The Republican journal., 1909-03-04
Ice Boating at Tilden's
A Royal Day at the Headquarters of the
Chymelque Ice Yacht Club.

A Royal Day at the Headquarters of the
Chymelque Ice Yacht Club.
Saturday mornings sun was joyfully greeted
by group of Belfasters who were fortunate
enough to be bound for a days iceboatinp at
Tildens'. Shortly after nine o'clock the Bel
fast Livery Company's big sleigh made its
rounds, and the passengers, almost indistin-
guishable in their much-be-furr garments,
were snugly tucked in for the seven mile ride
IN the clear, crisp air. Anxious inquiries about
the wind met with reassurances from the sail
ors, and the drive out was one of the pleasant
features of the day. Shortly before the arri-
val at the famous farm of the host, Mr.. Horace
Chenery, the chef, Sam Morse, was taken
aboard, and little later the back seat sudden
ly lost one of its occupants, when "Imp," a
handsome hound, became a passenger. Arri-
val at the attractive bungalow which is now the
headquarters of the Chymelgue Ice Yacht Club
was the signal for "all change" and the huge
fireplace, with its artistic decorations, was the
center of attraction while the boats were being
rugged. The fire, left the night before, was
dexterously raked over, and the fresh fuel
f~-->~ o-- oOoAA
the chimney. The "all aboard" signal was
quickly answered, however, and the party of
nine was divided between the .Scoot" and the
"Ten of Clubs both owned by Mr. Chenery
There was an ideal breeze, and no casualties,
although there came near being one when,
after particularly heavy puff of wind that
had sent one of the boats to doing stunts in the
air ua11 tbo 100 of fol
gers suddenly decided that she wanted to get
off and walk! She was pursuaded to stick by
the ship, however, and the morning went all too
quickly.
The luncheon call was rather reluctantly
obeyed as the breeze was holding finely, and
with the warm sun and heavy wraps, no one
could suffer from the cold. AS the returning
parties neared the camp, however, the appe-
tizing odor of chowder foated out to put an
edge on the already keen appetites, and once
inside the ladies watched with fascinated in
terest the baking of some corn bread in an
aluminium baker before the open fire. Chairs
were drawn up around the table, and at the
word "go," given by the host, the steaming
bowls of chowder were attacked with an en-
thusiasm that was most complimentary to the
efficient chef. The plates of corn bread, too
disappeared as if by magic, and later, the cof-
fee, doughnuts and cheese claimed their share
of attention.
After dinner the open fire again claimed
| circle of devotees, but there were too many
possibilities for "things doing" out of doors
for most of the party, and they were soon out
and enjoying the sport again. The necessity
for changing skate one of the boats led to
series of interesting experiments that were
thoroughly enjoyed-especially by the specta-
tors The Ten of Clubs was rugged with a
steering wheel instead of a tiller, and the in
trepid captain and his valiant mate set forth to
''do or die" They certainly were 'done" and
the spectators almost died-from laughter
Navigating proved a trife difficult with the
new arrangement, it seemed, and the mate was
pressed into service as assistant navigator
Although the boat was little too far away for
the full spectacular effect to be obtained by
the interested onlookers it was evident that
there was something doing most of the time
and the occasional flash of steel skates in the
sunlight indicated that the mate was getting
some exercise, while now and then both cap
tain and mate would take recess from their
strenuous life, and enjoy brief rest on the
ice They finally reached the moorings some
what bestowed, and were given cordial
greeting by their appreciative audience The
tier was replaced, but not in its normal posi-
tion, for the purpose of more experiment, and
this time cargo with full confidence in the
ability of the skipper was shipped. The inno-
walton worked finely, however, and the captain
was congratuiating himself as to the success of
the latest idea when an area of shell ice was en-
countered. For further particulars enquire of
the members of the crew. ''No more expert
ments" quoth half the cargo, decisively, and
with the tiler restored to it's normal position
thoroughly enjoyable sail was finished
A return to camp was next in order, and
shortly afterward one of the young ladies' was
given lesson in sailing, and proved an apt
pupil. final sail just as the wind went down
for the first time during the day was much en-
joyed, even though progress was not quite so
rapid as previous occasions. At the bum
galow preparations were in progress for de-
parture. The fireplace was filled with huge
logs, and wraps were sorted out and donned
while the boats were being put in order for the
night
There were some misgivings as to the party's
being able to leave the camp unguarded until
an accident occurred and the way to lock the
door was discovered, but finally all were aboard
the sleigh and the start was made The sun
was setting behind bank of crimson gold
clouds, against which the trees in the fore
ground were silhouetted, and the picture was
one long to be remembered. At the farm
brief stop was made for the party to see the
dogs, and inside the kennels there certainly
were things doing" limp" cordially well
coined the friends made in the morning, and
the three little puppies completely won the
hearts of the entire party. The ride home was
without event, other than the stop made in an
alder swamp, where by some mature fakir" or
other miracle punches of pussy willows were
gathered and borne back to the sleigh in tri-
umph by the searchers, who were enthusiastic
cally cheered on from the grandstand
| During the homeward drive the sunset glow
gradually faded giving place to the moon
while the stars in the Big Dipper came out
one by one. The wind had entirely died down.
and the trip was a jolly one. The back seat
did not fall out, in spite of the fears of one Of
its occupants, and the party were left at their
respective homes after a delightful davis
outing which will long be pleasant memory.
M D. P.