Aki freezes as a nearby shotgun blast echoes over Gastineau Channel. The second shot sends her skulking into the woods. We have to cut short this walk down Fish Creek. It’s too bad. Hoar frost that clings to the pale yellow grass brings beauty to the place. 

After a quick look around, we head back to the car and drive into the mountains to where the muskeg has frozen to firmness. Aki still cringes when the sound of now-distant shotgun blasts reaches us. Sometimes a smell distracts her but most of the time she moves like a cautious cat.