Looking lonely.

Susie, visiting from Quebec City, took this shot.

Musk ox has been rubbing his/her head on the rocks, there is hair all around that area I’m told. Wonder if animal is backed in there for defensive purposes, maybe too many people getting too near, too often, just wondering.

Musky runs for his/her life.

Seems the Quebec Government had allowed a limited subsistence hunt of Musk ox in Nunavik. So I guess the lone one over this way decided to take a pass on that.

The story in Nunatsiaq News reports the heard has grown from the 52 released in 1983, to about 2000 today. Eight tags were issued to the two communities closest to the heard; the hunt was in designated areas. The limited hunt will be held for a five year period. It may or may not lead to a sport hunt.

It isn’t over till the skinny man sings.

I don’t think the latest Andy Wells saga is quite over yet.

Mr. Wells issued an apology to Ms Duff over his remarks to/about her at a so called private meeting some weeks ago.
Mr. Well’s apology came with some caveat’s, at least that’s what I got from his interview with CBC Here and Now and on CBC radio’s On the GO.
On the latest Here and Now interview Mr. Wells seemed unusually reticent, but earlier on the On the Go interview he seemed rather rambunctious, while at the same time seeming to apologize. Not sure why this would be. Could be he was playing up to the camera, the interviewer was male, way/type of questions put to him.
Radio interviewer was a woman, way/type of questions put to him.

Ms Duff seems to have accepted his apology, though with some reservations it seems to me, and rightly so.
Mr. Wells keeps on insisting that he is honest, candid with voters and the right guy to fight for the people of St. John’s. Yet, Mr. Wells stated on a number of occasions that he did not remember calling Ms Duff a stupid old woman, he bordered at times on saying he did not say these words, but then changed it to saying he may have said them but could not remember.
Now yesterday, Mr. Wells comes out and says he remembers offering Ms Duff an apology for saying the same words he did not remember saying.
Is that dishonesty? Bad memory? Selective memory? Sign of aging

One of the caveats Mr. Wells uses is the Quida Vida plan for redevelopment that Ms Duff is allegedly behind. It would be helpful for the public if one of the news agencies could explain what exactly this issue is about. It may help us understand better Mr. Well’s rationale, or may not.

As I stated, the skinny man has not sung yet.

Kudos to all those who voiced/wrote about their concerns on this very important issue. More voices, and louder voices, are needed to stop this paternal bullying style that is still rampart in many walks of life.

Musk ox pic, second try.

Tried the long way, it worked. Not sure who to credit the pictures, these via Stephanie and her buddy Val.

Lone one horned Musk ox.

Having trouble uploading pictures of the Musk ox, oh well. It sure is creating some excitement in region any way.

He/she is a stray from a heard over in Northern Quebec, about the 5th reported sighting in Labrador, last one was 12 years ago further north.
Seems the heard was established by the Quebec government back around 1968 near Kujjuaq. Plan was to harvest the under hair. Experiment folded few years later and the 12 animals released into the wild. Heard is estimated at around 2,000. They do not normally travel great distances. This one is on an island at moment so his/her future is not assured. Wildlife people are taking an interest from a distance, time and nature will tell I guess.

Animal tales, part 2

Well, our daughter and grandson did get to see the lone Musk ox, along with another hundred or so Nain residents. Word is it is an old guy with only one horn, amazing he has lasted this long on his travels, especially if he is alone. If he gets out in the open, and that’s the way he is heading, then wolves may be a problem, unless their too busy with the caribou. No pics yet, most don’t want to get too close to the big guy; not many around here know their behavior, so that is wise.

Caught old Andy Wells on ‘As it Happens’ on CBC radio last evening. Also unfortunate in seeing him on ‘Here and Now’. What a whining sniveling little toad he is……well big toad. On radio he sounded like the worst kind of self serving gutless wonder, trying [in his way] to justify his behavior by condemning all and sundry. I would guess he is on way out, thank Yahweh for that, he is an embarrassment to the Province.

