" THE BEAUTY OF NATURE RETURNS TO THE NORTHERN FOREST!"

The threat of the forest fires is over with the help of Mother Nature!
Rain arrived early last week & continued throughout the week through this weekend and this along with the great work of the fire fighters the pending disaster was diverted. WHAT A RELIEF!
The smoke from the fires was very thick last Sunday night into Monday leaving a suffocating effect over the forest. Around 11pm on Sunday evening I was out on my deck and I heard a whimpering coming from the kennel. I went out to investigate thinking one of the dogs was upset. But, to my surprise, all were fine and the whimpering was from just out side the perimeter of the kennel. The distress was from either a lone fox, coyote or a wolf that didn't want to be alone and was seeking the comfort of the company of the dogs. Strangely the dogs sensed the animals distress and didn't make a fuss to allow it the comfort of the pack. It is interesting that animals will show compassion in the time of stress.
Would humans do the same?
Now you know why I prefer the company of my dogs and the animals of the forest vs humans!
Until next week.....

" FIRES THREATENS THE PARIDISE IN THE NORTHERN FOREST!"

Stressful times here at Miortuk with the forest fires raging here in Quebec. There are over 50 different fires here with several out of control, one of which is approximately 80-90 km North/West of here. This fire is threatening the Native village of Manawan where over 1000 inhabitants were evacuated on Thursday. You cant tell from the photo taken on Saturday afternoon that just over the horizon firefighters from Quebec, across Canada and the Eastern US are here battling the flames!
Thursday night the smell of smoke was very bad causing a very restless nights sleep. The last two days the winds have been heavy and no significant rain in sight. The fires were started earlier in the week by lightning strikes in a very dry forest. The dryness this year has been caused by little precipitation and unseasonably hot weather.
This the first time here I have felt the need to make emergency evacuation plans for the dogs! Lets hope I will not need to enact them.
The dogs are all fine and showing no complications. I am sure glad that I am here 100% of the time and they are so close I can monitor their condition. We are all one big family. I have enough food for the dogs to last a month without having to go out for supplies.
Lets hope next week shows improvement in the fire situation here.
Until next week.......

"SUNRISE COMES EARLY IN THE NORTHERN FOREST!"

Yes, if you want to photo the sunrise here, you need to be ready to capture the scene at 430am. This photo is indicative of the start of another beautiful day.
It was a great week here with sunshine and lovely warm weather.
The weather was so good, that I went to the village this week by ATV (All Terrain Vehicle).
The dogs are all relaxing and enjoying the warm days and cooler nights. The young dogs are having fun trying to catch the Butterflies flying around the kennel. It is funny to what them leap in the air trying to grab them as they flutter by. The final touch on the reorganizing the kennel was finally completed . So now, the males are on one side and the females on the other. All the dogs are getting along well with their new neighbours.
This up coming week is calling for sunny, Summer like weather. Time to get out the kayak!
Until next week.......

"THE DAWN OF A NEW DAY IN THE NORTHERN FOREST!"

How can one not appreciate life when you are afforded such a spectacular way to start the day!
This was a busy week with work around here, visiting some friends and running dogs.
Yes, I said running dogs! It was cold enough on Wednesday morning to run a team of dogs 4.5 miles. It was a great run and fun to be running the dogs again, especially at this time of year. Both of the new dogs ( Goliate & Cosmos ) ran great and were swept up with the enthusiasm of the rest of the team. If you would like see the run, check out Miortuks "YouTube" link.
Until next week......

"SNOW IN MAY!"

Yes, as seen in this photo taken Saturday morning, we are getting SNOW here in the Northern Forest in May!
It snowed all day Saturday & Sunday, this following several days of rainy weather. Earlier in the week it was warm and humid and now below freezing. Crazy weather!!!!
The dogs were all excited to see the snow, thinking it was time to start running again. However, this weather wont last as the forecast is for very warm temperatures and sunny days by the middle of the week.
But don't be disheartened, as I did see & hear the first two groups of Canada Geese returning from their Wintering in the south. So, SPRING is definitely here.
Also, checkout the "Puppy" section for portraits of each to celebrate their 1st year birthday.
Until next week........

"HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!"

The one thing all Mothers share in common is their unconditional love and support!
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

" A FOGGY EVENING IN THE NORTHERN FOREST!"

A late day rain resulted in an awesome view of fog hanging over the lake and in the surrounding mountains.
It was another quiet week here with the Spring clean up in the kennel and visiting with a few of my Mushing friends.
The Swallows have returned to nest in their house on the garage and have another generation of young.
The frogs are filling the night with their mating serenades.
The Loons have returned and fill the night air with their mournful cries.
The Squirrels and Chipmunks are teasing the dogs with their playful antics. They are especially of interest to the pups.
It is hard to believe the pups will be a year old this month. The time sure seems to fly by.
Yes, the forest is springing foreword with new life.
It is also with great pleasure to announce that Kara Hansen will be joining the Miortuk Team this fall.
Until next week......

" THE STILL HUSH AND TRANQUILLITY, WITH THE EARLY MORNING MIST HANGING OVER THE NORTHERN FOREST!"

This photo was taken this morning at 6 am and is indicative of the tranquillity of life here in the forest.
It was a good week here weather wise with seasonable temperatures and dry conditions. But, with the cool nights and rather warm days, we are getting nice moist conditions in the early morning. We are lucky here to have moist conditions as compared to other parts of North America experiencing very dry conditions and early season forest fires.
The dogs are all doing well and enjoying the idyllic Spring life along with playful interaction with their neighbours.
BUSH HUMOUR!
This week is a favorite time of the year for Canadians when we celebrate Earth Week and make the final payment on our 2009 Income Tax ( temporary measure instituted to help pay for the expenses occurred during the First World War).
It is with great pleasure that we top up the unpaid portion of the 50% tax( of our yearly incomes) privilege and realize how our money is spent helping to cover the uncontrolled spending of our elected officials, their extremely generous salaries, exorbitant expenses and bloated pensions. With out them, we would have to worry how we manage our money!
This is also the time we look at how we can protect our Earth from pollution and Global Warming. Since, we all know our politicians produce a lot of "Hot Air", maybe for the good of the planet, we should have fewer politicians.
This would be a WIN WIN for both the environment and our financial welfare.
HA! HA! Just bush humour!
Until next week.....