TERN colony

2,450 miles from home.

Morning run along Cunningham Inlet followed by a long canyon hike into the interior of Somerset Island.  Bird colonies — arctic terns — nest high in towering canyon walls.  Colorful mosses appear/soak up solar.  Snow drifts continue to retreat, forming seasonal rivers/stunning waterfalls.  Yellows & purple… tiny flowers in bloom.

It’s a hard desolate existence top of the World but... life always finds a way.  Well, life AND death.  On my run, came across a pile of bones.  Some sea mammal most likely washed ashore & later, picked clean.  Bones bleached white in the high Arctic sun.

Super blessed but bit somber/reflective/quiet today, as the sole American in Camp.  Carried a USA flag on my journey.  Post-hike planted outside my tent.  That’ll do.

Happy 4th — Red White & Blue.  Happy Birthday U-S-A  🇺🇸

Independence Day 2022