Sun is splitting the rocks again.

It’s up around 10 plus at our house, just amazing conditions for enjoying life in the outdoors.
Over the past several months there have been a couple of unusual sightings up this way.
Firstly, two sightings of a wolverine [unverified]. A lone trekker walking from Natuashish to Northern Quebec had one come into his camp, the wolverine allegedly tried to steal his ax. Then there were three hunters sighted what looked like a wolverine, they had a camera, but due to the excitement, or flat batteries were unable to get documented evidence. Both sightings were west of Nain and north west of Natuashish.
Second unusual sighting is of a Musk ox. First sighted in Voisey’s bay area, the sighter was able to get some pictures of it. Now today it is rumored to be on the outside the Voisey’s Bay near Tabor Island. Our daughter and grandson have taken a run out, so with luck may get pictures.

Both these animals are a rarity in Labrador. Wolverines were thought to be extinct, but some track sightings last few years have some researchers excited that some may be in area.
Not up on my Musk ox history, never heard of them this way; have to take time to look em up.

Speaking of the unusual, seems [on CBC phone in at least] Andy Wells has no supporters for his Mayorship ways.
I would say it is time for the rest of the St.John’s council to straighten their spinal cords and deal with this issue like responsible elected officials. This guy is an insult to all men, especially of this province.

Easter Monday.

Yesterday was the best weather day we had here all weekend, man it was unreal.
Fran arrived home after 5 days in Hopedale visiting her mother, Matthew came up to spend quality time with his grandma and grandpa, also to pick up the gift.







So we spent some time on the ice just hanging around, watching plans get loaded and taking off, people 'going off' for the day, and going for a short ride up the brooks, my back objected to that, so cut it short.



It was the perfect day to purge ones soul of the likes of the bloke in previous post sure.

My condolences to citizens of St.John’s.

I have been catching bits and pieces of the latest fracas going on between the councilors for the capital city. To put it in the most diplomatic way I can, the Mayor is a disgusting individual who puts the worst light possible on the rest of the citizens of this province.
I do not know personally any of the councilors, and watching them over the years nor do I feel the need to, but this latest outrage in depraved public behavior by Andy Wells is way over the top.
Surly his differences in opinions and policy as to what is best for the city can be done in a more gentlemanly and less offensive way. I should not say surly really, I know it can. There is no need to abuse women, men, councilors, staff, and citizens in the disgusting way Andy does. One can get your point across in a much more civil manner. Andy brushes it all off as “just being politics”, and “these people are liars and manipulators” and “out for their own gain”. Well talk about the pot calling the kettle black.
Time to go Andy Pandy, and not to an appointment anywhere in any government, go try that stuff in the private sector, short shift will be yours indeed.

Good Friday, part 2

This is a pic of what it is like today. Yucky, but it beats the time we were in a tent for three days in very similar conditions one easter past .


These are of nicer days, when one appreciates what we have a little more











Happy Easter to all.

Spring used to be heralded in by flocks of migrating snow birds, robins moving in to make nests, trips up into the bays to fish for char and trout through the ice.
Not to mention the weather, sometimes sunny and an ideal -5 or so, sometimes flat in snow and freezing rain n stuff and around 0 or so.
Trips on the ice to anyplace one liked to hunt, fish, camp, a days boil up.
Well we still get those things, admittedly in more unpredictable patterns than yore.

Alas, from my point of view, we now have signs like this stating that there are no ore carrying ice breakers cutting across your route.
Planes like this taking fuel and supplies into mining exploration camps hoping for the next eldorado.









The status quo says that it is all about job creation, you can’t stop progress, and if we don’t get involved it will go ahead any way yadda yadda yadda.

Well I say bullshit to that. One would have to have their head in the sand to not know that the ecosystems of this world are under attach in the most serious way. Human abuse is showing its effects on the earth’s ecosystem in an alarmingly increasing way.
Labrador is still predominantly a pristine area. There is still time to turn things around and find sustainable ways to economic development. What is needed is leadership with vision and courage. What is also needed is for the people to encourage that leadership in a new vision for Labrador.

