As we kept moving there was open water all around us. Later on we hit something and I said this is our chance as I could see land.
As the ice was piling up we jumped off. There were woods in sight so we walked towards shelter but the kids still had their skates on so we cods not travel far.
We had no matches to start a fire so we tried to find shelter along the woods. We huddled up trying to keep from freezing. I kept telling the kids someone would find us. Later that night we could hear a plane but it was far away. I guess they were looking for us on the ice but we could only wait. The kids were very good as I kept telling them how happy their parents would be to find them still alive. They took off their skates and I told them to blow on their socks and mitts to keep from freezing. I knew they had water rescue at the Sydney Mines Fire Department. And I hoped they would show up soon as it was getting colder. We could not go through the woods, as their footwear would not allow it.
About 8 am when it got bright out we could hear boats in the water but they were not very close. Finally one boat did come close so we waved and hollered. Sure enough one person saw us. He waved to us and I saw him talking on his radio so I knew news would travel to our parents and other rescue boats. In about 20 minutes fishing boats and rescue boats were all around us. The smallest dinghy came to shore to take us out to the bigger boat.
We jumped into the water, as then wet feet did not matter. The ice was gone so they took us to North Sydney wharf. There were hundreds of people on the wharf to welcome us ashore. We went right to the hospital for a checkup but we had no serious frostbite. They gave me credit for the rescue but all I said was I kept them together and still while we were on the ice.
Rowe Rudderham
It's night... it's cold ... and it's winter... winter in Cape Breton. I'm on my way home from work… and it's late. Into the driveway I can hear the crackle and crunch of tires on ice and snow until I come to a complete stop.
Sighing, I glance around, seeing only dark and cold. But over to the left I see the incandescent lighting through the front window on my home ... and it looks warm. I exit the car and make my way to the front door.
As I open it, I immediately hear the crackle of fire in the fireplace.