Pooping on the Tundra

Okay, we've already had a blog entry about pooping on the tundra. But this year's pooping trials were at an entirely new level. Not only were we contending with bugs, rocky permafrost (difficult to dig holes in), and the cold north wind on one's butt, but there were also bears and 12 american fishermen. What on earth is a girl to do? After holding it ceased to be an option, Marilynn and I looked at each other.

Marilynn: "Do you know where the poop bags are?"
Heidi: [Sigh] "Yes. Funnily enough, the paper bags are branded "Goodtimes.""
Marilynn: "How appropriate."

At which point, we made an inventory of pooping equipment. This year, the list included:
- 1 ziploc bag
- 1 paper bag
- toilet paper
- folding hand trowel
- hand sanitizer
- shotgun
- shells
- bear kit

After gathering the appropriate gear, you had to find a rock that was large enough for a bit of cover and a location where it would be unlikely to be approached by grizzlies from behind.

On day 4, the following conversation ensued.

Maril: "Hmmm. Have you seen the poop shovel? As in, the *only* poop shovel?"
Heidi: "You pooped last."
Maril: "Oh God. OH boy." [Maril starts dancing around the cabin]. "Mari-lynn, this is SERIOUS business."
Heidi (giggling, and knowing that karma will catch up with her in a few hours): "Well, you could try using a rock. Or a piece of wood. I'm not going to lie, though, it's going to be tricksy."
Marilynn: "This is a very serious predicament. Maybe I left it out there? Luckily, I remember exactly where I was last. Oh oh. What if I left it by the river when I was washing my hands and the tide came up?"
Heidi: "In that case, we have a pretty serious problem."

Happily, the poop shovel was located. Note: All poop shovels should be labelled with flagging tape. Along with all radios, GPS units, sunglasses, and knives.