The Perfect Tree

Deep winter struck early that year by early December snows were deep and days were darkened in the forested lands of the north. Stillness set in as the snow got deeper. This though mattered not as daily one needed to continue on with living life.  Cupboards needed to be stocked and the freezer filled. Bundled against the cold we would leave the comfort of the warm fire and the smell of fresh biscuits and for days would with snow shoes strapped to our feet journey farther and farther in search of that which would be needed.

Some might say we should have already been prepared and yes I suppose that would be true if we had been able to plant a garden or gather before the first frost and the feast of the creatures of the forest but we arrived late and as I say winter struck early that year.  For days we would follow what trails we could in hopes of finding at least one trap filled.  After one two week spell when we came back we were told it was just in time for Christmas.  We only had two hares and a bird that could not even pass for a goose, not to mention no tree, lights or nicely wrapped things.

I was told to take the ax and go find the perfect tree.  With a few biscuits and a piece of jerky I set out, the snow hit hard after only an hour and still I trudged forward in my quest until I finally had to find shelter.  Into a thicket I forced my way into and burrowing like some vermin I found the branches of a large coniferous tree under which there was a hollow space.  There I lay down and unable to do anything else I slept.  Awaking after I know not how long, I made my way out, the snow still falling.  I knew it was day only because the dark was not so dark. I dragged myself along long after my food was gone.  Grateful I was when I came to the river and found an opening in the ice from which I drank my fill and filled the water bladder.  I crossed the river on the ice and one more night passed but I was able to have a small fire.  I found the tree on the third day.  With my ax strapped to my back I began my journey back.  I was cold, hungry and tired.

To keep mu mind off the pain that had taken over my legs I began to complain to myself.  Mainly it was the why me over and over.  I figured at one point it had to have been about one week and I sure Christmas was over but I had come all the way out here to get the perfect tree so I kept going.  It was during the second week of this journey I realized I was lost.  I had been taught well how to survive in the wilds so I was not afraid of being lost as much as I was of letting down the others and not bringing back the tree, but I would need something to eat.it was in my search for food that with luck I found the trap line.  This was our farthest one out.  It would take more than a week to make it back. Dragging that tree I took two and brought back four hares and two fish.  It was dark when I got back and after setting the tree in its stand I went and cleaned the hares and the fish and started the fire.  I fell asleep on the floor underneath back against the wall.  It would not be for another day that I realized I was alone.