Taking the easy and low road is having its effects on this earth. Unless we start taking the more difficult high road, then I’m afraid our descendents will not have very positive memories of us.

No flipping seal pie for me mate ;-]

How about this recipe for seal flippers.
1.Take a bunch of flippers.
2.Place in wooden barrel.
2.Add some water.
4.Wait undetermined time until flippers turn white.

I’m told it is very yummy, but will take my wife’s word for it thank you very much.

Now here is some stuff I was weaned on;

Every body knows and luves vegemite right? I can remember the vegemite/cheese/lettuce sandwiches is if it was yesterday. Actually it was.
And who can forget the Anchovette on crackers, or toast on a hot summer morn.Well actually it is a mouzzy April morn now.
As for the Leatherwood honey; I had never tasted it till yesterday, man it is some good. It is about as natural as you can get, no heating or filtering, just creamy natural flavor and goodness. The aroma is powerful, like the smell of rose petals and wildflowers all wrapped together. The flavor is kind of overpowering at first, so many hints of things it is hard to nut down. The after taste stays for a long time, get’s your moneys worth with this sure.
I have always found that honey from hard wood areas of the world have more intense flavor than from soft wood areas. Not sure if it is just me or what. I thought Australian honey were the bee’s knees until I tried honey from the Greek island I spent 10 months on. A Definite hint of olives, and I thought that was the best until the Tasmanian Leatherwood arrived.
Another puzzle is; why is Anchovette not made in Canada? it beats the hell out of any fish pasts I have found here.

Birthday Part II:

Fran had indicated that some roses would be nice for her birthday. So me being one to please I started the expediting of request well ahead of time, ya just Got’a do it living up here. So around the 15th march I call out to Goose Bay and enquire about when flowers arrive, could they be delivered to air port etc. Was told flowers usually arrive Wednesday, no problem getting them to air port.
I lined things up with air line, she is all a go, weather permitting.
So on evening of the 20th had a call saying the flowers were in early this week and would I like them taken up to air port next morning. Looking out the window and not being able to see house across the road I replied, “well I don’t think that’s a good idea, and with the weather people saying we have a big low that will last for 2 or 3 days, could you pleas hold off on the flowers”. “No problem” they say.
Weather cleared towards end of week, but then the air lines have catch up with people and freight, Fran very understanding, all is under control, flowers will be late.
The following Wednesday, March 29, the flowers arrive in Goose Bay, taken to air port that evening, arrived at house around 3.30 PM yesterday.
As you can see, it was worth the wait, flowers look great, we had another little calibration. Fran improved on my arrangement skills later.
A big thank you to the Red Berry Patch in Goose Bay for their patience, understanding and first class service, recommend them to any one. Also like to thank the nice staff at Air Labrador for their part.
With a little planning, co operative retailers and air lines and the weather gods, we too can have the little luxuries that are taken for granted for folks in the larger centers.

Yummy:

Knocked up a quick fruit salad for the next few breakfasts. Not too shabby for Northern Labrador. Includes grapes, orange, apple, kiwi fruit, papaya, mango, will add banana when served. Almost as good as you get in tropical Queensland, or not.
The mango at $1.99 was a bit on the sour side, but will be OK in the salad. The papaya at $5.99 is just about right, that’s’ the color and taste not the price. But to hell with the price, it beats out $200.00 plus dollars worth of caned and processed foods that one person had in their cart the other day.

Had a little b/d get together for Fran Monday night. Smaller than usual due to work, health and education issues of other members of family.
I cooked up a nice selection of lamb chops, steaks and roasted vegetables and three greens. Quaffed it down with my home made bolero red, dam fine drop if I do say so.


Pic #1 is Matthew laughing at Grandmas comments on the lousy selection of candles Grandpa came up with. Note nice clean table.






