Just before lunch Mike called to ask if I would be interested in going out on the bay today. The stats were perfect: Temp - 10C, winds calm, sky clear and sunny. You betcha I said, dashing the alternative of hanging out in my jammies and doing housework.
It was a large group, six machines each with kiddie passengers and one qamutik. Once at the destination, Mike put on the stove to start a pot of tea, he asked "should I use bottled water or snow?" "Snow" I answered, "because we can!"
The kids big and small each took turns climbing the big hill with sliders, some went almost to the very top to start their slide. But since I'm in such unhealthy shape, I only managed to climb about halfway up and then proceeded the fast trip down. Too fast for all the hard work of climbing up! Sure enough the kids climbed up, this time to roll down the hill!
After a tea and a tanning session, it was time to return. We chose not to recross the bay but to come in across the land. Once again, I was in awe of the stark beauty, the big sky, the harshness of the land and the kindness of the sun.
Mike successfully guided us home pointing out the notable landmarks, and trail markers.
The evening had us return to friends to deliver a parcel, upon arriving home, the aurora was dimly lighting the night sky. As we proceeded into the apartment, they grew and grew and this was the first time I've ever had the chance to witness pink aurora borealis.
Twenty minutes later, the sky was black, starry, and quiet again.
During the winter we had noticed this stop sign. Was it implanted in the ditch? Was it buried by snow? Both I guess! 
Even though the thermometer reads -13C the sun is so warm that it possible to go about with just a fleece jacket. Today was the first day I opened a window at home. The sun heats up the small front room with the same intensity that the north wind can chill the apartment. This time of year is perfect, bright sunshine, open windows, fresh air, no dust!
