Renforth Winter Village

Every morning when I drive Jeevan to school I look at the New Winter Village that has developed at the Renforth Wharf. It had grown over the past couple of weeks, more “shacks” being added, adding more colour and texture to the icy landscape; the essence of winter culture in the Maritimes. What a community that is built, close knit, cozy but freezing at the same time, all with a common goal in mind...Smelts.

For those who are new to this winter phenomenon, Smelts are little fish and not ones to be eaten one at a time; no you need a “feed” of them. I never liked them as a child, although my dad couldn’t wait to get a feed, and my mom dreaded their presence. These little things, that you gut using your scissors (cut off the head and slit down the belly) really aren’t worth the effort, gutting them is a pain and eating them is worse given how boney their backbone truly is...for a small fish way too many bones. I am wondering why my Dad loves them so much; all I can say is Yuck! It must have to do with the purity of the fish, given that they are small, it is not about freezing his butt off, as he doesn’t go to the shack, he get delivery...it can’t be the light coating of flour Mom puts on them....but it is something, but be about the culture, the season, the thrill of how many will be in that pound, as you will not just eat a few of these fish, they are way too small.

To those in those fishing shacks, I wish you great daily yarns; new friendships and a prosperous season and I will miss you all once the thaw of Spring arrives.