APL Writer’s Group
Six words chosen by members of the group - igloo, interminable (meaning no limits), hypothesis, sunset, desolation, porcine (pig like resemblance). To be used in any written form as long as all of the words are incorporated.
Complete for April 1/15
The Igloo Retreat
By: Ann Edall-Robson
The sunset was a chilling sight knowing that fast on its heals was the darkness that would soon engulf the camp.
A feeling of desolation lingered throughout the small group that had come to this remote location as part of the lavish interminable retreat. They had all come on their own accord. Each with their own expectations of how this, at any price, philanthropist sponsored, sleep in an igloo under the blazing northern sky, would play out.
The brochure had been glossy almost gauche in appearance. Informative and exciting. Sign up now with a small deposit, balance 30 days prior to departure. No refunds. Activity list would be available upon arrival at the camp.
The dangling carrot had been deftly slid into the terms. At the destination, a final game of chance would be spelled out for anyone who wished to get involved. The prize? A bi-annual, all expenses paid week of adventure at any one of the properties owned by the sponsor.
Hiking in over rough terrain for the last half mile of the trip, each had been carrying loaded backpacks filled with supplies for the week. Oh, they had all come prepared. The brochure had given a list of equipment and clothing they would need. Transportation, food and accommodation had been included in the hefty price.
The brochure did not tell them that after their journey, they would be left and would have to work together to survive; and, ultimately, as a team, take the final day to walk out to their transportation home. The activity list was loaded with surprise after surprise!
They had now been at the igloos for three days and tensions were running deep. Tomorrow, the fourth day, they would use the maps and compasses left in each of the igloos to strategize and plan their walk to civilization.
The topographical maps had intricate details of surrounding areas, trails, land marks and elevations.
The catch came with the instructions found with each map.Each of the four igloo teams had been given a different map to review to find the easiest, least exhausting exit from the camp. Only one of the four maps could be used to guide them through this part of the trip.
To choose the map to be used, each of the four teams was expected to come up with a compelling list as to why their route should be chosen. No interruptions were allowed during the dissertation and each person was allowed one question after each presentation was heard. A silent vote would then be taken to see which map would be used to take them out.
The decision finally made they started making ready for their arduous hike the following day.
On the dawn of the short spring morning of the fifth day, they embarked on their journey to the rendezvous point some eight miles away. It was not going to be an easy trek. But after much deliberation this was the agreed upon route. Five of the eight men and women had voted in favour; while the other three were adamant there was a better trail once they would reach the top of the summit.
Even as they hiked, the woman with the porcine disposition regaled them with her hypothesis as to why they should take the trail she had found in her map research. It soon became apparent when they reached what they thought to be the halfway point that she had been wrong. Looking down the rock covered escarpment, that she had insisted would be a clear cut trail, the others agreed there was no way they could have traversed safely to the bottom.
As the afternoon sun was slipping behind the tree line, the eight weary hikers made their way into the clearing where vehicles were waiting for them.
For some the adventure had been an eternity. A five day life time they never wanted to experience again. For others, it had been a time to just figure it all out.
Six words chosen by members of the group - igloo, interminable (meaning no limits), hypothesis, sunset, desolation, porcine (pig like resemblance). To be used in any written form as long as all of the words are incorporated.
Complete for April 1/15
The Igloo Retreat
By: Ann Edall-Robson
The sunset was a chilling sight knowing that fast on its heals was the darkness that would soon engulf the camp.
A feeling of desolation lingered throughout the small group that had come to this remote location as part of the lavish interminable retreat. They had all come on their own accord. Each with their own expectations of how this, at any price, philanthropist sponsored, sleep in an igloo under the blazing northern sky, would play out.
The brochure had been glossy almost gauche in appearance. Informative and exciting. Sign up now with a small deposit, balance 30 days prior to departure. No refunds. Activity list would be available upon arrival at the camp.
The dangling carrot had been deftly slid into the terms. At the destination, a final game of chance would be spelled out for anyone who wished to get involved. The prize? A bi-annual, all expenses paid week of adventure at any one of the properties owned by the sponsor.
Hiking in over rough terrain for the last half mile of the trip, each had been carrying loaded backpacks filled with supplies for the week. Oh, they had all come prepared. The brochure had given a list of equipment and clothing they would need. Transportation, food and accommodation had been included in the hefty price.
The brochure did not tell them that after their journey, they would be left and would have to work together to survive; and, ultimately, as a team, take the final day to walk out to their transportation home. The activity list was loaded with surprise after surprise!
They had now been at the igloos for three days and tensions were running deep. Tomorrow, the fourth day, they would use the maps and compasses left in each of the igloos to strategize and plan their walk to civilization.
The topographical maps had intricate details of surrounding areas, trails, land marks and elevations.
The catch came with the instructions found with each map.Each of the four igloo teams had been given a different map to review to find the easiest, least exhausting exit from the camp. Only one of the four maps could be used to guide them through this part of the trip.
To choose the map to be used, each of the four teams was expected to come up with a compelling list as to why their route should be chosen. No interruptions were allowed during the dissertation and each person was allowed one question after each presentation was heard. A silent vote would then be taken to see which map would be used to take them out.
The decision finally made they started making ready for their arduous hike the following day.
On the dawn of the short spring morning of the fifth day, they embarked on their journey to the rendezvous point some eight miles away. It was not going to be an easy trek. But after much deliberation this was the agreed upon route. Five of the eight men and women had voted in favour; while the other three were adamant there was a better trail once they would reach the top of the summit.
Even as they hiked, the woman with the porcine disposition regaled them with her hypothesis as to why they should take the trail she had found in her map research. It soon became apparent when they reached what they thought to be the halfway point that she had been wrong. Looking down the rock covered escarpment, that she had insisted would be a clear cut trail, the others agreed there was no way they could have traversed safely to the bottom.
As the afternoon sun was slipping behind the tree line, the eight weary hikers made their way into the clearing where vehicles were waiting for them.
For some the adventure had been an eternity. A five day life time they never wanted to experience again. For others, it had been a time to just figure it all out.
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