Shortly before Valentine's Day, fourteen women/trans/non-binary+ UTOC-ers headed up to the cabin for a wholesome weekend of tobogganing, hiking, crocheting, reading, painting, and more! The majority of the group were first-timers, including one member (Lidiia) that had waited FIVE years to check out the cabin. Friday started with the usual safety speech, introductions, and pasta dinner. Having a relatively small group allowed for meaningful connections to be forged between all participants. While many started out as strangers, we ended night one as friends, laughing our way through a game of "21" (and demanding that each other "SING"). A few of us also had a mission to convert the entire group to "Chappell Roan" fans. I'd argue this was quite successful. A beautiful rainbow and sunset on our drive made way for clear skies and bright stars on Friday night.
Saturday began with a big pancake breakfast, followed by the classic hike to the Metcalfe lookout. Unseasonably warm weather the week prior had melted much of the snow, leaving hidden icy patches that made for a more adventurous hike.
After lunch, some of our brave members decided to go tobogganing down the icy driveway. Apparently, face-first belly sliding was the method of choice!
The afternoon was spent warming up by the fire as snow started to come down. The coffee table was covered with so much yarn, it was a crafter's dream! Watercolour painting, crocheting, knitting, embroidering, sewing, reading, drawing, journaling, singing, oh my! This was even better than I had envisioned the trip.
As the aroma of fresh ginger, garlic, and cilantro began to fill the cabin, we realized we had an unwelcome visitor: a bat! While most of us freaked out (myself included), Gracie bravely and calmly rescued the little guy in record time. A much nicer ending than our poor bat visitor last May... After that excitement, a huge pot of chickpea chana masala refueled us from a full day of activities. More crafts and tarot card readings closed off the chilly evening.
Sunday was a slow morning, everyone reluctant to leave their warm sleeping bags. Cinnamon apples and hot tea/coffee did the trick! The group began to clean up the cabin and fill out the log book. Our photo shoot under the UTOC sign marked the end of another successful cabin trip. I couldn't have asked for a better group to host at the cabin for my first weekend as trip leader. Thank you to everyone for being so kind and willing to help. This was an unforgettable trip, and I'm looking forward to hosting many more!
[photos contributed by all participants of the trip]