In between snowstorms and rain storms we've been having some pretty nice weather lately. Friday French and I took advantage of this beautiful weather to spend another day up in the woods. With all the Covid-19 Virus craziness it was great to get clear of it all!

Our day began with a light maintenance on our Argos as we've racked up a nice few hours since winter began. Tire pressures were checked and adjusted which is critical for keeping the tracks tensioned correctly. Too loose and tires spin inside the tracks, too tight and you can easily damage axels, bearings and even bend the frame!

Today we explored new (to us) territory in the area of Salmonier, dropping the machines near Salmonier Line.

We travelled East on the transmission line stopping briefly at the St. John's Rod & Gun Club for a unique photo op. before heading back West to the new mining resource road.

We rode in the new mining road which was in absolute prime condition for riding (as was the transmission line for that matter).

The road forks after the bridge we took the left fork and headed into the backcountry to try our luck ice fishing on a couple gullies.

With our lines set French broke out his Yeti Thermos and trusty Sea to Summit X-Brew and poured up a couple fine cups of coffee.

The weather today was absolutely amazing. Just below zero but it didn't feel it with the sun and absolutely no wind and of course clear blue sunny skies.

I recently picked up this Rapala Ice Fishing Shelter off NL Classifieds for way less than half price and I wanted to try it out. I believe the guy when he said it was never used, it's in perfect condition! This pop up shelter set up in under a minute and will be handy on windy or even light snowy days.

Even without a heater, breaking the wind while ice fishing or cooking lunch on our gas stoves is a game changer. This shelter has great ventilation and you can also remove up to four windows if necessary, especially while cooking.

With no luck on the gullies we headed over to Old Sea. This was our first time wetting a line on this huge pond so we took a guess, picked a spot and drilled some holes.

Travelling this week has been fantastic in our tracked Argo's. After recent rain followed by cold temps the snow is pretty solid. It's like pavement on well travelled trails, off trail you still need tracks but there is little fear of getting bogged down. These are ideal conditions for exploring and finding new fishing, hunting or riding areas.

Today I got to try out my new Council Tools double bit saddle axe. This axe is amazing, it fits easily in my knapsack, has a nice weight (2.5lbs), an awesome feel and just looks awesome! It will easily take down small trees, I used it primarily for gathering kindling for our boil-up fire.

On the shores of Old Sea there was no shortage of super dry dead firewood. We took down one green tree to buck up and form a base right on the ice. With so much dead very dry kindling on hand we didn't even need a fire starter stick!

It's too bad the forecast for tomorrow is poor (very high winds & 10mm rain) it would have been a beautiful night to spend in a tent!

For supper French sliced up and fried fresh fish white puddings made from our own cod fish by the crew at Porter's Meats in C.B.S.. This was paired with our own homemade Oktoberfest Moose Sausages, buns and all the toppings.

All coffee'd out we boiled the Kelly Kettle and had tea for a change. The Kelly Kettle works great on an open fire provided your careful not burning the wooden handle and you have a couple sturdy logs to rest it on. Once in place on the fire I throw a bunch of kindling down the chimney opening and it boils in just under three minutes.

Not wanting to waste a moment of this awesome weather we stayed until well after dark before loading up and heading back to the truck. It was another absolutely awesome day in the woods, we enjoyed a great start exploring new country in search of the elusive honey hole trouting spot!

Cheers, MIKE

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