A somber cold day with the wind biting at the volunteers provided no real developments except a sighting or two of debris belonging to the three who fell into the river. Excitement provided the warmth with the views seen with the camera underneath the ice and made possibilities seem much closer.
After seven days, determination is seen in the faces, regardless of fatigue and a strong desire to bring a friend and or someone they knew home. Jokes are told about an old relationship, jokes they played on someone in the “Magii” or steam bath, “burning” someone out where they had to leave outside, or a prank they played on someone when they were kids. Stories of places they’ve been to, moose or caribou they’ve caught and talk about children and families. Speaking more of life while providing the manual labor they endure to cut and move all the encroaching thickening ice and slush or pulling on the ropes which attached to the drag bars drug across the riverbed.
A couple ladies arrived early afternoon with a variety of sandwiches and Shasta pop which the volunteers easily ate and drank during a short break. The coffee pot in the tent was also constantly brewing coffee providing some relief from the cold. All donations of food, waterproof gloves, drinks and other items which may help in the search are always appreciated.
The plan for Saturday is to cut longer trenches, cut more holes with the auger, and use the boat again. A 12 foot pole with attached treble hooks was almost finished today at the search site, but will be ready for tomorrow mornings use. The pole will be used to comb a larger area of the riverbed instead of the 3-4 foot drag bars previously used.
The weather is expected to get colder the next few days, so if you are traveling between communities on the river, please dress warmer and protect those areas exposed to the cold. And if you are traveling to assist in the search, be aware of the cut areas in the ice where thin ice has formed. And check in with VPSO Sgt. Olick or BSAR – Mike Riley.
