Notable Attractions In Moose Factory Include....: City across the river

Me and my super cool roomie (MSCR) went for a 45 minute stroll along the ice road, en route to our Saturday night plans in Moosonee! Moosonee is the big city across the river from Moose Factory, with a population of approx 3500 individuals.

So to provide some context on this thriving metropolis called Moosonee, let me fill you in on a bit of history and geography. Moosonee is considerably younger than Moose Factory, it was established in 1900 by a family of three. It grew slowly but steadily, and is now known as Ontario's "Gateway to the Arctic" boasting Ontario's only saltwater port. Fun fact: Moosonee is at the same degree of latitude as Calgary, London, and Berlin. It's no wonder there are so many hipsters here!

You can easily get to Moosonee from Moose Factory in the winter by car, or on foot as me and MSCR did today (she's from Tdot, natch). During the summer months, crossing is by boat, but the most interesting crossings happen during the fall and spring when the water conditions can be icy--the river is traversed by helicopter! Last year the spring break-up started on March 22, so there is a chance I will get to commute by heli! The walk across on the ice road takes about 45 minutes. Today it was a balmy -10, and thus was bearable.

Once on the other side, we took a turn through town. The Northern is a chain of grocery stores operated out of Burlington that serve remote communities in Ontario. The quality is less than that of a Metro, and the prices exceed those of a Whole Foods.

The people of Moosonee seemed quite friendly, we chatted with the LCBO guy, and a taxi driver, who were very gracious. I also much preferred the dog situation in Moosonee....

A typical northern sunset

The moon suspended over Sawpit, a neighbouring island

Being welcomed

Looks like a 1970s Metro inside

I've got a hankering to ATV....

Random nativity scene atop a pile of garbage

This little baby is the stuff love is made of

Lots of religious folks in town. Abortions are banned in the Weeneebayko Health Authority catchment, which means that even if there are folks who are willing (and I'm not sure any are), they are prohibited from performing them. We're talking about a community where women have 8 babies by 30 no prob. Because of these ideologies, women must be flown out to get abortions.