November on the Mountain
Officially Snowed In
We clambered to get last-minute supplies after an intense snowfall on the first of the month. It seemed early at the time, but I’m glad we did it. Two weeks later, there’s no chance of driving the road. Getting to town will involve snowshoes or a snowmobile, likely until spring.
The Water
The plan was to set aside 4,000L in water totes. As we began, back-to-back problems arose, and it didn’t happen. The first hang-up was when we discovered that a bear had chomped one of the pipes at the spring. After we fixed that, the temperatures dropped, and the lines began to freeze. We got 2,000L before being forced to give up.
Since we maintained a path down to the spring, we can supplement our water usage from the 2,000L by carrying water up. 20L jugs at a time. It’s a half-kilometre hike and a 150-foot climb. I suspect by the end of winter I’ll be feeling pretty fit!
Parking a Truck
As the snow intensified, we realized we’d better park a truck at the neighbour’s. (I use the word ‘neighbours’ very loosely) As a part of the emergency plan, having one truck that isn’t stuck on the top of the mountain makes a lot of sense. The night after bringing down the truck, it snowed another 4 inches. I feel that we did it at the last possible moment.
There is still a plan for a plow truck, but things didn’t fall into place this year. After Curt installed a lift kit in the Suburban we discovered a hang-up in the brake system. Also, a reasonably priced plow hasn’t materialized yet. Maybe next year.
More Firewood
I love getting firewood in the snow. There’s something about it - trudging around on a cold day feeling warm enough to shed your winter coat, bringing home fuel for the fire, and enjoying a warm (or cold) drink at the end of the day. Between trips to pick up the freshly cut wood, deer sneak in and munch on lichen on the tree’s branches. They disappear before we return, leaving fresh hoofprints in the snow.
A Hike and a Surprise
A couple of weeks and another foot of snowfall after bringing my truck to the neighbours, I was curious how long it would take to hike down and back. I mapped a potential shortcut I wanted to try out on a nice day. We embarked after morning chores, got turned around a couple of times and eventually got to the truck three hours later. I’d been hoping to go to town for lunch - but after taking that much time, it was definitely not happening.
We quickly grabbed some light things at the grocery store - coffee cream, salad, etc. and headed back, knowing the chances we’d be hiking in the dark were high. We talked about getting a motel room, and decided better of it. One of my goats was due to kid, and though she still had a few days to go, I wouldn’t be able to relax if we’d stayed in a room. We boogied back up as fast as we could and thankfully got back just as the sun was setting. Exhausted but happy to have done the hike in one day.
I checked on the animals to make sure everyone also had a good day. Bunnies, Guineas, Chickens, all good. Then I turned to the goat pens. The light inside the barn is a solar string light that can be quite dim, but I noticed that my pregnant doe appeared to have a second shadow. I stood there as my eyes adjusted to the darkness.
The shadow moved independently of Maud the doe and baaed. I stood there a moment longer in total disbelief; she was supposed to kid in a few days, not today! Another shadow appeared from behind her. My eyes adjusted and I could see two babies, both standing but still a bit damp.
I hurried to the house for a light and some paper towels.
‘Curt, grab a good light. Something has happened’
His face dropped ‘Uh Oh?’
‘Nope! Something amazing!’ I exclaimed.
We ran to the barn, even though our legs were burning from the hike, to meet the new additions and finish drying them off. Am I ever glad we didn’t decide to spend the night in town.
Officially Snowed In
The snow fell heavily and quickly, and it’s not going anywhere until at least March. The month began with two inches and ended with well over three feet. Suddenly and surprisingly, we are officially snowed in. Though there were still a few things on the list, we’ll have to make due.
Lots of things didn’t go to plan. We have half of the water we’d hoped for, haven’t gotten the snowmobile going, and haven’t finished the plow truck. This winter is looking like it’ll be much like the very first one here. I’m so curious to see how much snow will fall, when the thaw will begin, and what I’ll craft by the fire.
Fellow Canadian here living in Toronto. I am a city person who loves animals and the natural world. Although what you are doing is hard work, it seems to have its rewards.
Goats are my favorite farm animal ever