The Story of Andy Kjearsgaard
We were lucky to have the Red Deer River right outside our door. It guaranteed us a year-round food supply and lots of summer visitors on Sunday afternoons. But our playground could be dangerous, especially for boys who never turned down a dare.
Did Mom and Dad know about our escapades? I often wonder.
Freezeup
In the fall, the shallower water near the riverbanks froze first. The deeper channels towards the centre froze last. We'd skate along the edges, biding our time until we saw it. A narrow gap––just a foot or two wide––of open water near the centre. Perfect for jumping over.
Ice Engineers
The river ice wasn't terrific for skating, especially early in the winter. It was thin, unstable cat ice, full of uneven bumps, or covered with snow. But sooner or later, a chinook (unseasonably warm wind sweeping down from the mountains) would come along––a river icemaker's best friend.
The chinook melted upstream snow, increasing the volume of water flowing in the river. The increased volume raised the pressure of the water beneath the river's icy surface. If we cut a hole in the ice, water would gush out and evenly flood the ice. A weeklong chinook would provide us with a beautiful, glassy surface several miles long. The smoothest ice imaginable.
Wild Ride
When the river broke up in the spring, the ice floes were carried along at great speed. We'd hop on for a ride, using all our balancing skills to keep from falling. I shudder to think what foolish daredevils we were––we'd have had no chance in that fast-moving, icy water.
God must have appointed His very best Guardian Angels to watch over us.
Adapted from the 1994 Heritage Book,with permission from the Federation of Danish Associations in Canada
Teaser:
• While Arne's away, Andy takes command. Will the kids be safe or sorry?
