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.
About a kilometre in, Nate unzips his jacket and releases a plume of vaporized sweat into the air so thick you would think he’s on fire. My nostrils are glued together and my ass feels like solid rock. It is a strange feeling to be overheating and freezing at the same time. Nate and Matt's ski boots are practically old bowling shoes, so they've already lost the use of their extremities.
If there's one thing I've learned from McDougal Creek, it's how to recognize an imminent bad time. We abandon the plans for Moose Lake shelter and head back to the car as quick as possible and drive to Kamsack for Chinese food. I order the combo #2 with chicken balls and sleep in a real bed for the night.