Jean Lieppert Polfus

Fine art and photography reflecting life in the far North.

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"One could do worse than be a swinger of birches." Robert Frost

Tulit’a, Northwest Territories, Canada

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"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes." -Marcel Proust

Tulit'a, Northwest Territories, Canada.

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Details. Tulit'a, Northwest Territories, Canada.

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I haven't been able to go out as much during the night this winter after Tristan was born, but when the sky is full like this the sleep can wait! On this night Joe went to take the dogs out before bed. He said there was a tiny bit of aurora when he first got outside. Then he heard a whoosh sound and thought maybe an owl had flown over or something. When he looked up the ski was bursting with lights! By the time I had grabbed my camera and gotten geared up to take this picture it had already died down some. Tulit'a, Northwest Territories, Canada.

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A gorgeous spring sunny day. I love the springtime because it means long days and perfect snow conditions! You can't beat a skijor with my pups and my sister! Tulit’a, Northwest Territories, Canada.

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The beautiful full moon in Tulit'a, Northwest Territories, Canada.

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I've noticed that foxes seem to really enjoy a nap spot with a good view! Tulit'a, Northwest Territories, Canada.

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In the spring the bright sun reveals the intricacies of the ice. The cracks create​ abstract art pieces. Tulit'a, Northwest Territories, Canada.

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My sister and I were so excited to see fresh wolverine tracks in several places during our long skijor. Tulit'a, Northwest Territories, Canada.

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I love that when traveling by ski you can find beautiful untouched patches of snow like this small lake on the opposite bank of the Mackenzie River from Tulit'a, Northwest Territories, Canada.

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Two lake trout caught during the Tulit'a fishing derby on Trout Lake. The derby was held in early April and there were 50-60 people out on the ice! You could still drive the winter road out to the lake - though the road was quickly melting and turning into a mud hole! Tulit'a, Northwest Territories, Canada.

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Exploring the beautiful Sahtu with my sister and mom! Here the long ridge of Bear Rock rises up on the edge of Trout Lake where the Tulit’s Fishing Derby was taking place over the weekend! Tulit'a, Northwest Territories, Canada.

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Female alder cones (or strobile) remain on the tree all winter. The small cones contain nutlike seeds that are eaten by birds and small mammals. Tulit'a, Northwest Territories, Canada.

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Pǝtęnı̨ɂa (Bear Rock) dominates our sunsets at this time of year. Tulit'a, Northwest Territories, Canada.

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Green fire in the sky! Tulit’a, Northwest Territories, Canada.

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A definite sign of spring - red squirrels everywhere! Tulit'a, Northwest Territories, Canada.

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Tuesday night did not disappoint! I checked for aurora just before 1am and was so happy to see some activity! I quickly rushed to get my mom up (who is visiting from Wisconsin) because she hadn't yet seen any really good aurora. We got outside just in time to see the sky come alive! I didn't even have a chance to get my camera ready as we watched bright whites, greens and pinks absolutely fly across the entire night sky - rippling, arcing and exploding. The first 10 minutes were some of the best aurora I have ever seen. There was then a small lull and I ran back in to get my camera. This is the first shot I took when I got back outside. Since I have a 5 month old baby who often needs to be fed at night, I couldn't go far from the house. But I still managed to get some nice shots that night while also taking a 15 minute nursing break! That's a first for me. 😁 I'm so glad my mom and I got to see such a great display - and it will likely be one of the last we will see before the midnight sun dominates the night sky. Tulit'a, Northwest Territories, Canada.