This week it seems like we skipped Spring and went straight to Summer.
The weather this week has been more Summer like with warm to hot/humid days and nice cool nights.
We even had a Thunder Storm go through here on Friday Morning!
However, the change in temperature has also brought out the Black Flies!
It seems that one/two weeks after the frogs start their nightly mating serenade, the Black Flies make their appearance here in the Northern Forest.
IT MUST BE SPRING!!!
Well this is all normal and by the first part of July, they will be gone for another year.
As you can see from the video, I have some nice fire wood for a Bonfire when the weather conditions is right. As of the present, the forest is very dry and we have only had a brief down pore of rain on one day in the last two weeks. 
The dogs are relaxing enjoying the warm temperatures and some are actually sunbathing. 
The rabbits have made an early morning appearance and their presents adds to the excitement for the dogs.
Last week, the Hummingbird feeder was installed and within an hour, the first visitors arrived. 
Enjoying the peace and tranquillity!
Until next week......

This posting is an update of two weeks of happenings in the Northern Forest at Miortuk.
As you can see from the photos above, the weather was the main theme of this posting. We went from nice Spring like sunny skies with temperatures in the 20's Celsius to snow on two successive Sundays! 
You have to Love It!
Luckily with the warmer temperatures, the snow accumulation on the ground didn't last for long. However, there is still snow/ice on parts of the training trail and in a couple of spots in the kennel.
Mostly now the kennel is clear and dry. Thanks to a great job by Thibault, most of the kennel is clear of the remnants of last Winters straw from the dog's bedding. 
The dogs have been a bit confused with the crazy temperatures and seem totally complacent with the return of the snow. 
However, there is now a new excitement for them with the return of the rabbits frequenting the kennel area to graze on the new plant growth. The rabbits fur has almost completely changed from its Winter white to its Summer brown. Nature, camouflage!
The frogs have now commenced their nightly mating serenade.
​A true sign of Spring here at Miortuk.
Last weekend, I spent the Friday, Saturday and part of Sunday visiting a friend near Montreal and attending his wife's 50th birthday bash. It was held at a local Blue Grass Club in Montreal where we enjoyed an evening of wonderful musical entertainment, a nice snack and liquid libation along with some great company of friends. Friday evening, we enjoyed a fantastic dinner at a Portuguese restaurant. Thanks Phil, it was a great meal and a great evening.
On Monday, Thibault Souef departed from here to continue his Canadian Adventure.
Merci, Thibault for all your help here. You are truly a gentleman and great company. I really enjoyed your stay here at Miortuk. You are welcome back here any time.
Well,  the sun is shining here and the forecast is for temperatures in the 20's for the next several days.
​Until next week.......

Finally, Spring has truly arrived here at Miortuk!
With warm/sunny days, the snow and the ice on the lake is melting quickly.
The kennel is half clear of snow and the other half the melt is progressing nicely.
This week, we started the Spring clean up and removed much of the straw that was buried in the snow over the Winter. The kennel is starting to look nice and tidy again.
This week the puppies got their final vaccinations and are now all set for three years. They are so energetic, it was not an easy task! They are sure a fun group of puppies. It is amazing how quickly they have grown in just less than 10 months.
Above is a few photos of the progression of the melt on the lake.
Also is a couple of photos of of Yoda And Darth (sister & brother) and you can see the family likeness with the ears!
Just a reminder to be very careful with fires while in the forest to prevent the tragedy happening out west at Fort McMurray.
Until next week.......