Just some random trip planning updates.

CNSC:  I forgot to mention that when I first contacted CNSC to talk about Bird Camp, I spoke to Mike.  He described the Spring Wings and sent me some info about the Centre and a bird list for sightings from last year's Bird Camp.  The list is three pages long.  There are lots of birds I have seen and lots I haven't.  I am hoping for a ptarmigan.

He described the Centre. "The CNSC is an active research and education facility and, as such, lacks some of the amenities of a typical hotel.  You will, however, find our facility to be both welcoming and comfortable."  All the blogs I have read from previous visitors confirm the welcoming and comfortable info.  Everyone seems very happy with their time there.  (more stolen internet pictures)

Dining Hall

Bunk beds in communal room

Weather:  So, some of you may have heard rumours that Eastern Canada had a bit of a cold spell this winter.  In Victoria, we were battling our own winter demons in that the tulips didn't bloom until April so we may not have noticed the rest of the country. 

I was aware of the 'polar vortex' but since I was mostly warm, I didn't worry too much. Until the other day when I was listening to the CBC and they were talking about Winnipeg's frozen pipe problems.  The CBC people mentioned that the some residents of Winnipeg may not have thawed pipes until mid-June.  WAIT - WHAT? We are going to be there in early June.  Does this mean that it will still be cold enough in June to be frozen?  CBC: Winnipeg's frozen pipes woes drag on into spring
And if it is still so cold in Winnipeg that they can't flush their toilets, what is it going to be like in Churchill!?  This is not fitting in with my idyllic image of us romping through flower filled fields on a sunny spring day, communing with nature but not stepping on ground birds nests. 

Then I saw this Summer Outlook (CBC!? why are you doing this to me).  Are there even going to be any birds in Churchill in June? 

Cooler?  Cooler than what? 

Well, at least I am ready.  I bought the most ridiculous down coat in a winter clearance sale at The Patch.  So at least I will be warm.  I know, I know, Victorians are completely incapable of judging how to dress for real cold so even this may not be enough.

 

I apologize to the fake weasel who gave his life to keep the wind off my face

Mobility:  Mom was having some knee issues for the last couple of weeks but seems to be on the mend so that is good news.  And I got new orthotics and they are great.  I walked for hours this weekend and had no foot problems.  Also good news.  Bring on the tundra hikes!

 

Family:  Mom got hold of Uncle Paul and we are going to get to see him and his lovely wife, Gail.  I haven't heard if the cousins will be involved, but let's hope. 

 

Last note:  I hear that Air Canada has a new discount, tiny seated, carrier called Red (hmm, that can't be right, that is just begging for REDRUM and Red Rage comments but I digress, I will fact check eventually). They are bumping people who bought full price tickets for full size seats onto their new Red Rage line which CBC tells me has replaced two side-by-side seats with three seats.  

CBC: Air Canada customers angry over bumping to Rouge

Yay us for going with WestJet.  (fact checking complete - it is actually called Rouge, but I guess I am so bilingual that I automatically translated in my head.  I stand by my Red Rage statement though - Rouge Rage!)