with milder temperatures. It's ice fishing time! We have 2 more months with our Winter snowshoe hare snaring season. So far it's been a successful…

Getting up early so I can write a blogpost. The end of my alone time, came the close of that carefree bachelorette lifestyle; not eating properly, or having to keep a schedule of any sort. I was back to 3 meals a day and all the clutter, dishes and clean-up that came with it. Meaning the day is eaten up, literally - whether I choose to participate in the eating part or not. On the times when I get a chance to sit down, (if my husband is also in the cabin) and not out doing wilderness life chores; we play card/board games, listen to music and chat. It's a…

Mountain Man returned with 3 guests, as he's done several times so far this Winter. They spent 8 nights with us, and then ventured back home. Once again that husband of mine exited with them. I feel like I'm right back were I started on the last blog. Eating oranges for breakfast, skipping meals and anything else that requires little effort or mess to clean. After feeding a crew of men for 9 days I don't even care what, or if I eat, what I wear, or where I fall asleep! We had Greek night, Steak night, Pizza night, Pasta night, Estonian night, Pub night, Ham & Scalloped potato night,…

Dogs napping by the wood stove. Just squeaked one in before the end of January. I can't believe it's already over! Every year out here this month has always dragged on, and on, and on...now it's over; just like that! February is even shorter, so I better get a better grip on it somewhat before it slips into March. Did we talk about how mild this month was? I mean, it has to be the warmest January of my lifetime in a Northern Canadian climate. Sure we've hit 15C in the middle of January other years, had a short heat wave; but never an overall 'whole month'. We had a…

Helping with wood The reliance on physical strength, endurance; heck, even the drive and discipline to get regular chores done can be daunting. It's the ultimate test of off grid times during Winter. When you have a Winter booked with guests once a month for over a week at a time, (every month) it more than doubles your work load. We don't just have to make sure we have enough supplies for us, we have to make sure that 3 cabins are fully stocked with wood & water at all times. The wood alone for such an ordeal, is mind-blowing! I know we're surrounded by more pine beetle kill timbers…

Pack of 5 I'm sure most of you will be happy to learn that Forrest is still here. It wasn't that he redeemed himself in anyway, but the fact that there is no easy way to get him out of the bush; without using a vehicle like one of the Jeeps. For now he has a few months grace. To say this Winter has been busy is an understatement! Usually we are getting accustomed to hibernation with periods of outdoor activities. This year, I can barely catch up between the surges. I still can't talk about what were up to this Winter, but time will tell. Just know that we…

New Years hit with a bang! Several bangs! The Hoy's (party of 5) traveled from Fort St. James once again, to ring in the New Year with us over a weekend. Brining oodles of food from homemade preserves, to farm raised organic protein and halibut. I was also able to piggy back a grocery order in as well! They arrived on New Years Eve around 8pm. I lit the outdoor grill the moment all the snow machines came down the lake towards the resort. From then on it was nothing but a plethora of food, and good company. They also brought their blue merle Aussie named, Rip. Brook and the…

Christmas arrived with the exit of the arctic outflow, that swept across the country. By Christmas Eve we were experiencing above zero temperatures, with a little snow dusting here and there. We got a visit from the Carnegie neighbor's who snow machined over for Christmas Eve lunch, and pie. It was good to have company for an afternoon. On the 25th, we opted for a roast chicken dinner, tamed down with only a few sides. The chicken was stuffed beyond recognition, through both ends and then under the skin on the breasts. That way the chicken stays really tender and when the skin crisps up on the outside, you can…