Last weekend our local Explorers group held a winter camp an hour north of Kingston on the Bob’s Lake system. The parking area was 2 km from the camp, so upon arrival, the participants donned cross-country skis or snow shoes in total darkness to make the trip to the cabin where they spent the weekend. Equipped with headlamps and backpacks loaded with supplies, their night hike was one of the highlights of the weekend. The five Explorers accompanied by a parent, their leader and a club alumni trekked through the darkness over unfamiliar, hilly terrain which proved difficult on the incline but more exciting on the way down! They also pulled 2 sleds loaded with food and gear, so there was no chance they were going hungry over the weekend. After the recent storms, the trail was covered with almost 50 cm of snow, and the hike was completed in about an hour.
From left to right: Campers Everett, Will, Explorer leader David Webster Cameron, Brandon, and Ben had a blast in the snow at their winter camp. Photo: Supplied.
During their 2 night stay, the boys had to auger a hole in the ice covering the lake to obtain water. On Saturday, the competitions began in earnest, with a fire building hot-dog cooking competition where the hot dogs were cooked in a billy-can over the fire the boys prepared, and the first one with an edible dog wins.
The group did some hiking and skiing and tobogganing on Saturday afternoon, when the encountered the fresh remnants of a deer that wolves had killed the night before- the night when they were travelling to the cabin. The only evidence was a single hoof and lots of tracks.
Saturday evening events included Explorer chilli accompanied by ghost stories, and after a hearty breakfast, the group was back on the trail headed home. Leader Dave Webster remarked that the ride home was very quiet as the club members were relaxing after an exhilarating, action-packed weekend. All agreed it was a great trip, which they play to repeat next year, hopefully with some new recruits.
