The Beauty of the North -- Tricia Fleming
October 20, 2012
Tricia Fleming , AVC 2013, travelled to Nain as one of the student participants on the Chinook Project. As part of the experience, the students craft various pieces of writing. No photos were submitted with this essay, photos are supplied from other trips to Nain and Postville.
From the moment you step off the plane in Nain, Labrador the fresh, clear northern air fills your lungs, and the sweet smell of salt water tickles your nose. The air has a sense of familiarity, like a long, lost friend you are not quite sure you have ever met. The cool wisps of air blow through your body with a subtle reminder that nature is untamed in the North.
Nain is located within a patchwork of rocky hills contained within and molded by the ocean. The hills rise up strong and majestic from the water proudly shaping the land. They instill awestruck silence to all who gaze upon their beauty. In most places the rocky margins rise steeply from the water’s edge like the walls of a fortress. The rock can appear to be dark and bland in colour; however, it is speckled by rare minerals and the beautiful gleam of the purple Labradorite. Nain, itself, is located in one of the few flattish areas and seems both protected and dominated by the mountain ranges. The town is cradled in a small valley, increasing the sense of isolation and encouraging humans to bond together to survive the elements.
The fog sweeps in almost daily, flirting with the mountain peeks as it conceals their beauty. The feathery gray mist acts like a blanket gently hiding the land from the common eye. It mystifies the surrounding area, instilling a sense of wonder and curiosity to those who yearn for a connection to nature.
While the strength of the mountains is obvious, the delicate presence of the flora that live there is harder to appreciate. Trees, grass and shrubs are persistent and even in the harsh conditions of the north they plant firm roots into the jagged rock surface proving that they too can handle and belong in the north. However, conditions are not easy, and trees only grow to a certain height and width and only so close to the salt water. The flora adds colour to the rock surface providing contrast in the summer months. Perhaps the unsung gem of the hardy northern flora is the beautiful poppy. Among the green and gray of the landscape, the yellow and orange poppies are sprinkled along the land like pieces of the sun bursting from the earth.
All the splendor of this landscape would not be as impressive without the connection to the ocean. The dark blue, clear water flows unpredictably like a free spirit embracing carpe diem. Full of life, the waves crash and soar untamed and uncontrolled. The cold water seems inviting, but hides many dangers that can be unleashed onto the careless visitor. However, it also produces many gifts to those who respect and appreciate the wonders of the ocean.
The ocean and the land-water interface are particularly close to my heart; they are in my soul. When I am close to the water and surrounding nature I feel full of life, and a peace of mind spreads throughout my entire body. I inhale its passion and feel its strength within my inner core. There is freedom and hope in such places, I know I must help protect them.
The northern landscape is powerful and beautiful. It reminds us of the fragility of humanity; it cannot be owned or conquered. In order to survive on this planet we must understand that we cannot control this world, we must respect and live in harmony with nature.
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