Winter can create some beautiful scenery, especially in the foothills of the Moose Mountains.
However, appreciating the scenery from the window of a car, home, or during a short winter-activity outing is one thing.
Living in that frigid scenery is something else entirely.
But for the members of the 723 Squadron Air Cadets, the ability to live in a frozen landscape is a little more available thanks to their annual winter Survival Exercises, which took place at Saskairie Place on Saturday, Feb. 11.
Both fortunate and unfortunate for the cadets, that day ended up being one of the coldest of the year, with morning temperatures hovering around the -25 degree mark.
Not a day to be outside for the faint hearted, to be sure.
"This is an annual exercise, and we're out here every year with the cadets," said cadet CO Capt. Walter White. "Our biggest worry in the lead-up this year is whether it would be too muddy or wet, since it's been so mild."
"But that ended up not being a problem."
In the morning, the 15 cadets worked on compass skills, learning to read the compass, and identify their location and direction of movement.
Taking a break at lunch, the cadets were fed military rations, so-called 'MREs' (Meals-Ready-to-Eat,) which proved to be both tasty and filling.
After stocking up on some much-needed calories for the remainder of the day ahead, the cadets took off into the woods on a wilderness hike.
Taking a circuitous route in the hills, the hike was carried out with a military eye to safety, with members counting off every five minutes to ensure no one lost their way in the snowy terrain.
After about an hour of hiking, with a 20 minute rest stop in the middle, the cadets pulled back into camp and formed up for their afternoon activities.
"The exercise used to be a winter campout, but now it is just a one day thing," Capt. White said. "During it, the cadets take courses in compass work, shelter building, trail hiking, fire building, and marksmanship."
A short firing line had been set up in a clearing, and cadets moved to the air rifles in neat precision, and went through the basic safety and clearing steps.
A couple of crack shots emerged through the exercise, with cadets firing two round each at a series of six targets.
One cadet admitted to being a bi-athlete, and the target she returned with showed her precision with the rifle.
As the marksmanship training progressed, the remaining cadets worked at making and lighting a campfire with only flint-and-steel.
Building various log structures, and using everything from pocket lint to dried grasses as tinder, the cadets worked in groups of three to get their fire going.
Also attending the group was Cadet Lt. Phil Harrison, who daylights as the Staff Sgt. for the Carlyle RCMP.
"I think the cadets have a good time," Lt. Harrison said. "It's cold, but up here there isn't a lot of wind, and the sun is bright and warm, so that helps make the cold a little more bearable."
Also joining the group was cadet parent Dwayne Oshowy, who regularly attends cadet outings.
"It's fun to be out here, and I like helping out with the cadets," Oshowy said. "It's nice to be involved, and yeah, it's cold, but it's still a good time."
Squadron 723 of the Air Cadets meets in Carlyle at Carlyle Elementary School.
With more than 30 active cadets, it continues to be a strong and growing organization.
"It is events like this that really make the cadets stand out," Capt. White said. "It gives kids a chance to be involved with something, and to learn the value of teamwork."
"Just as important, it teaches them to believe in themselves, and what they can do."
