Winter Caretaker Report’ 22/23 Vol. 7

Gangler’s Winter Caretaker, Chris Sowden, is glad to delivered his first Winter Caretaker Report since his return to the lodge last month. This month’s report features Chris’s interactions with Northern Manitoba’s wildlife (bears, caribou, & even spruce grouses), amazing northern lights, and remarkably cold temperatures.

During my flight to come back to Gangler’s Lodge the pilot and I spotted a pack of wolves on a lake a few miles from here. They were on the search for caribou to hunt. After we landed at the lodge we got another surprise. While we were loading Ryan’s gear into the plane a spruce grouse decided to come land on the wing and watch us!

When I arrived back at Gangler’s in March the temperature was still frigid. Hovering around -30 C most of the time. But this past week has been unusually warm with highs ranging between 5 and 12 degrees. The smell of spring is in the air and I can feel the warmth of the sun. Although being this far north I’m expecting another brief return of winter before things really start to melt.

The caribou herds are starting to come together and congregate for their migration north for summer. Some of the bears have decided to wake up from their winter slumber as well. I’m expecting the migratory birds to arrive in a few weeks.

The Aurora Borealis has been spectacular! The increased geomagnetic activity has put on a brilliant display of northern lights. I’ve never seen it so bright. And it is predicted that this next year might be even better for viewing the Aurora.