The Great Tundra Adventure

Although everyday here at CNSC is an adventure, what with our constant tromping through the wetlands of Churchill, today was especially notable. Instead of going out in the morning to several wetlands and then coming back for lunch, we instead opted to spend much of the day on our feet. After driving in the self-proclaimed “Mystery Machine” through bunches of conifer and open expanses of turf on a pretty bumpy road, as well as a small but still unexpected creek, we reached the end of the road and the beginning of our hiking trail.

We followed the stony/springy path for a period of time—why would you want to keep track of time if everything around you has its own tempo—and continued to venture deep into the tundra (just kidding, we only traveled about three miles during our little escapade). When we had reached a ridge, the whole group stopped for a well-deserved snack and then proceeded to work on the wetland that was waiting for us at the bottom of the hill. Somewhat more soggy, with a mild scent of methane and sulphur emanating from our waders, we again went up to our little spot on the ridge and ate lunch out of crackly brown paper bags that we had stuffed into our backpacks. PB & J, PB & B (peanut butter with bananas—don’t make a disgusted face, it’s really good actually :))), PB & J & B, as well as PB & B & C & BN & CN (yes, that sandwich was a bit more questionable in its composition of bacon, cinnamon, bananas, peanut butter, and cornflakes, but as the saying goes, each to its own) were all sandwiches that we hungrily consumed with relish. To top off all these wonderful bready incarnations, cookies, apples, and bananas were polished off. You may be thinking that we then energetically got up and practically skipped across to the next wetlands to be measured and probed—that would be correct, but that actually only happened after we had the best post-lunch nap ever!

Napping on the tundra is an experience unlike any other. Lying on the springy moss and savouring the delicious blue of the sky above you is quite nice if you want it laid out simply. Preferably, this experience should be supplemented with a nice breeze, and warm sun, without the annoyances of not-so-nice black flies and malicious mosquitoes (it kind of ruins that surreal wonder that you feel). We were able to obtain all these ingredients that equal a pleasurable time as Ben had ordered this superb day in advance (he wasn’t however, able to order a north wind being that that would have cost premium ;)).

It’s nice to walk around once in a while without the obstructions of man-made structures and truly appreciate nature’s handiwork. However, as I don’t have anything against the wonderful food in CNSC’s cafeteria, it’s time for me to grab some dinner.

Marianne