Hey all

As I have said before, I don't have much experience in the mining field, as I have just switched "careers" from forestry. What I do know about working in the cold is from first hand experience walking all day through the bush surveying harvest areas (I know it's totally different being in the trees compared to an open boggy area with much more exposure). I worked many winters 100km North of Armstrong (Ontario). Very cold area for anyone who hasn't had the pleasure. Many a morning I looked outside at the thermometer and to my surprise... no red. Everyone can go look at their thermometer, but mine went to -50c. Many only go to -40c. Work didn't stop due to the cold (unfortunately mine included). The machines I'm referring to are feller bunchers, skidders, limbers, etc. Many people don't understand the abuse these machines take. It only takes one branch to rip a hydraulic hose off on a warm day. I have seen what cold weather can potentially do to piece of steel, but as long as your careful, work can continue, even if it is a tad slower. Sure you will still have the occasional break down, and that is when time is lost in the cold. Hard pulling wrenches when you can't feel your hands.

My point being, I am a scrawny white dude. Being Finn, I do have some cold blood in my viens, but I'm sure the locals of the DE area are much more accustomed to the local weather. They know that winter is cold and windy, and summer has black flies and mosquitos. Choose your evil basically.

A drill rig is stationary with not a lot of moving parts (I'm comparing here). Obviously many things that could go wrong, but that is normal and has to be dealt with on a daily basis. As long as the workers are happy (payed well and eating well, with a desire to work) this show will continue with minor mechanical interruptions throughout the winter.

Steady work will produce steady results and we will all benefit, IMHO.

Long as always

lappeKman