No Indoor Recess

Extreme Cold Warning didn't stop us today. After receiving instruction in the classroom, we were out shortly after 9:30 a.m. to build an igloo with centre scientist, Lee Anne. Igloo building is quite an art form. You have to first find a wind blown drift of snow. Well, that's not terribly hard to find on the tundra.

 Then from that drift you need to use a saw to cut out a large rectangle. Then gently pry that block away, pick it up and pass it someone standing outside the trench to carry over to the igloo site.

Place that block in the circle...

 Then shave it to make the correct angles so they fit nicely together. All the blocks need to be angled in so you can make your dome-like shape.

All students worked very hard taking turns at each of the stations to get this igloo built. Because it was bitterly cold we only stayed out for about an hour and a half before walking back to the centre. We couldn't get back fast enough. I know I felt like my feet were ice blocks and could barely grip the shovel I was carrying because of my frozen fingers. It was worth every minute though.

After warming up we headed out to Blue Sky Adventures for our experience dogsledding with Gerald and Jennifer Azure. We were very happy to be welcomed into a small cottage with a wood burning stove roaring away.

We were also welcomed with freshly baked wild cranberry bannock. So good.

After learning a little about Gerald's background living off the land and making a living by trapping we headed out to see the dogs. It was incredibly enjoyable to hear them get excited as they saw us approach. They are well socialized dogs and were eager to take us for a ride.

Two at a time we took turns riding in the sleigh on the trails. Gerald gave everyone a chance to "drive" the dog team around.

The birthday boys, Sasha and Scott got the first ride. What a birthday present!!

Mrs. Russell