Heading North "THE BLOG"
Day 6 - Earlier start this morning, it's warmed up -5 and only a trace of snow overnight. A front is definitely moving in, Boomer had his snout in the air facing the wind in anticipation, sensing the change.
Mama moose and a yearling crossed the ice about a 1/2 mile from the camp, probably seeking better shelter sensing the incoming bad weather.
No bird activity this morning, rabbits are in their holes and haven't seen any foxes yet.
I scavenged some straps off an old lifejacket and laced some longer bindings for the snowshoes, hope to get out if the wind stays low - not holding my breath though.
I'm nicely settled into the routine and when I got back to the cabin after my chores it was a pleasure to walk in to the Stones & Buddy Guy wailing Champagne & Reefer - Scorsese's movie of the Stones is on the TV, settled in to the enjoyment, you gotta love satellites!!!!!
See ya all tomorrow.
Mama moose and a yearling crossed the ice about a 1/2 mile from the camp, probably seeking better shelter sensing the incoming bad weather.
No bird activity this morning, rabbits are in their holes and haven't seen any foxes yet.
I scavenged some straps off an old lifejacket and laced some longer bindings for the snowshoes, hope to get out if the wind stays low - not holding my breath though.
I'm nicely settled into the routine and when I got back to the cabin after my chores it was a pleasure to walk in to the Stones & Buddy Guy wailing Champagne & Reefer - Scorsese's movie of the Stones is on the TV, settled in to the enjoyment, you gotta love satellites!!!!!
See ya all tomorrow.
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wolfe
- Diamond Participant
- Posts: 7588
- Joined: Sat Feb 14, 2004 11:04 am
- Location: Marietta, NY & Wolfe Lake, Ont.
Grizzly Adams, McQ (well, maybe not with the satellite TV and all) 
,
I'm enjoying your blog adventures. Very descriptive writing; I can really get a picture in my mind's eye. I love hearing about the wildlife, especially. Any wolf news yet?
I hope you are taking some pictures to share, too.
Storm on the way here, as well. Hunker down!
BE SMART & SAFE.
W.
,I'm enjoying your blog adventures. Very descriptive writing; I can really get a picture in my mind's eye. I love hearing about the wildlife, especially. Any wolf news yet?
I hope you are taking some pictures to share, too.
Storm on the way here, as well. Hunker down!
BE SMART & SAFE.
W.
Day 7 - Woke up this morning to a different landscape and a new set of problems. Blowing snow overnight drifted in all the trails, after clearing the immediate area I grabbed the sled sleigh and ventured down the hill for my daily load of wood - tugging that flat bottom back up the grade loaded with wood was a heart pumper. Started the generator and it immediately tripped the breaker - What the heck is up now? followed the wires back to the cabin and tucked in behind the corner furniture was a nice puddle of water, of course right where the power bar lays, dead short. I guess yesterdays mild weather melted some of the roof ice dam and naturally it had to flow into the cabin. Mopped up and dried all the connections, back out to the generator and it fires up with no problems as you can see with this post. Boy, you can't relax for a minute in this environment!!!
Light snow but she's blowing pretty good so another cabin day -
Wolfe, no camera, limited space and my SLR is just too big to fit in, (mental noted to pick up a pocket camera) for trips like this. Boomer found the fox this morning up the hill out back and put the run on it, man those things are quick - 100 lbs of Boomer didn't stand a chance with old Red whos seemed to glide over the powder while Boomer plowed a new trail - fun to watch and a schooling for Boomer.
ns, this is the same system, you're getting the brunt of it down your way and I'm getting the tail of it but the winds are strong.
On a positive note and thinking solely of my stomach dinner tonight is Tortiere (traditional French Canadian meat pie - (Moose, Deer, Veal & Pork), looking forward to a full and contented feeling this evening.
See Y'all tomorrow with another update.
Light snow but she's blowing pretty good so another cabin day -
Wolfe, no camera, limited space and my SLR is just too big to fit in, (mental noted to pick up a pocket camera) for trips like this. Boomer found the fox this morning up the hill out back and put the run on it, man those things are quick - 100 lbs of Boomer didn't stand a chance with old Red whos seemed to glide over the powder while Boomer plowed a new trail - fun to watch and a schooling for Boomer.
ns, this is the same system, you're getting the brunt of it down your way and I'm getting the tail of it but the winds are strong.
On a positive note and thinking solely of my stomach dinner tonight is Tortiere (traditional French Canadian meat pie - (Moose, Deer, Veal & Pork), looking forward to a full and contented feeling this evening.
See Y'all tomorrow with another update.
We did not get the big stom they forcasted, just a lot of wind and only about 15 cm of snow. On a good not it has warmed up to 0 and a bit above . We have had alot of -25 and -30 weather this year.
Boomer looks alot like a Akbash. They were bread to guard livestock. They are naturally calm but can be ferocious if he thinks somthing is going to harm whatever he is guarding.Akbash dogs will bond to whatever they are raised with sheep or even children and defend them to the death.
