Happy Trails: January 2015

Happy New Year sports fans! After a refreshing and relaxing four months in the south, I was back on a plane headed west to Calgary for furtherance to Yellowknife shortly after New Years. I managed to catchup with Rosie and Gary in Yellowknife for a great home cooked lamb shank dinner, thank you again for the hospitality!

Here we are again, back in the High Arctic for another tour in Eureka; my 5^th trip to Eureka to date, and 7^th overall in the High Arctic. Every time, I feel fortunate to be granted these opportunities. I can feel the spirit of the explorers of the past in the winds as they dance around my coyote trimmed hood on my parka. The ice crystals which twinkle under the celestial sky scape as they float along with those winds add a certain majestic and serene aura to a barren landscape.

The first half of this tour is in what is known as Dark Season; the sun has not come up yet, and won't for another few weeks. The low light of dusk increases daily, however miniscule, it adds context to the surrounding geography. The top of Cape Hare is slowly becoming visible, and I saw Axel Heiberg Island last week for the first time. Dark Season brings with it many different challenges; despite the deep cold, there is the perpetual night, which can impact ones thoughts and daily processes. On station currently we are at a population of 9, and we've got a good crew in. Life is good!

This tour has been a special one for me personally. I was sent up alone to initiate winter operations for CANDAC before the pending 2015 Sunrise Campaign at the end of February. This challenge is one that I was looking forward to embracing. This tour has also enveloped my birthday, and there are few other ways I would prefer to spend my birthday than doing what I love; exploring the Arctic. Thank you to everyone who has sent me a message for my birthday, it means a lot! Another year earned, and another year in front of me to embrace more opportunities to grow. Very thankful for every day that comes along!

Not too much to report from this northern post. A pack of approx 13 wolves has made camp near the station, a couple of hares are roaming the tundra, and one pesky fox poked its head up along the road to the lab earlier this week. No polar bear sightings to speak to, yet (sorry Jaymes!).

Wherever any of you are today, I hope this finds you well.

Happiest of Trails my friends,