Narnia

I am certain that it was a scene much like this

that inspired Lewis to concoct a frigid, frightening forest

as the setting for his famous Chronicles,

instead of the wardrobe opening into a resort in the Bahama's.

If he would have asked me....

I digress.

A few weeks back, you know- that weekend it snowed?

Doug and Nathan headed north for the BSA annual Ocpik outing.

This is the weekend everyone fashions their digs out of snow,

after a previous weekend of training on safety, gear, hydration,

and of course the safe engineering of a snow hotel.

No campfires allowed.

My guys begin discussing this adventure during the summer.

It boggles my mind.

And no, it is not just a "guy thing".

So, this year they were in charge of the cross-country ski unit.

Doug signed up as leadership, mostly to get the free staff shirt I think

because he knew going into it several facts:

1. Twenty-five people wanted to ski

2. Most of them were newbies, some traveling from

as far away as Missouri. (For the snow)

3. Newbies always over pack, even pulling sleds piled high with mostly unnecessary items

like hairdryers, high def TVs, microwaves, laptops

and coolers filled with San Pelligrino and steaks.

4. Newbies always start out skiing strong and vicious, excited to make the 3-5 mile trek

to their piece of snowy heaven.

5. Newbies usually burn out by the first moderate hill,

falling over from the effort, using remaining strength to take of their skis

and carry them while pulling sled of essentials.

This is why someone must be the "leader".

Not to be the first to strike out in confidence against nature

but rather, to hang back, dawdle, and happily encourage Newbies along,

 ensuring no one gets left behind.

Mostly, to push those heavy sleds of leaded "stuff"

up the hills.

Despite the 11th hour snow,

there just wasn't enough for everyone to build proper snow shelters.

This was terribly disappointing, especially to those who came

so far, to sleep in a snow hotel  as large as a  dog house.

I have been taught that the temperature inside snow hotel

is identical to being in the Bahamas,

whereas the $300 tent is prone to render its inhabitants mild to severe hypothermia.

I am highly skeptical and have no intention of ever testing the theory.

Tents aside, another successful year of man vs. wild.

Lots of downhill skiing on cross-country skis

and even a fancy backpacking grill warming homemade pasties,

beef brisket and salmon.

Thanks in part, to some $10 sleds.

And helpful Boy Scouts, willing to push.