Iqaluit (May 05/03) - Spring has sprung in Nunavut.

Warmer temperatures and longer days mean more people are getting outside and snow banks are receding.

The good, however, does bring with it some bad.

In Northern communities, many without paved roads, mud is a force to contend with.

The City of the Iqaluit is the worst off right now for ice and snow melting into mud and slush.

Warmer temperatures in the capital is melting snow much faster than in other communities.

Peter Geikie is the principal at Aqsarniik middle school.

Every day he has hundreds of students going out for recess and if there is one sure thing in the universe it's mud puddles attract kids.

"Kids are being kids," said Geike.

"I know -- I have a 10-year-old and they like to play around in the mud."

But, that natural instinct to get dirty isn't causing havoc for school janitors quite yet.

"Geikie said the students are being very respectful.

"We've asked the parents to ensure the students come with indoor shoes. They've all been very cooperative," he said.

Cambridge Bay hasn't had to worry too much about mud, according to Dawn Wilson, principal at Kullik elementary school.

"We're a long way from mud. We've got a lot of snow left to go," she said.

Wilson said the area around Cambridge Bay has had a lot of snow this year.

So much snow that in order for her to enjoy the weather at her cabin five miles out of town she's going to have to bring a shovel.

"It's totally buried you could snowmobile over the roof. We're going to have a 'dig Dawn's cabin out' party," she said.

When the snow finally does melt, mud will be a problem as it is in most communities, but Wilson doesn't think that will happen for another few weeks.

Snow is melting fast in Kimmirut too.

Patricia Smith said people there are getting out on the land more and clear patches are appearing on the hills.

But, they too aren't at a stage where mud and slush is an issue.

"We're just enjoying the nice weather and getting out on fishing trips," she said.