How I spent my last day in Churchill

August 14, 2011- my last full day in Churchill and what a day it was. I could’ve asked for a better last day before heading home.  The morning started off a little slow as I didn’t get home till the wee morning hours, after spending the evening with some friends. Upon waking up I managed to get my laundry and most of my packing done so that I could enjoy the rest of the day relaxing and visiting.

Hayley (my roommate) came home and mentioned that she was taking her guests dog carting in the afternoon and asked if I’d like to join. I didn’t even have to hesitate! I had wanted to try dog carting (sledding) in the summer and see how different it is compared to dog sledding in the winter which I had already experienced.

So around noon I headed to meet Hayley and guests and along the way I ran into some people that I had met since arriving in Churchill that I wanted to say goodbye too. So finally I made it to the Seaport where I hopped into the van and headed off to the Wapusk Adventures Kennel, where Dave Daley would be doing the dog carting. Once we arrived at the kennel and all 11 guests were accounted for we headed inside so Dave could tell us about himself and his dogs. One of the most interesting things I found out is that Dave Daley is the founder of the Hudson Bay Quest. The Hudson Bay Quest that has been going on for about seven years. The event has brought mushers and sled dogs from all over to race. It brings people back to a time when there wasn't no law of God nor man that went north of 53 degrees.

Afterwards we were introduced to the dogs, and what amazing dogs they were. Some of them have been with Dave since day one whereas others he has recently started racing with. He then showed us the carts we’d be sitting on during our one mile trek through the boreal forests. I was the third group to go and I went with a lady named Karen- but what an experience. The dogs have been well trained by Dave and know his commands like clockwork. And for being what look like small dogs, they are very strong and very fast. It was a great way to spend my last full day in Churchill and I thank Hayley so much for inviting me. I can now officially say “IDIDAMILE”.

Me with Old Blue

Hayley lovin' the dogs

Getting ready to go!

Dave waters his dogs to keep them cool

The rest of day was spent back in town. In the evening we were invited to a friend's place for a BBQ down at the flats, but first I needed to find some people and say goodbyes. Hayley and Dean headed down to the flats before me in van and I took the bike. I headed off to say goodbye to my uncle Hughie. It was such an experience to be able to get to know more of my family that I had never met before. From there I went to see my friend/co-worker Remi and his family. I visited with them for over an hour and had amazing apple pie. Thanks Louise.

After visiting and saying my goodbyes I headed up to Mike and Doreen’s house. I was surprised when I got there that I was asked to pick out any picture from Mike’s collection to have as my own! He has so many amazing pictures that it was a hard choice; however I found an amazing underwater shot of the beluga whales. It was very nice and very much unexpected of them to do this. I hated having to say goodbye, but told them if all went well that I MAY be back next summer. We’ll see what happens. They are both amazing people.

After what I thought was only going to be about an hour- but turned into almost 3, I finally made my way to the flats where the ribs were just being finished. And for the first time I had TOFU! It had been marinated in a sauce then cooked on the BBQ and looked delicious so I tried some, and actually really enjoyed it.  There was a huge abundance of food, ribs, salads, potatoes, tofu, veggie burgers, and peppers. Then for dessert we had cake! It was amazing and so much fun. We ate our food listening to music while also watching the whales behind us. It was the perfect evening.

Enjoy what you have, because there will come a time where it won't be there anymore