Feature TheReview Wednesday, October 16,1991 — A18 Book conveys challenge of the Arctic Tales of Canada’s far north accompanied by superb photo- graphs of the human and animal residents, are featured in Sidney author Cy Hampson’s new book, With Ptarmigan and Tundra Wolves. Six trips to the Arctic starting in 1963 gave Review columnist Hampson and his wife Mary ‘insight into the animals and lifes- tyle of the arctic. Both are ably conveyed in his anecdotal style. For example, he described the discovery of a “new” type of raven in Inuvik — the awhile-tailed raven — as follows: We watched the native peoples in their parkas as they sawed wood, jed their dogs, repaired sleds and carried water in large buckets...Mary suddenly turned to me. “The ravens here are a different species from those we get at home, aren't they?” “T don't think so. I know of only one species in Canada. What makes you think they are differ- ent?” “Well, look at them! See that one over there on that tree? ...Look at the tail.” The raven didn’t have one. Cer- tainly no more than a stump and a mighty short stump at that. “There are two more over there,” pressed Mary. “And they are just the same.” ..1n a moment a figure left one of the cabins, heading in our direction with an empty bucket in either hand. When he came abreast of us, I raised my voice, . “Excuse me please, but I am curious about your ravens. Don’t they ever have tails?” “Yes, for awhile,” gentle smile beneath his parka hood. “Do you know why none of these birds have tails?...I ve never seen an ‘awhile tail’ on any bird.” “You like to study birds yourself, no?” He pointed at the field glasses slung around my neck...“Then I would not like to spoil your fun. You stand here and watch and you will learn.” The air was decidedly nippy and after waiting for nearly an hour, we decided the whole thing was a great joke. We were about to leave when the dogs tethered behind one of the cabins set up a great clamor, barking and howling. On the instant, the door opened and a rotund, parka-clad figure emerged carrying a pan, held horizontally. He started towards the dogs, at which they increased their volume of yelping and began straining upwards at the ends of their chains. GALLERY presents Barbara Blanchard - Fred Blanchard of Sahtlam Country Studio Oil Paintings Hand-Painted Silks Stone Sculpture Special Opening Event 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. “Come and meet the artists” Show Continues Until November 2, 1991 NIDUS GALLERY #203\- 2527 Beacon Avenue, Sidney _ 655-4994 : he answered, _ his round face v~inkling into a Sunday, October 20 THE DESOLATION of the far north is illustrated on the cover of Sidney author Cy Hampson’‘s new book, With Prarmigan and Tundra Wolves. The man stopped briefly and tossed the contents of the pan in the direction of the leaping, hun- gry huskies. But before the food had reached the snow, a big raven hurtled from a perch above and snatched a beak full from midair. A snarling husky had lunged forward at the Same instant. His jaws closed on the very north end of a raven heading south and the dog held the bird’s last three tail feathers between its teeth. Such tales — including descrip- tions of a near-crash on the Ander- son Delta, life in an isolated cabin 150 miles from the nearest neigh- bor and hosting 11 stranded mem- bers of a helicopter crew in a one-room cabin — are inter- spersed with details about the animals which survive in the north. Black and white photographs grace almost every page and a central section includes 32 color photographs, ranging from a wolf to day-old tundra swan cygnets. The 77-year-old Hampson says his first trip to the Arctic in 1963 “Teally lit a bonfire under me.” In his book, he tries to convey the behavioral patterns and strate- gies which allow arctic animals to survive in the inhospitable north. He also tries to show the spirit of those who leave comfortable southern homes to face the chal- lenges of the north. A biologist and zoologist, Hampson holds a BA degree in English and Philosophy and a PhD. degree in zoology. He taught at the University of Alberta for 28 years and has photographed wildlife throughout the world over the past SO years, including visits to East Africa, Mexico, Scotland, the Outer Hebnides and most of Canada. In 1965 he was chief associate editor for Alberta — A Natural History which compiled the work of 23 authors, all of whom were specialists in their fields. ~ That book has now gone into its eighth printing, breaking all records for such books in Canada. Another of his books, Into the Woods Beyond, was published by MacMillan in 1971. His latest book, published by Orca, is based on trips to the Arctic in 1963, 1968, 1969, one trip in the mid-1970s, another in the mid-1980s and another visit last year. Now 77, Hampson and his wife Mary live in Sidney. Hampson writes a weekly column, Outdoors Unlimited, in The Review. He will present a program on the high arctic for the Save the Chil- dren Fund on Oct. 24, once at 2 p.m. and once at 7 p.m., in the Margaret Vaughn Birch Hall on 4th Street in Sidney. Copies of his latest book will be available at that time, with a $2 donation to the Save the Children Fund for each book sold. Sailings following sailings. 9-50 am 11:00 am 1:15 pm Cancelled MILL BAY - BRENTWOOD BAY Thursday, October 17, 1991 In order for employees to have four consecu- tive clear hours to cast a ballot in the Provincial General Election, it is necessary to cancel the Lv Brentwood Bay 2 BC FERRIES Schedule subject to change without notice. Lv Mill Bay 10:25 am 11:35 am 1:50 pm cup “GETTING LIFE TOGETHER IN THE HOME” Programs of Personal Help Saturday mornings, 9:00 - 12:00 LEARNING TO GET THE MOST OUT OF STRESS BEFORE IT BRINGS THE WORST OUT OF YOU: October 19 Given the reality of stress, let's manage it to our advantage. Where: Grace House, 6669 West Saanich Cost: Per, Saturday session $20.00 per couple - $15.00 individual Leader: Martin den Haan, Professional Counsellor Presented by: BETHESDA COUNSELLING SERVICES Organized by: GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH CALL: 652-0045 for details and registration SOCKS? Is your hearing aid in your sock drawer? The past five years have produced breakthroughs in hearing aid technology. Our fitting procedures are greatly assisted by probe microphone measurements and programmable hearing aids not available until just recently. Call us. You can hear better. - FULL COOPERATION WITH YOUR DOCTOR - NO FEEINITIAL CONSULTATION - NO OBLIGATION + FREE 30 DAY TRIAL » SENIORS! DISCOUNT > CERTIFIED AUDIOLOGISTS Doug Koeslag "YOU SHOULD HEAR WHAT YOU'RE MISSING" BC-HIS. : @ @ Sidney & Ganges offices - =x ISLAND ACOUSTICS == 301-2453 Beacon Ave., SIANEY -sssssssssses00 656-5520 Gulf Clinic, Ganges 537-4446 309-645 Fort St., Victoria 385-3103 225-1900 Richmond Ave., Oak Bay............ 598-2334 & 14 other Locations In B.C. : We are the hearing specialists GOVERNMENT LICENCED HEARING AID SPECIALISTS & AUDIOLOGISTS CTtesh Renincen Your Septic System should be serviced every 2-3 years. (average household) A septic system is an economical, proven system that can give years of safe, efficient service if properly maintained and cared for. 3 Remember, we can offer professional, easy-care service that will keep your septic system in super shape. Ifrecently serviced, call us with the date and we will remind you when service is next due. For over 40 years we've been the service most preferred. 656-1811 For an appointment to care for your system. SAVE 15% in fact, with 3 or more of your neighbours, we offer a 15% discount. Don’t wait for problems. Call us today for efficient ser- vice that can take place while you're out for the day or away on vacation. BROWNS SEPTIC TANK SERVICE LTD. We make septic servicing simple.