I hope the weather is better today and you two can get out and about.
Boomer looks alot like a Akbash. They were bread to guard livestock. They are naturally calm but can be ferocious if he thinks somthing is going to harm whatever he is guarding.Akbash dogs will bond to whatever they are raised with sheep or even children and defend them to the death.
I hope the weather is better today and you two can get out and about.
Day 8 - Up early, start shoveling the foot of snow that came down overnight. Drifting was too much to venture down the hill to the far wood shed, cheated and hauled a load from the main shed which is a level 100' pull, much easier. Boomer is much more enthusiatic in the snow than I am, 3 hours of cavorting and he still didn't want to come in.
ns - Boomer's a mix of Golden and an Alaskan breed, he's huge - easily 100 lbs, humongeous webbed feet and a coat that requires an hour of brushing a day to keep neat. He's the ideal companion, sensitive to my moods and a snuggler. I've never heard him bark although a low growl as a warning when he hears or notices anything out of the norm. He's asleep at my feet as I type, maybe I did tire him out a bit!
Wolfe, I have all the comforts of a house in town, just the dependance on systems that are somewhat jury rigged. Late yesterday the RV pump that pushes water for the cabin went on the fritz, continuous running and I still haven't figured out why. Have to solve the problem today though since a shower is definitely required. I do have a backup pump so maybe just a simple change out.
Still have water infiltration from the roof ice dam, mop up every hour - I've got the cleanest cabin floor in the north. The temps are dropping overnight so the problem will be put off until the next thaw. The Ice dam follows the line of the south facing eave and is over a foot thick, no immediate solution too much to chop and who knows what line it's following.
Shaping up to be an online poker tournament afternoon. I'll be playing the 3$ rebuy at 2:15 on Poker Stars.
I've pretty much given up on the fishing idea, without a sled it's just too difficult to get around - I'll raid the freezer for a few filets for dinner instead.
Tomorrow!!!!!!!
ns - Boomer's a mix of Golden and an Alaskan breed, he's huge - easily 100 lbs, humongeous webbed feet and a coat that requires an hour of brushing a day to keep neat. He's the ideal companion, sensitive to my moods and a snuggler. I've never heard him bark although a low growl as a warning when he hears or notices anything out of the norm. He's asleep at my feet as I type, maybe I did tire him out a bit!
Wolfe, I have all the comforts of a house in town, just the dependance on systems that are somewhat jury rigged. Late yesterday the RV pump that pushes water for the cabin went on the fritz, continuous running and I still haven't figured out why. Have to solve the problem today though since a shower is definitely required. I do have a backup pump so maybe just a simple change out.
Still have water infiltration from the roof ice dam, mop up every hour - I've got the cleanest cabin floor in the north. The temps are dropping overnight so the problem will be put off until the next thaw. The Ice dam follows the line of the south facing eave and is over a foot thick, no immediate solution too much to chop and who knows what line it's following.
Shaping up to be an online poker tournament afternoon. I'll be playing the 3$ rebuy at 2:15 on Poker Stars.
I've pretty much given up on the fishing idea, without a sled it's just too difficult to get around - I'll raid the freezer for a few filets for dinner instead.
Tomorrow!!!!!!!
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wishin I was Fishin
- Participant
- Posts: 42
- Joined: Fri Jun 18, 2004 7:10 pm
- Location: pembroke
Hi McQ,
I have really been enloying your daily updates. I am a big fan of camplife in the north and in particular I enjoy the odd solo trip as well...mind you I wouldn't want to live alone for an extended period! Don't want to insult anyone's intelligence, but rather, offer some advice about your water pump predicament. We have a similar setup at our camp, as well as the pump/plumbing in our 5th wheel trlr. If it is running constantly it is most likely not building pressure, meaning it could be something simple as a tap left open or, God forbid, a split pipe or leak somewhere not readily visible to you. The other possibility...hopefully...is that the pressure switch or the check valve has failed. both should be internal to the pump so as you had stated, changeing the whole unit could solve it.
Good Luck
I have really been enloying your daily updates. I am a big fan of camplife in the north and in particular I enjoy the odd solo trip as well...mind you I wouldn't want to live alone for an extended period! Don't want to insult anyone's intelligence, but rather, offer some advice about your water pump predicament. We have a similar setup at our camp, as well as the pump/plumbing in our 5th wheel trlr. If it is running constantly it is most likely not building pressure, meaning it could be something simple as a tap left open or, God forbid, a split pipe or leak somewhere not readily visible to you. The other possibility...hopefully...is that the pressure switch or the check valve has failed. both should be internal to the pump so as you had stated, changeing the whole unit could solve it.
