This was an opportunity just too good to pass up. An offer to be a non-paying passenger on a freight run in a snow ski equipped otter aircraft supplying a remote prospectors and trappers camp. What made the trip especially appealing was its close proximity to a remote section of Canadian National tracks (formerly Canadian Northern and National Transcontinental Railways). I had been curious for years as to what insulators might be left on the unused telegraph lines, originally built in 1912, but road access was non-existent and freight trains just don't drop off or pick up hitch hikers. So this chance to get into the area, even if sitting between barrels of fuel oil, must be taken.

Now you'll recall I mentioned a snow ski equipped aircraft. First draw back was the time of year. It is January and often very cold but what the heck, I will just dress real warm!! I am no "bush-bunny" so my outdoor equipment is minimal and I must borrow what I don't have -- namely a tent and propane stove. My gear for two days is double layer, full winter clothing inside and out, sleeping bag, snow shoes, some grub and about 30 rubber replacement insulators. Now that's optimism!! My old WWII army surplus Boy Scout pack is fully loaded to overflowing and heavy (first mistake).

The big day arrives and at 7:30 a.m. in darkness and at -25° F. we're off. The oil doesn't smell too bad after awhile anyway. One and one-half hours later we land on a frozen lake that looks far too small for us to fit. Trying to look like a seasoned bush man in front of the trapper and his companion, I assure the pilot I will be back at this spot for the return trip in 48 hours.

With an earlier aerial view of the tracks, I am off. It was at least 500 yards before the adrenaline wore off and I really felt the pack's weight. Walking along the frozen lake was one thing, but once into the powdery snow, I was up to my boots even with the shoes on. It was tough going.

These are essentially Indian lands as few others can stand the isolation or harsh environment for very long. Tree growth is sparse and stunted, seldom exceeding 20 feet. The land is very flat and covered by muskeg swamps and an infinite number of small lakes and rivers. Winter is when this land is tolerable, as there are no black flies or mosquitoes.

The "CN" rail line is soon reached and I "shoe" along under the pole line. Insulator identification is difficult due to a light covering of snow, but a pattern is soon seen. The double-armed pole has on the bottom, four outside CD 154's carrying the signal and switch wires, and several center CD 121's. The top arm has anywhere from four to six CD 143's and CD 145's and this is where I pay particular attention. Periodically several CD 152's or porcelains are intermixed with the rest. Most of the upper circuits are now empty of wire, with the rest soon to follow.

At about 3 p.m. I scout for a suitable overnight location so I can setup camp in daylight, as the sun quickly sets by 5:30 p.m. The shoes pack down the snow between a group of scraggly pines about 15 feet back of the pole line. Tent is up, stew is on the stove and a pot of tea is on the boil. In the fading light, I examine today's finds comprising four not too special CD 143's and an attractively swirled CD 145. After dinner, I soon fall asleep as the walk has taken more out of me than I figured. Much later, I am jolted awake by a passing freight train which is gone even faster than it approached. Sleep is very slow in coming again as I am getting colder and, more uncomfortable. This sleeping bag must be made for sleeping on the beach in Miami and the multilayers of clothes plus toque and mitts reduce the pleasure of sleep. A steady wind snaps the sides of the tent as I fitfully fall back to sleep.

As the early light of dawn creeps into my tent, I am startled to see the effects of my moist breathing during the night. On the interior of the tent, there are so many frost crystals, it looks like the Carlsbad Caverns! A planned breakfast of muffins, juice and cheese is somewhat difficult as everything is frozen solid. My toothpaste tube has also split. So it's more sweet tea and I am off on the snowshoes.

Yesterday I walked about three miles plus climbs. Leaving my camp at this spot, I hope to do about four miles today before returning for the night. My pack is far lighter today as it is empty but for the day's essentials. An endless blue sky and brilliant sun promise to make this a beautiful day, but it is still very cold.

My first climb this morning is to replace a CD145 "GNW TEL CO" in a medium purple and it looks mint. Each pole climbed takes me about 15 minutes to remove the shoes and buckle up the hooks and belts. I can't move off the shoes or I sink up to mid-thigh in snow. It's also too cold to ' remove the mitts or feeling quickly leaves the fingers.

Later a "C.N.R." prism period is spotted with heavy swirling in a bluish glass. Unfortunately, after the climb, it is left as it is broken at the wire groove.

A curious and fearless raven joins me overhead as I shoe under the wires. His constant chatter is very much enjoyed in this land of silence.

Many poles later, a CD 143 "STANDARD" in pale sun-colored amethyst is replaced. 

For lunch, my muffins and cheese have partially thawed inside my coat from body heat, but they sure don't look or taste the same as at home. In the distance, a cow moose and it's calf cross a nearby frozen lake with effortless ease. The poles are so short, in spots, that I must walk to the side so I don't bump into the wires. Many of the poles are set at excessive angles, the result of being mounted in unstable muskeg ground. Another CD 143 slips from my hands and sinks into the snow below. It is finally recovered. 

A growing snow cloud with a center headlight announces the approach of another train. The air horns noisy greeting and a friendly wave is a comfort if even for only an instant. The shoeing and climbing has taken its toll and I head back to camp, walking between the rails as the snow is only about 1 foot deep.

I am hungry, tired, cold, sore and missing my family. Man of the wilderness I am not. This insulator hunting can be great, but in winter it is a bit much. After a bean dinner, and you guessed it, more sweet tea, it's off to bed in the still frozen and frosty tent. The silence of night is shattered by a periodic and high pitched crack like rifle shots as the steel rails contract in the cold. It seems I am awake often, listening for the wolves to return, but they never do. 

A brisk two hour walk, actual a "shoe", in the early morning and I am back at the trapper's camp ready to leave. My pack and gear are a mess with my hasty retreat from along the rails. We are airborne and heading home within the hour. With 7 new insulators in the pack, it wasn't a bad trip. The hundreds of remaining TCR's, GTP's, GNW TELS, DOMINONS, B's, ...