Treerific

One of the few things I miss in the north is trees... one of the somewhat little known facts about me is that I complete 4/5 of a degree in forest engineering before switching to civil, so I could fit all the civil electives I wanted to take into my schedule. I guess it is just as well, my knowledge of forestry is largely useless up here, but my knowledge of municipal infrastructure and construction actually fits quite nicely into our science curriculum here. Still, I do love forests - and trees - in all seasons. This is a particularly special tree. Anyone who spent any serious time at this place would recognize this birch, most with fondness. There is a folk tale that this birch has magic invisible bungy cords that it sets in the hearts of anyone who spends much time near it... they may leave this place for a while, but the bungy cords will always pull them back. I have to admit to being one of the trees victems, although its more of a comforting tug..... its hard to begrudge a longing for such a beautiful place.

Fortunately for me, in my new home, my second favourite ecosystem, after the boreal and maple beech forests is.... the bog. So, I'm not feeling too deprived. It is certainly beautiful here, but I may have to have people send me videos of walking through the forest in the fall every few years with an envelop of aspen leaves just for effect and I really hope I manage to visit this tree at least for a bit of an afternoon or maybe Friday night campfire.

We've finally been hit full force by the blizzard. Visibility is definately below 0.2 km, but the weather station isn't updating environment Canada, so I can't give any accurate information save that the outdoor temperature is currently -27.6 C. I'll try and take some pictures, but I fear that they will look...um... rather bland. I think there will be some neat snow drifts once the sun comes out on the weekend.

On one final note, thank you to everyone who gave me your vote of confidence for best New Nunavut Blog. I am pleased to announce that I came in second in my Catagory. Congratulations to the winner, Cindy, Matt and their Furry Friends. Congratulations also to TownieBastard for winning in the Best Post Catagory. The Best Blog contest ended in a tie resulting in a run-off vote between TownieBastard and Port Town Ghosts.