"Dart in by da pond fer a boil-up or wha?" — just hearing those words can put a smile on any Newfoundlanders face.

“Ill grab the tea bags, a bottle of moose and some of Nan Marie's homemade bread, and you get the woods bags”. I told my husband.  Within 10 minutes of making the plan we were on our way in the Old Tractor Path to the open country.

The sound of the Ski-doo making its way over the crusted snow, with the cold wind on your face is enough to warm the coldest of hearts, even Cruella Daville, would enjoy this experience. Passing the ponds and breathing in the fresh crisp air will bring your lungs and body to life. Spruce tree limbs bent over with the weight of the snow, rabbit tracks zig zagging left to right then right again, with no particular destination in mind.

Arriving at the pond we are met with the most stunning picturesque view.  A never-ending blanket of fluffy white that stretches as far as the eye can see until it’s met with the most breathtaking blue of the mid- day sky. Its like you’re standing on a cloud.  The snow crunching beneath your feet echoes across the pond, you hit the kill switch on the ski-doo, then…. silence. No cars, no people, nothing, just the slight ruffle of trees dancing to the cold winter wind.

Now the hunt is on for a few pieces of "old man's beard" off a spruce tree. The worlds best fire starter. If you want to get a little more modern you can always bring along some dryer lint. (I never go in the woods without it). Gather up some dry wood or bring your own, your choice, we gather what’s around. Now get to building your fire. Start with old mans beard (or dryer lint), small twigs and work your way up to larger sticks. Next step is to put the kettle on, which could be anything from an old corn-on-the-cob can with a wire hanger to a tin kettle from any outdoor store, or just a small cooking pot, choice is yours. We prefer our tin can.  

It won’t be long until the grey jays show up. They are kinda like the ants to your winter picnic. Surrounding you from all sides just waiting for a crumb. (Nan Marie's homemade bread is not just a favorite of humans ya know). If your feeling lucky while you wait for the kettle to boil you can try for a trout. If Mother Nature is on your side, you just might end up with a couple trout for the fire.  

Once you have filled up on tea, coffee, moose, bread, or even bacon and beans its time to pack er up. Make sure to put your fire out and leave nothing behind. Pop always told me to “leave the woods like ya found it” and that’s what we do, take what we brought and leave nothing but memories.

So during the winter months In Newfoundland & Labrador make sure to make time for a boil up with family or friends. It may not be a 5-star beach vacation but who needs all inclusive when you have the crisp outdoors with a cup of Tetley and Nans homemade bread?