Pic #2 Aimee made a dame fine cake too, chocolate something or other with butter icing on top, chocolate icing and raspberries in center. You can see that Matthew and his sister are not enjoying the cake, not.

March 27.

Happy Birthday to my best friend and love of my life.

For a week and a bit I’m married to older woman. Me bad or What?

Apropros of gloating:

See the commonwealth games in Melbourne are over. Yes, things go on outside the front. In case some people missed it, medal tally went something like; Aust 221 total. Eng 110 total. Can 86 total. Ouch. The medal breakdown is even more embarrassing for some, so will leave that out.
So the little populated antipodean Island in the pacific has given it to the big blokes again. Well big in their own mind, but the smart money knows better, eh?

Nice and cool here this morning, a more seasonal -14. Snow conditions should be good for the heritage dog team race that starts at 11 out on harbor. Should be a Canadian win, no Aust. teams made it in. Or should I say Labradorean win, never sure of the politically correct term these days.

Continuing from last post:

On the positive side there has been some action on cleaning up the environment. The now defunct LIA worked with DND and other public/private entities to clean up the PCB’s at the old Saglek radar site. LIA also worked with people from a Quebec university on testing for [contaminants, mainly POP’s] in the food chain, in areas around some communities. The Quebec Labrador Foundation has been involved with summer projects for some years now. The town council sponsors spring clean ups every year, enters clean beach contests. Volunteer teachers run the re-cycling program, the funds generated go towards a breakfast program at the school, very admiral that is. I’m sure there are some I have missed but that’s the general trend.

So I see a definite trend in what has been happening here; most of the programs are promoted by outside entities, most include some sort of financial incentive. Almost none are promoted by people in leadership or grass roots to do what is right for the environment for the sake of doing it, that it is the right thing to do. There is little to no proactive efforts to deal with litter, contaminants in the air or water on a continuing basis.
Why not some one say; let’s look back at the history of the Inuit, let’s get back to our relationship with the land and animals. Is the way the Inuit are heading what people really want, are we being miss informed and miss guided in this rush to jobs at any cost, the rush to over consumption of consumer goods and processed food.
The jobs at any cost are today mainly in the non renewable resource sector, is this good for future generations?
It’s past time that people started to think hard about these things, alas without strong committed leadership, or a strong committed grass roots, it will not happen.

Some may look at my ranting and say that I’m naive and idealistic. Most who would say that would be the ones whose life style relies on the rush to abuse Mother Nature and the rush to over consumerism? Their life styles also rely on the ever evident rush to what could be called cultural genocide.
My answer would be that I am certainly not naive having traveled and taken an interest in what is happening in the world. I may be idealistic, and I’m proud to be called that. Beats the hell out of being a flunky to the corporatocracy.

Table Mountains in comments mentions the influx of different bird species to his area. We have some smaller species of sparrows that are new to area. Different patterns of some rodent types are evident. More polar bears are seen since 25 years ago. The consensus among scientists seems to be that global warming will affect different parts of the Province in different ways. For instance Northern Labrador will see colder winters and perhaps dryer summers due to more ice and bergs in the Labrador Current. This makes sense to me, and it was actually happening, until this winter that is. A definite warmer winter overall, with very unstable and unpredictable ice conditions. This makes for traveling plans for hunting and wooding to be re assessed. It also makes it harder for animals to hunt; this could lead to extinction of certain species.
Maybe it is a good thing that subsistence hunting is on the way out then, then maybe not in long term.

This is getting a bit long, but it is only the tip of the iceberg of the debate/conversation, so lets up and at em folks. One Inuk in Nunavut used the analogy of; Inuit are the canneries in the coal mine on the Global Warming front. I wonder how many canneries have to die before the world wakes up?

Global warming? what to do about it.

Nain gets a brief mention in this story on global warming in the north.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/21/AR2006032101722.html

Coincidently, just last week I was in a conversation with a leader of the Nunatsiavut Government, I broached the subject of alternative energy, and how was the new government handling the issue of trying to reduce green-house gas omissions and at same time reduce our dependency on diesel generators for producing our electricity.

