Yesterday Josh had his first day off, so we hiked through the
Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park. It is about a 15 minute walk outside of Iqaluit. The walk took us through town, in between the airport and the Bay, by some sled dogs and then into the middle of nowhere! We lucked out to have a warm (by Iqaluit standards) and more importantly, wind free day. This park is where the Sylvia Grinnell River runs into the Frobisher Bay. In the summer it rises and falls with the tide. Right now, everything is frozen solid and we discovered a silent, sparkling, winter wonderland. We found some real igloos, hiked to the top of the tallest hill, explored along the riverbank and enjoyed the natural beauty of God's creation. The snow is so hard packed from the howling winds that we were able to walk right on top of it. In the places where it wasn't as solid, it has the same texture as walking along a sandy beach.It is pretty hard to believe that in a few months this frozen river valley will be full of teeny wild flowers, arctic grasses, nesting birds and hundreds of fish. We're excited to see that transformation.
The thing about this environment is that at first glance all you see is glaring, bright snow for miles and miles. But as you start walking and looking more closely, you begin to see more specific, unique features of the land...
Bright orange lichen.
Sparkley flecks in the black rock.
Mini frozen flowers tufts.
Footprints from a raven or hare.
Blue reflections between the mounds of ice.
Silent inukshuks that watch you from afar.
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| Sled dogs on the edge of town |
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| Our walk took us right under the approach path for the airport |
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| Entrance to Sylvia Grinnell Park |
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| A real igloo |
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| Picnic lunch in the Arctic |
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| Wind packed snow drifts |
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| Inukshuk |
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| Josh at a lookout point |
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| Joc overlooking the river |
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