Blog Update August 6th

Today ISAMR lived through a glamorous series of events. The long day started as we awoke on a train inbound to Churchill, Manitoba. We headed to the small yet homey cafe car. We ordered breakfast, then shared a meal together; It consisted of Pancakes and Eggs. Around an hour later we arrive at the small subarctic town of Churchill. Our gear was unloaded from the train and we loaded it into our vans. Soon after, we were driven to the CNSC (Churchill Northern Study Center), on the way there we were shown different landmarks, and were told a few stories about the town. Once at the CNSC we stored our food and gear once again. We were given room assignments and had a brief orientation on the rules as well as other important information.
We had lunch at the CNSC, and after lunch we were each assigned with different field gear. From now on we had to make sure that our assigned gear made it to and from wherever we went to collect data. Then we embarked on a short dry run of what it would be like to set-up a transect. After, we had dinner, showered, did a load of laundry, and relaxed.

Around 7:30 a native Hunter/ Trapper came to the CNSC and gave a presentation on a few of the things they do in Churchill for a living. He also brought in a few traps, ammunition, and different animal pelts for us to look at and touch.
As the sun set over the vast tundra, we went on a sunset safari to a popular location named Bird Cove. On the drive up we admired the beautiful scenery and wildlife. At one point we spotted two Bald Eagles. Once we were at bird cove, we climbed up to the top of a rocky ridgeline. The view was simply breathtaking. Water, and Tundra as far as the eye can see. From the ridge, we could look down at the beach, and in the distance was Ithaca, a cargo ship that shipwrecked ages ago. We sat in silence, gawking at the view and the sunset. Many, if not all of us, took pictures.

Later that night, around 12:30 AM, I was out taking long exposures of the night sky on the CNSC’s observation deck. Suddenly I look up from my camera and see the northern lights. Beautifully dancing and expanding across the sky. I was quick to call the others out so they could admire nature's light show. We all found ourselves there, staring at the sky, jumping with joy and excitement. What a sight to see.

This was such a great day!

Written by Pablo

Uploaded by Liam

Photos by ISAMR group