The Cold & The Beautiful

Coming home...

Remnants from the winter of 2014-15 April 1st

That mere thought drives people. It rekindles relationships and is a focus for the many, who are away. I am no exception. During the past 2 weeks, since I arrived back in Niagara, I've had a number of people checking up on me...online, in person, by phone and at the store. It's been quite interesting. I've been quoting the current days temperature (anywhere from -32C  to -8 )...along with "I'm thawing nicely, thank you".

Niagara's temperature have been quite balmy from what I was used to for 7 weeks, and when I arrived home I still had remnants of our local February and March drifts in the shade of my backyard. Those have since evaporated and a dried brown grass covering remains that, in the next few weeks, will return to its glorious green and need a cutting soon, thereafter.

After the big blizzard,  the hard packed snow drifts were everywhere

There's always an adjustment period after an adventure. A time when you return to some comforts...the things you've been accustomed to. I've always said the best thing about world travel is the return to Canada and an appreciation of the special life we lead here, especially in Niagara. The fact we have seemingly unlimited and unrestricted drinking, bathing and fresh water that surrounds this peninsula, is lost only those who take it for granted.

While visiting most parts of Canada, you tend to appreciate the vistas that are usually attached to vast quantities of oceans, lakes and rivers. Over the years, My wife and I have been blessed to be able to travel quite extensively. Our travels inside this massive country have been primarily Ontario, Quebec and east coast with a couple of short excursions in Vancouver. To date, we have not visited the Yukon and North West Territories, nor Alberta and Saskatchewan. That, I hope will change within the year.

The dogs enjoy fresh snow...just like everywhere else

This week I've had some time to reflect on the "Rearctic Tour" of 2015. What I've gained from the experience, cannot be measured easily. First, and I think the most important, is a further appreciation of the vastness of this country...It's the size...and the history of its exploration. When you really sit down and think about what those early explorers had to endure, to even map these lands, I can't help but feel in awe. Couple that with their means of transport and the navigational tools of their day, it is amazing that we know so much...or do we really?

The hardships that people endure in  their day to day life, is probably the second most amazing thing learned. For centuries, the 'people of the north' have lived in one of the harshest of climates on the earth. Their winters are not only three months as designated on a calendar. Their summers are a stark contrast and I dream to visit during those times at some point in the future to appreciate the difference.

Modern conveniences coupled with traditional ways, allow the dweller's in the Arctic to live a longer life, which in itself can increase problems. While nursing homes and extended assisted living are difficult to find and expensive here in the south, it seems simply non-existent in most of the northern settlements. Family still look after family. Promises of better care and more focused care, like everywhere, are dollar dependent and the "Elders" remain on the sidelines with their needs.

The vista looking out over the frozen bay.

The north is no different than the south, except the people. They are interested but skeptical of strangers...with good reason...given their history. They are sharing. They are knowledgeable. They are eager to teach and want to learn more. They are quick to offer advice and help. Those are the qualities of the many Inuit that I had the good fortune of meeting....and it rubs off on those who visit, those who stay for a while, and those who settle there.

The sun rises, a new day and a young territory 

In Rankin Inlet, Nunavut Territory, Canada there are problems like everywhere else. Solutions are slow, expensive, and sometimes not available, just like the rest of our nation. But there, the people
are the difference. I call it "the warmth of the people". 

You dress for the weather!

It took seven years for me to be able to return to the land 'up north'. The experience, the learning, the sharing, the camaraderie, the highs and lows proved....LIFE ENDURES and PEOPLE ADAPT. A few have asked, how I was able to cope while in the Arctic for seven weeks. We encountered three blizzards (one for three nights), bitter cold temperatures and high winds, rotating power outages, water disruptions, closures of services and countless other hurdles.

How did we survive? In one word... the "people". If you ever travel north, be adaptable and ready for change at every instance. It's the "way of the north" and describes the crazy things that you can experience on your journey. Through it all, we survived...and people remain...and they too survive. 

I've returned to Niagara, but I can still see those vistas in my mind (and some photos). I have the memories that this blog has documented along the way which lead me back to the title of this edition, "The Cold & The Beautiful".  To survive the Arctic, there are two things you must know.

 "The people are the warmth...you dress for the weather".

 Thank you, Rankin Inlet!!!!

The sun sets after seven weeks.... after 7 years!