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Tuesday 28 February 2012

An Onion Sandwich

My father-in-law, John, was an  avid fisherman.  Nothing could make him happier than spending a day out on a lake in his boat except maybe being with his grandchildren. 

He had a camper that fitted into the box of his pick-up truck and the boat was carried on the back of the camper.  There was a small refrigerator and a propane gas stove on which you could cook an admirable meal.  Sleeping accommodations included a bed above the roof of the truck cab and other beds made up using the cushions from the seating.

My in-laws lived in Castlegar, B.C. in the southern interior, in an area notable for its many fishing lakes.  His favourite fish to go after were rainbow trout and kokanee, a small landlocked salmon.  Both are nice eaten fresh, smoked on a smoker,  or canned in jars.

My wife and I and our two children often visited Castlegar and it was on one such visit that Pops (his nickname) and I decided on an overnight fishing and camping trip.

"It will be good to get away from the ladies," he joked, "just us men.  I know a nice spot, a bit isolated but we won't come back empty handed."

I also enjoy fishing so he did not have to do much convincing.  The ladies (our wives) were agreeable and there was no hesitation in packing up the camper and heading for the lake.  Unfortunately, I do not remember the name of the lake but it was isolated.  There was a proper campsite but no general store and not even near a gas station where you might be able to buy basic supplies in an emergency.

We arrived in the late afternoon and after setting up camp, there was still time for a first run on the lake but we were disappointed in that we came away empty handed.

"There is always tomorrow," Pops said optimistically, "we'll make some supper and have some nice hot coffee and then go to bed so that we can get up at the crack of dawn."

"That hot coffee appeals to me!"  Then I asked, "What's for supper?"

"You can have your pick," Pops replied, "there's bacon and  eggs, tins of beans, Kraft dinner, and there's ham for sandwiches.  For myself, I am going to make my favourite  . . . a raw onion sandwich with mayonnaise and salt and pepper. "

"I think that I will stick with a ham sandwich.  Go ahead, make yours and then I'll make mine."

Pops got busy on his sandwich and soon the smell of raw onion filled the enclosed space of the camper.  When he went to put the coffee on to perk, he began fussing with the stove.  He looked back at me in exasperation.

"What's the matter?"

"I can't believe it," he moaned, "I forgot to have the cylinder filled with propane and there is no store around here for miles.  We can't cook any food or have a hot drink."

"What do you think we should do?"

"The only thing we can do . . . pack up and go home."

In an amazingly short time everything was packed up and we were headed home.  The onion sandwich was left behind and I think that if a raccoon came sniffing around the campsite that night it might have found an interesting meal!





Pops  (John Hauser)