Okay, by popular demand, here's a delayed report on Nate's recent Klondike Derby adventure. On February 29 and March 1, Nate and five other scouts traveled to Andes Prarie in the Blue Mountains (just past Spout Springs, see skiing post). They went the week before and dug a snow cave to sleep in. They got there Friday night in the dark and our snow cave had been blocked off by a snow plow. So, they dug out the entrance. Later that night, the group was trying to put a tarp up when a blizzard began! 50 MPH winds and heavy snow picked the tarp up and made it impossible to set up. Nate and Patrick were the only ones in a snow cave and the only ones who stayed warm (they woke up sweating!) The blizzard was still going on at wake-up time and it continued all day. Even one of the leaders (who has been on a lot of outings) said it was the toughest campout he's ever been on. But, with a little encouragement from Nate, the younger boys (who just wanted to pack up and go home, Logan said: "I thought I was going to die".) went ahead with the activities. They were able to finish all of the events (a feat they haven't been able to do for 5 years). The deacons also got first place in the sledge race (Nate outfitted the old sledge with new skis for the outing). They ended up being the last ones to leave (as usual) but they had a great time and got home safe.