Good Luck
Hey wishin, thanks for the heads up. There is air in all the lines for some reason. I'm limited with what I can do, without a sled I can't replenish what little supply I have. Took a look at the new pump and it has threaded fittings. The installed unit is a jury rigged slip fit. I'll check the tool shed for connectors in the daylight tomorrow. Did manage a shower between the spurts of water OK so no panic for a couple of days. I have about 25 gallons in a barrel for wash ups and can heat a pan on the wood stove.
Sure would love to know why the air all of a sudden. There are no leaks and the 3 linked overhead barrels are 1/2 full about 50 gallons.
Sure would love to know why the air all of a sudden. There are no leaks and the 3 linked overhead barrels are 1/2 full about 50 gallons.
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Joisey Joe
- Diamond Participant
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- Location: Landing, NJ
- Contact:
Day 9 - Saturday morning - Sitting down to a plate of Ham & Eggs my weekly shot of cholesteral. The weather has passed and the skies are clear, temp hovering around -20 Celcius. Still have a water seepage issue- more mopping I guess at least for another day.
Joe, there are many similarities to the Yukon up here, primarily the huge expanse of unpopulated area. You really get the idea that 80% of the Canadian population lives within 90 miles of ths US border. The wolves are ranging throughout this area; they cover a territory of about 30 miles square. Locked in camp as I am the chance of running across their tracks is nil.
Have to solve the issue with the water pump today. Just hope there are some proper fittings in the shed.
UPDATE on The Wolf Pack = Just had a visit from one of the hunters from the Rez - the pack has grown to 12 members and is running an area 5 miles south. This might better explain the movement of Mama moose & the yearling earlier this week.
CYA all tomorrow.
Joe, there are many similarities to the Yukon up here, primarily the huge expanse of unpopulated area. You really get the idea that 80% of the Canadian population lives within 90 miles of ths US border. The wolves are ranging throughout this area; they cover a territory of about 30 miles square. Locked in camp as I am the chance of running across their tracks is nil.
Have to solve the issue with the water pump today. Just hope there are some proper fittings in the shed.
UPDATE on The Wolf Pack = Just had a visit from one of the hunters from the Rez - the pack has grown to 12 members and is running an area 5 miles south. This might better explain the movement of Mama moose & the yearling earlier this week.
CYA all tomorrow.
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wolfe
- Diamond Participant
- Posts: 7588
- Joined: Sat Feb 14, 2004 11:04 am
- Location: Marietta, NY & Wolfe Lake, Ont.
McQ,
Good luck with your water situation. I see "Murphy" still follows people around, even to the wilds of the north. Anyway, hope you get things up & running w/o too much further hassle.
Loved the wolf update. I'm always thrilled to hear of a pack size increasing. Just don't tell Sarah Palin. I'm going to beg you to take a camera with you next time.
Don't worry about the cholesterol; I imagine you work it off fairly quickly up there, tracking around in the deep snow and lumberjacking.
Be safe,
The "other" Wolfe
Good luck with your water situation. I see "Murphy" still follows people around, even to the wilds of the north. Anyway, hope you get things up & running w/o too much further hassle.
Loved the wolf update. I'm always thrilled to hear of a pack size increasing. Just don't tell Sarah Palin.
I'm going to beg you to take a camera with you next time.Don't worry about the cholesterol; I imagine you work it off fairly quickly up there, tracking around in the deep snow and lumberjacking.
Be safe,
The "other" Wolfe
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Joisey Joe
- Diamond Participant
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- Joined: Fri Oct 18, 2002 7:25 am
- Location: Landing, NJ
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Day 10 - Sunday morning worship was under an overcast ceiling in the cathedral of the north, -11 and another snow storm is due around lunch time. Don't have the right fittings for the RV pump so I've a pot warming on the stove and a sponge bath is on the todo list.
No wildlife activity, the only movement is the tyvek flapping in the wind on the new cabin Ronnie is building - northern mansion is a more proper term, it's going to be beautiful when done.
Guess I'll just hunker down for a day of poker & Nascar, can't beat that!!!
ns - Mike, just checked your profile - How ya doing? Did you receive those heads I mailed?
Joe - I can run anything LOL but would rather be fishing - why don't you schedule some time in August and get up here for some yellow fish and toothy critters. There's more to this place than Hollywood could ever dream up and by the way my baritone is a sound to frighten the beasts away.
Wolfe et al , I guarantee there will be a pocket camera on the next trip.
See you tomorrow -
No wildlife activity, the only movement is the tyvek flapping in the wind on the new cabin Ronnie is building - northern mansion is a more proper term, it's going to be beautiful when done.
Guess I'll just hunker down for a day of poker & Nascar, can't beat that!!!
ns - Mike, just checked your profile - How ya doing? Did you receive those heads I mailed?
Joe - I can run anything LOL but would rather be fishing - why don't you schedule some time in August and get up here for some yellow fish and toothy critters. There's more to this place than Hollywood could ever dream up and by the way my baritone is a sound to frighten the beasts away.
Wolfe et al , I guarantee there will be a pocket camera on the next trip.
See you tomorrow -