Landscapes

A couple of us took a walk across Dead Dog or Frozen Lake which leads away from town towards the ocean.  The distance itself is not very far - it only took us about 20 - 30 minutes to cross the lake and reach the beginning of the ‘beach’ area that leads down a steep ravine to the ocean. We did not continue down the ravine as the people I was with were hesitant of wild animals (polar bears or foxes/wolves).  We were able to see Icebergs and open ocean in the distance as the day was very clear and sunny. 

A number of things struck me on the walk:

1. Even though we were only a short distance from town I felt as though I was miles away.  The only sound I could hear was coming from us and there was not another sole or building to be seen.  The landscape really became all the more prominent, highlighting just how vast and stark it truly is.  This is a feature that I noticed while in town, but never fully appreciated.  Just by looking at the folds created in the pact snow you could sense the strength and harshness of the wind and it drew your attention to the lack of trees and protection from the elements on the island.

1. I was extremely shocked when the people I was with mentioned that this was the furthest they had ever gone on this walk, even though they have been living in Cape Dorset for nearly two years and it was a relatively easy walk from town.  At first I could not understand why this was the case.  Then it dawned on me, we are in the middle of wild territory.  Although we had a dog with us and a fairly large group, we were not equipped with either a gun or any weapons for protection.  As we neared the sea ice we were actually moving further into polar bear territory.  It really dawned on me at that moment, just how much I am in nature’s backyard. 

1. I realized how my own preconceived notions and inexperience or naivety were still guiding my actions.  Although I had heard stories from local people about how it was not safe to walk too far away from town without protection or a snowmobile, how polar bears are not that uncommon, and how one was just caught this week by a 15 year old boy, I did not think twice about where or how far we were going.  I had this complete belief that I was safe.  Thankfully nothing occurred on our outing, but I hope that in the future I will be more aware of my surroundings and stop taking my safety for granted. 

Windswept

looking back towards town

arctic plants

sea ice and an iceberg

heading home