The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
What a day! What a weekend! Once again Bombardier enthusiasts recently gathered to celebrate the 11th Annual Northern Bombardier Rally. The weather might have been a bit chilly with wind that gave all a set of rosy cheeks, but it not deter the 29 bombardiers with more than 100 people from gathering at Mill Water on Lake Athapapuskow. For the first leg of journey, the out-of-area guests, who numbered quite few and whom we were most happy to see, and fellow bombardier'rs from Cranberry Portage met on the lake in front of the Playfords. When all were accounted for, the cavalcade set off. The bombardiers from the north made their way to Baker's Narrows and over the portages to meet with the others at Mill Water. As soon as each bombardier arrived, the doors were opened and out poured men, women and kids ready to take on the day. The weather was certainly offset by the warm welcome we received from Les, Karen and John Oystryk Ð who have a cabin at Mill Water and are most gracious hosts. Beyond the welcome and the sharing, they also provided a fish fry that proved to be absolutely scrumptious. The afternoon was spent in the usual manner: there is the reunion of friends that share a visit this once a year. The annual tour of the bombs was made, admiring and taking note of new paint jobs or interior work, checking out the newest arrivals, trading anecdotes and initiating the newcomers into the fraternity. The groups resembled ever-changing amoebas as people wandered from one group to the other. The kids required no entertaining. As usual they made the most of the day. There is the most marvelous hill to climb and tumble down, tag, or catch Kori, who is a truly good sport, wrestle him down and then pile on top and periodically they come in search of nourishment. Each and every one of us, kids included, designed his/her route to pass the deep fried fish pan on a regular basis. It was like popcorn; once you got started you couldn't stop until the pan was empty. Late afternoon and the procession left Mill Water for the Rec Center in Cranberry. Upon entering the building, it was obvious, by the mouthwatering smells that accosted us, that we were in for a treat. Donna did not let us down and we enjoyed a most delicious supper where the dcor for the evening was definitely bombardier orientated. Once again we were also treated to the generosity of the participants as the donated door prize gifts were presented to the lucky ones who held winning tickets. Tired, but happy in having shared the comradeship of a wonderful day, everyone made an early departure for home or motel to rest up for day two. Sunday was a rather blustery day with no let-up in sight. Those that chose to venture out followed Ted to the Playfords' remote cabin on Peterson Lake. It was decided that it was not a day to attempt a demonstration of putting up the summer's supply of ice. Instead we chose to relax in the warmth of the cabin, watched the snow being blown about, and were most content to exchange stories and catch up on the past year's highlights. Back in Cranberry we said our good-byes and took our leave with a "See you next year for the 12th." Northern hospitality at its best!
