Week Three in Taloyoak

Oh my goodness. I was planning on a walk for a few pictures after lunch- ok after waking up early afternoon. The wind whistling through the apt and rattling siding woke me up before my alarm- I am NOT going out there. I'd take a picture for effect, but easier to take a picture of a white sheet.
Whats the definition of a "Near Blizzard". The Health Centre has cancelled appts and closed clinics for today, and I'm betting this would be a bad day to have a flight booked. Last night had to go to the airport to pick up some people staying at the Centre. It's only a 3 minute drive which is cool, but have to be extra observant with the roads, (today would be a bad day...) sometimes the snowmobile paths are wide enough and worn enough that they look like roads- except you don't want to try to drive the truck that way. (Right Tanya!?) Think we are looking for a new shovel and tow strap this week. Time for a 30 minute standing cardio with BurpeeGirl.
So what is that you ask? Its an ULU. Inuktitut for "womas knife" it is a traditional tool for food prep (meat, bone) and preparing animal skins. Smaller versions used for cutting hair, sewing. Historically made with stone and wood or bone handle, now steel blades are used. Simon told us his brother uses old saw blades to make them. This one was made by an elder in the community who makes ulu and pana (traditional snow knife for cutting snow blocks for igloos). This one has a polished muscox handle- just beautiful! Yes, the Ident geek put a key in the photo for a size/scale reference.
Looking out generally east about 8:40 this morning. Nice sunrise.
This one was out front parking lot at the airport in Gjoa Haven when we first flew in. I like the sunset- but also the snowmobiles in the lot with the trucks. Noone turns off their vehicles- for obvious reasons. Guy that we met travelling to the same place as us laughed- taking pictures of a parking lot...tourists!
Last one is from the roof of the Health Center about 7 tonight looking out to the airport. Yes, its as cold as it looks.
Couldn't resist- head to toe in seal.

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