New field kit

 Since moving to Nunavut to teach, I have acquired some additional kit both for Arctic survival plus gear I can use down south.

First up is a new Small pack. My current British DPM small pack needs some repairs, so I may have to pack it up to be sent home, whenever I return.

Next, a basic entrenching tool, which I have used for snow removal around my apartment. 

I also invested in a new Arctic sleeping bag, good for -45c as my Canadian Army 1960s issue was used by my cat as a toilet. Needless to say, I didn't pack it

My friend Bill Thompson who served in the RCHA sent me his Mukluks which are very comfortable with a spare pair of socks.

And I have also ordered snow overalls and a new parkha from BassPro to augment what I have brought. I want to be able to layer my clothes so I have invested in 3L 

652 Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadets field exercise 2019

This was the first one I was able to deploy with my sons squadron. I was able to help several sections with building bashas.

Ian practices how to build a shelter without trees

a basic A frame

the shelter his section built, he had chosen to bunk with his mate but had to throw in a cadet who was mooching off others.

since I am still classified as a civilian Instructor, I wasnt able to wear my surplus Cadpat but I checked with the Military Police corporal on the exercise who said if it wasnt an issue one, without rank or insignia, I could have worn it, however I brought some of my other Bush kit

one of the officers giving a lecture on basic survival and how to prepare food you have caught.

spit roasted bunny rabbit 

Cpl Ian Redden 

 bunny, the cadets were not permitted to eat due to regulations dealing with food prep. However the officers were allowed and I got the chance to have some

cadets toasting marshmallows, I was told by my son that the cadets enjoyed my company and support as well as my manner in how I dealt with them when speaking about topics not permitted or using fowl language. I only had to speak once and they understood that they were to lead by example.

Corporal Redden gets to grips with building a basha

he prepares his poles

we both get a line up

and after pegging the poncho down and using a second one as a floor and a Bergen cover for the rear, he's feeling confident enough to build one on his exercise next weekend 

it ain't half cold Mum

Out in the field, able to use Hexy burner and messtins

Bundled up for work -6c with a wind chill of -10c 

time to flash up the stove and make a spot of tea and heat up a can of chili

brew is boiling

chili needed to come out of the wind

chili is bubbling. time to enjoy