Saturday April 6, 2024

April 06, 2024

Good morning:

I don't know why, but it takes about a day before the pictures I take make it to google pictures!!

The ice fishing trip yesterday was so wonderful. We all gathered at the school at the usual time. At 9:45, we were all invited to go outside to board our transport to the frozen fishing spot. It was about 20 below, with a hefty wind blowing--though the sun was shining and it was a cloudless sky. I got to ride with the Director, on the super hot ski doo along with the auger, and the one of the several rifles that also came along for protection from the polar bears and other wild life.

We made sure all the children were dressed properly. Sometimes some kids arrive with not hats or gloves. We scurried around to find the necessary items, and away we went.

Travelling on the snow mobile is kind of like riding on a motor cycle--but not so smooth. When you are on the frozen ocean, in Hudson Straight, the surface is very bumpy, and you see ice sculptures made by nature all along the way. Thomassie was a very good driver, so we were able to go up and down hills without falling off! One ski doo went too fast, and the driver and passenger where thrown. Fortunately, no injuries.

Once we got to the spot, holes were drilled, and everyone was given a fishing stick. It is just that--a piece of wood no longer then 9 inches, with twine wrapped around it, and a 4 pronged fish hook and a spinner--I think that is what you call them--a silver thing to attract the fish. The tent was put up, and the coleman stoves turned on, boiling up snow for water. Away we went!!

We fished for about an hour, when the the first and only fish was caught!! It was pretty small--but a fish nevertheless! It was quickly fried up for lunch.

As we were waiting for the lunch, students climbed the little hill behind us, and just floated down the hills on their behinds--no sleds needed!! What fun.

It is a good fishing area says Thomassie, but not yesterday!! There is a commercial boat at the frozen dock. It is used by the community, and all the fish caught goes to the residents. Everyone here works together--it is a nice village.

This is Thomassie, the school director and organizer of the event.

Love the Inuit parkas.

Getting ready.

Yes--eat your heart out, motor cycle lovers!!

Quite the machine!! The rifle and auger--all you need!!

Here is our convoy, leaving the village for the hills beyond, and down on to the frozen, Hudson Straight. You can see the commercial fish boats, on the frozen inlet.

Sliding on your bottom.

Arriving, and getting organized.

This is Tommy with his fishing stick, looking for fish!!

You see how simple the fishing pole is. One lady here catches 20 or more fish at a single outing, using this kind of line. She should have come with us!!