Aug 12 - Beach Ridge Hike Day!

Today, we were setting foot on the north end of the camp and we didn’t expect the grand difference from the north to the south that we encountered. Not even 10 minutes into the walk, we saw a polar bear strolling along the edge of the beach. Fortunately, it wasn’t close enough to be a danger, but we kind of wish it was. Then we repeatedly came across female and male caribou, one even had antlers the size of a table. 

After many many hours of hiking along the beach ridge, including a stop at one of our sites, we finally arrived at the beach of the Hudson Bay. Some of us split up to make a fire from scratch out of driftwood and dry seaweed. After the crackling of the fire relaxed us all, Julie suggested we play a few mental games such as Hinkity Pinkity and Wavelength and we passed the time with many laughs before it was time to head back.

We ended the day with a family-style supper outside, Carla’s delicious chili! Lizette had given us 24 hours to think of an animal we would wish to be, so we went around sharing our choices as she gave us a piece of wisdom on each animal. She found ways to connect similarities between our chosen animals and us and inspired us to be confident in our decisions. Each animal had special aspects of their identiteis, ranging from butterflies to bison.

Shortly after, we gathered on the observatory deck to have a moment of silence. Noticing the still and vibrant sounds of the wildlife that surrounded us. After a long day outside the gates of Nester, ending the day with peace and appreciation for those around us made us feel so close and familial. And once again, we stood astonished as the northern lights danced above the observatory deck.

Best,

Cassandra Kitchen and Quinn Bernauer