I wish I could say his answers were surprising, alas they were not. Seems the new government has had discussions on alternative energy, but mainly from perspective of making money. They are looking at the feasibility of supplying the mine at Voisey’s Bay with hydro generated power, and if it is a go perhaps a line over to Nain.

I asked, “well what about other communities”? “What about wind generated power”?
It seems the New Government is relying on information from Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro [NLH] for advice in this area. I pointed out that NLH has most likely the worst record in Canada in regards to promoting anything other than large scale hydro projects, and that Canada is behind most of the world in encouraging the use of renewable energy. This information is; the cost of replacing diesel generation with wind power, either wholly or partly, would not result in any cost saving to the consumer, or may cost more. Well I say, “what about the cost to the environment if nothing is done”, what about the term ‘peak oil’, what about the cost of ‘peak oil’ ten years down the road, has this been factored in” No answer was forth coming.
Seems there have been other discussions of what the future may hold regards energy, but I am not encouraged from what I heard. All are long term, and when you get all sorts of rationales NOT TO DO things when you put out suggestions, then it is time to worry.

So I guess the gist of my rant is; I am some what befuddled when I see the words ‘Inuit relationship with the land and the environment’. From my vantage point here in Northern Labrador I see an erosion of this relationship that is very troubling to me. I see very little pro action, or encouragement, to protect what we are very lucky to have. From local all the way to provincial government there are few visible signs that any one really gives a hoot, it’s the old first world axiom of, “it’s the economy stupid”, and be dammed with the rest. With some exceptions the population is also very laze-a-fair in their attitudes and their treatment of the environment. We have an ever increasing influx of large horse power snowmobiles and outboard engines. Same with vehicles. We burn our garbage and the dump is leaching into a small bay that is a popular char fishing area. We dump raw sewage into the harbor not far from the town dock. There is an ever increasing amount of plastic bags, discarded plastic containers, tins, you name it, constantly scatted around town.

To be continued.

The continuing story. Sad boy.

Heard on CBC radio this morning was another in the long and sad saga of the Innu of Labrador and the deplorable way politicians, bureaucrats and private business have miss handled, miss led, taken advantage of, the Innu and their situation and plight for decades.
This morning, ex band Chief Katy Rich of Natuashish was on air complaining about how the band councils, and by extension the Innu Nation, are miss handling the funds the Innu are receiving from an IBA signed with the Voisey’s Bay Nickel Company. CBC reported that the Innu are to receive around 145 million dollars over several decades. This money was supposed to be put into a “trust fund” to benefit todays and future Innu. For reasons that seem a bit dodgy, the trust fund was by-passed and money was borrowed by the Innu Nation with future IBA payments as collateral, and the money given to the two Innu band councils to do with what they wish. Katy Rich claims that the Natuashish band council was issuing cheques to some band members, with the inevitable that the money is being spent in a few weeks, with nothing being put aside for future generations. One other Natuashish resident claimed that money is needed for youth activity, as well as other areas. Natuashish has a brand new multi million dollar ice rink. Due to corruption there has been no money available to maintain the rink, so there has been no hockey played in the rink for two years.
Innu nation head Ben Michel made some half hearted proclamations of dealing with the “trust fund” problem by July, well after the next schedule pay out of one million bucks to each band council. That would make it four million mostly squandered dollars to each community to date.
Shame on Politicians and bureaucrats for their gross miss conduct over the years on this file. Double dame shame on dodgy business people who are blatantly taking advantage of corrupt, and some times ignorant, Innu leaders and members.
Katy Rich stated that if something is not done right now to correct the situation, then she will go to court, I'm with katy all the way.

How’s that BS? [Brissie Shelia], no wimpy expressionless dude in a brothel me eh?

BS is a cyber buddy who likes the way I do not mince words, BS has a colorful way with words herself sure. Hope the weather is not too severe BS.