It was a calm, cloudless night; the sky was black except for the stars, millions of them. New moon meant that the edge of the Milky Way was obvious in the blackness of the setting.
We had taken our snow machines across the street from our mobile home to the huge bog surrounding Buchans, Newfoundland, where we lived. We were prepared to boil the kettle, or in this case the old juice can, have a cup of switchel, plain black tea, over an open fire in the countryside.
We could see the lights of Buchans in the distance as we stopped to take in the view. Within a few minutes, Rick started a fire and added tea bags to the 'kettle' which by now contained a few twigs and soot as well. The tea had a taste unique to the setting. The fire added to the beauty as sparks drifted upward, drawing the eye with them. Despite the bitter cold our little spot seemed cozy. The only things missing were the Northern Lights. However, sitting on the snowmobile seats there, I swear we could hear the earth hum.
We did this periodically, enjoying the time of year when the daylight left us so early that the night seemed endless. When we went snowmobiling though, the nights weren't long enough to take in the beauty of our place in the universe.
Buchans was a place where you could enjoy nature in winter because it was so easy to access. We haven't been snowmobiling in years. Winter just isn't the same.
16 comments:
We had an ancient snowmobile, one of the very first ones I think, and used to go for rides in the bush at the back of the property. That was when I was very young and foolish. I'd rather stay in the warm now!
Sounds a great way to spend an evening.
I've never seen a snowmobile....much less ridden on one.
I imagine it would be fun!!
Warm hugs,
Jackie
Sounds such a lovely place.
I can totally relate. This post makes me realize just how much we take the simple little things for granted--that is until someone else (in this case, you)writes such a beautiful description. Thank you for this lovely post!
The condition of my back would keep me from snowmobiling now. It was a great time of life.
It certainly is, Adrian.
It is so much fun, Jackie. I hope you get to try it.
It was a paradise for anyone who loved the outdoors, Ann.
There is nothing quite like a cup of tea over a fire in the woods. Simple but spectacular.
What a great way to embrace winter, which is what we have to do in this country.
Lovely ... open air, solitude and a piping hot cup of tea. A nice remembrance.
We should embrace it. It's here for such a long time.
It was a wonderful time in our lives.
Can you visit?
Not easily, especially not in winter.
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