The day starts with a message from Environment Canada: Extreme Cold Warning: Arctic air and winds will combine to produce windchill values as low as -45C. But the snow is beautiful and the trees look like they're smothered in cream cheese, so throw on a couple extra layers and let’s go.
The plan: grab skis and snowshoes, head out to Duck Mountain and take the trails to Moose Lake Shelter for the night. The assumption: moving will keep us warm. We park the car at Batka Lake and start loading up our overnight gear for what is sure to be a challenging and rewarding adventure.
After a kilometre, Nate unzips his jacket and releases plumes of vaporized sweat into the air that looks like he might burst into flames. It is a strange feeling to be overheating and freezing at the same time. My nostrils are glued together and my ass feels like a rock. Nate and Matt's ski boots are those old bowling shoe-type, so they've already lost the use of their extremities.
Recognizing an imminent bad time, we abandon plans for Moose Lake shelter and head back to the car as quick as possible. We order Chinese food in Kamsack, I have the combo #2 with chicken balls and sleep in a real bed for the night.