Amazed at the beauty

Same "routine" as yesterday but far from boring!!  Did a bit of exploring around town followed by more exploring out in the tundra.

This morning I started with wandering through the Iqaluit cemetery.

In Inuit culture, all members of the community participate in requiems that last for hours, during which the towns appear deserted. Due to the frozen permafrost, burial sites are not deep, and are covered with rocks.  Artificial flowers and other decorations are used to mark the burial site - and it is customary for everyone who knew and cared for the deceased person to add their own decoration.  Because of this, although not large, the belief here is that it may be one of the most decorated cemeteries.

At the edge of town - where the road ends otherwise you're in Frobisher Bay.

And in all my wanderings you might be wondering - where am I getting a cup of coffee?  Well, unbelievably there actually is this:

but I much prefer this!

Next on today's agenda was the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut which is the territory's parliament.  There are no political parties in Nunavut and the territory operates by consensus government. Approximately two weeks after an election, the newly elected legislature meets in a special session called the Nunavut Leadership Forum to select the Executive Council.

The Executive Council of Nunavut, or cabinet, includes a Premier and seven Ministers and is elected by the members of the Legislative Assembly from among the Assembly members. 

The Legislative Building of Nunavut was built between 1998 and 1999, and became the home of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut in 1999.  The post-modern building incorporates the Inuktituk concept of meeting place or "Qaggip".  The mace of the Legislature is stored outside the assembly hall.

This is also the only parliament house in Canada where the public is allowed on the legislature floor.

There were some stunning pieces of art in the Legislative Building - this was one in particular that really caught my eye.

And I have to admit - I also really liked the washroom signs.

This afternoon I was back on an ATV again, this time exploring Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park.  In Sylvia Grinnell Park, the vastness of the arctic landscape above the tree line can be appreciated without obstruction.  The Sylvia Grinnell River meanders through the tundra valley of this beautiful park.

Before saying 'goodbye' to my ATV I went across to the other side of Frobisher Bay to look at Iqaluit from an area known locally as "The Causeway".  

During high tide it's a good place to launch boats, and during the summer it's a good place to leave your snowmobile as you wait for the snow to come again.

There's no doubt about it, Frobisher Bay is a pretty magical place.  Even without any sunlight I think the water and reflections are still pretty spectacular.