Yesterday's nice weather has now vanished.
The rain began last night, and has continued since then, though with varying intensity.
This morning Jake and Ricardo were 1 1/2hrs late for breakfast. I was relatively well-behaved, and arrived at a mere 60 minutes past 7.00. Pat had been hammering at the door, but nobody bothered to answer.
Because of the weather, the plan for today's hunt has been re-written. Pat thinks we can still go out on the now-rough waters of White Wolf Lake, but if the wind strengthens any more we'll have to come back, because it's always safety first. These two words, since the archers' memorable late arrival, have become a catchphrase between us. The safety first argument is how Pat justified his irritation with the archers' unpunctuality. Last night, as I was about to go down to the lake to brush my teeth, Ricardo handed me a life-vest, saying:
- Safety first! Be careful you don't drown in the lake as you're brushing your teeth!
In windy weather a lot of water gets into the boat, so I have decided to wear my waterproof clothing. By the time I've finished putting it all on, Pat comes into the tent to say that the weather has become so unpredictable that we are staying off the water and will go stalking instead.
I take it all off.
Jake, who is one of the most famous and experienced hunting archers in the world, and I agree that the low-growing thickets will still be very wet, so, at the very least, I should wear my waterproof pants.
I put them back on.
Chapter IV.: Caribou hunting in the Northwest Territories
Page 24
My rucksack is packed, so I'm ready to go; but then, fresh news arrives: the weather has become so bad that, for the time being, we will stay in the camp, and not go anywhere.
Yet again, I undress.
We gather in the kitchen tent to discuss possible plans for the day. Maybe I should have shot one of my caribou yesterday after all. Jake has no such problems; he already has his two bulls, so he needs no longer worry about the weather and the movement of game. But being the gentleman that he is, he is more concerned about my success over the last few days, than he has been for himself.
We can never be sure that we are making the right decision.
If the weather had been good today and if, after some picking and choosing, I had shot a bull with magnificent antlers, everyone would say how wise I had been not to be too eager yesterday.
But now I might not be successful, and they'll all say: why was I so picky yesterday?