Walking the Dogs

Each morning and night we take the dogs for a 20 minute walk.  Our favorite path is heading towards Frobisher Bay.  There is plenty of open space, so once we get off the local roads the dogs get to go off leash.  They seem to love this experience and for me, it is very enjoyable too.  We are up a few hundred feet above the bay and the view's are breathtaking.  Each day, we are amazed to see boats out in the bay, since it must be getting close to the end of shipping/boating season.  Some of these are bigger ships that transport goods to Iqaluit and some are smaller local boats that fish or sightsee on the bay.  Still, since it is typically -5 to -8 degrees, we are surprised to see the boats on the bay.  Near shore, there are already signs that the bay is beginning to freeze over.  So far the only wildlife that we have seen on our excursions are the ravines.  These are large black birds that seem to communicate by making all sorts of interesting noises.  They terrorize the dogs and one of the funniest times was when Quinn was trying to take a dump and this ravine kept hovering 3 or 4 feet over his head.  He would get down into a squat and the bird would hover, so he would jump up trying to get the bird.  This happened 4 or 5 times in a row.  Finally, Quinn just gave up and searched for an alternate, more private dumping ground.  So far, no polar bears, wolves, whales or any other animals that are supposed to frequent these parts.  All in all, one of my favorite experiences is taking the dogs for their daily walks. 

Our first days...

Well its the end of our first week and so far so good. We have accomplished alot in our few days in Iqaluit. Our biggest satisfier was being able to purchase some wheels! A must for getting around town; although the taxi service is excellent we found we would be spending too much $ on cab fares. Luckily one of the employees at Larry's work had a 1990 Jeep Wrangler for sale. You should have seen the smiles on our faces knowing we now have freedom and our own wheels. A whole new appreciation.

The dogs love it here as they too have more freedom than they've ever experienced. They spend more time off lead than on. There will be no difficulties keeping them fit; its just a matter of how well they'll adjust when the real cold sets in.

Our transition to Iqaluit has been quite smooth. We're were fortunate in that we were moved right into our apartment. It's a two bedroom semi-furnished place that will definitely meet our needs. The layout is great! We each have survived our first work week and both of us would agree that we have been made to feel welcomed. Everyone seems very friendly and willing to help out in any way they can.

Our first experience to Northmart (grocery and everything store) was an eye opener. Anything you see in the grocery stores at home is easily 30% more here. For example, a cartoon of orange juice ranges between 9 and $12 here. A loaf of bread will run anywhere between $2.99 to $5. Larry's favourite snack of cashews are outlandish. A Costco size of cashews is around $50. A pound of bacon usually runs between 7-$9. One thing we're are realizing is food is not wasted here (at least not in our home) because you don't spend frivously like we do "down south."

We took a trip yesterday, with our new wheels, onto the "road to no where." Yes, that is what it's called. Apparently during the Queen's visit to Canada she wanted to be taken out on the Tundra so they built the road to no where so they could do just that; take the Queen out onto the Tundra. We have to admit we don't know the accuracy of the story but there is this road. Many of you will remember we were told that you don't lock your front door; well in Iqaluit, at least, you do. We're slowly learning "truisms" rather than believing all that we've been told prior to arriving.

The pictures look austere and a little bleak; but believe us when we say it is truly beautiful. You do miss the trees and greenery, but the other qualities up here make it worth while.