Winter Caretaker’s Blog Volume 6
Hello again! Another month goes into the record books up here in the Sub-Arctic wilderness at Gangler’s. And it’s true what they say, time flies when you’re having fun!
February was a busy month, turning the area into Caribou Hunt Central! There was a solid week of First Nations’ hunters arriving from both Lac Brochet and Brochet for their community hunts. These were larger groups than had previously arrived and the boys had successful trips north heading back home with their sleighs full for their communities, and also leaving the winter caretakers (us!) with a few gifts of fresh caribou.
The weather continues to be COLD throughout the month with windchills in the -40’s C (-40º F). Our handy, dandy hair dryer was useful by warming up the engine starter to get the Skidoo running. This was necessary many more than a few times. With the cold however there was plenty of sunshine providing lots of power for the solar panels, and thus less of a need to start the outside generator.
Since the community hunt, it’s been pretty quiet around here, wildlife included. We saw a few tracks here and there of a wolf or fox travelling through, but not one had stopped by to visit. However our usual martens continued making their tracks and eating cookies in the hunt shack. Just when I think I have packed them all away, they seem to find another box! The whiskey jacks (grey jays) continue to visit the cabin window daily hoping for a snack, and last week I was able to spot a pair of pine grossbeaks hanging about, singing in the trees. Being a bird-nerd, I was thrilled to add a 3rd type of grossbeak to my bucket list in this past year on our travels throughout Canada.
With typical weather patterns, when we have seen the thermometer rise outside. We also see the snow fall, adding 6 more inches to the snow meter in the past week. The dashounds are able to enjoy a little more time outside when the weather warms up too, giving Dash a chance to enjoy one of his favorite pastimes of riding with “Dad” on the sled, tail wagging when he hears it start up. He runs for the door to get outside, even if it’s for just a short trip around the yard. He is pretty pleased to enjoy the ride.
We capped up the final week of February with a stunning nightly show of the auroras lighting up the skies and we’re looking forward to this week as the moon grows full. There is also an eclipse expected to arrive by weeks’ end. March has sprung the clocks forward expanding our daylight hours with the sun rising now at 8am and setting at 7:30 pm! It’s still light at 8pm! What a change from the past few months when it was dark by 5pm.
We have received 81″ of snow this winter
With just a couple more months to go, we’re still enjoying the peace, quiet and beauty of Sub-Arctic, Canada at Gangler’s!
Bye until next time…
