The red trail along the fjord begins on the outskirts of the town of Ilulissat, where the Greenland dogs live. As soon as we approach, all the animals run out of their kennels and start barking, watching us intently. Some, roused from their morning nap, seem displeased at being disturbed. Chains restrain the excited animals, tightening their grip around their necks. The puppies, on the other hand, unfettered by any restraint, run up to us to greet us. And, as puppies do, they nip at my pant legs, letting me know they want to play. Satisfied, they wag their tails and follow us. They seem to want to join in the walk. It’s no wonder, the surroundings are beautiful. The older dogs watch the situation anxiously. If the young ones cross the boundaries of “their” territory, they won’t be accepted back into the group. We can’t let the puppies run after us, so even though my heart is breaking, I shoo them away with my hand, awkwardly shouting, “Shh, shh.” Nothing else comes to mind, but it worked. I turn my head and watch the pups meekly return to their territory.

Vilhelmina and I walk along the fjord. She’s from Sisimiut, but some time ago, she moved to Ilulissat permanently with her husband and children. Vilhelmina is a chatty woman. She enjoys telling us about local customs and interesting historical events, and I’m even more eager to listen to her stories. She’s walking at a brisk pace, but I manage to keep up. I take each step carefully. A lot of snow has fallen overnight, and without snowshoes, it’s easy to sink. Suddenly, Vilhelmina stops and looks intently at something. I think something’s happened. I quicken my pace, move closer, and hear her talking to herself.

– How did you get here? I don’t know you.

Confused, I move closer to see what’s going on. I look around, but I don’t see anything alarming. Vilhermina, meanwhile, is observing very carefully… a small, black dot. It’s a tiny worm! But for her, it’s something new. A new species she doesn’t know, one she hasn’t seen here before. I wonder if it’s possible she knows every living creature in Greenland? My thoughts are interrupted by her comment.

– I’ll carry you to a safe place.

A safe place?!? I thought it was some kind of joke. What kind of dangers could a tiny worm face here? My surprised expression, however, didn’t change her mind. Vilhelmina scoops up the snow in her hands, where the worm, oblivious to the situation, is sitting. We walk like that for a moment. The Inuit woman carefully observes her new discovery. Finally, she decides she’s found the right spot and leaves the worm on a rock away from the trail.

– Oh!” I’ll leave you here; maybe you’ll bring me luck.

She added, and we continued on our way.