January 4, 2013    - The Trip up to Wemindji

Due to unanticipated amount of "stuff" that two of us needed to take to Wemindji, we had to delay our intended early departure in order to box and ship through Canada Post.  That meant waiting for the shipping store to open, pack up boxes and then take to the post office.  We left Oakville around noon. 

The drive up to Amos couldn't have been nicer in terms of weather.  Sunny and crisp all the way!  Aidan did the bulk of the driving with me as relief.  Beau ( my faithful little dog) behaved extremely well and soon nestled into some pillows between our seats. The motel in Amos was warm and comfortable and we just collapsed into bed in order to be up by 6 the next morning for an early departure with the "convoy".  This consisted of three other vehicles driven by Marsha, Carmen, Brandy and Shawna ( all teacher friends of my daughter Aidan).  Weather turned and we were now driving through conditions people had warned me about.  Poor visibility and ice.  We made frequent stops to let our respective dogs relieve themselves and their owners too.  The last stop had frozen plumbing so we all had to evacuate ourselves behind various out buildings.  I have no modesty left!  One adapts!

The fun part came as we were barrelling along James Bay highway trying to follow the vehicles in front through blowing snow, ever mindful of the caribou who were said to be in the area.  A slight turn of the wheel and we slid off the road almost into tundra.  Luckily Aidan did some quick steering and there we were, tottering on the edge.  Well, that got our adrenalin pumping and my blood pressure soaring.  We were pondering what to do and just when it looked sort of hopeless, along came two handsome native hunters.  They pulled over and asked if we needed a hand.  I almost wept with gratitude.  They towed us up onto the road in 15 minutes after trying a few attempts at pushing the van.    Thanks Ron and Emanuel!  Such chivalry.

Within 5 minutes of getting back on the road we managed to almost hit a small herd of caribou as they casually sauntered across the highway.  Quite a spectacular sight for an Oakville girl like me.  But a bit inconvenient for drivers. Makes me appreciate how humans have encroached on nature and nature is snubbing its nose at us.

When we arrived in Wemindji it was dark and freezing but we still had to unload the car and get Aidan's hamsters indoors.  One of the little darlings had escaped from its cage and hidden in the undercarriage of her van.  Aidan was beside herself.  I suggested she use the flashlight to entice it out and sure enough, out it came.  That's three bits of bad luck so we should be done for now. 

Tomorrow we head over to the school so that I can familiarize myself with the classroom in which I'll be teaching and the course materials.  Very exciting and a little nerve racking at the same time.  I'm very fortunate to have Aidan leading me through this part.  On Monday morning I shall meet the students and get into my new routine.  Pictures to follow.  Thanks for the well wishes of all my family and friends back home, without which I might not have decided to embark on this adventure!  Love you all... more to come.