Back in Iqaluit

Made it back in one day from Arviat.  Granted, I flew from Arviat, to Baker Lake, to Rankin Inlet, to Chesterfield Inlet, to Coral Harbour, to Cape Dorset, then finally to Iqaluit to do so, but one day at least.

I wish I had pictures, I promise I will get some, but last night around 10pm I was out and it was a clear night and the northern lights completely covered the sky.  I walked away from the city lights a bit and you could see them more and more.  Sort of like green clouds.  Technically they were southern lights for me, as we are slightly north of the band, but they were pretty close to directly over head. 

More Arviat

My last night in Arviat, assuming my flight goes as planned tomorrow.  Yesterday we took the truck out on the land, but there wasn't too much to see.  A few 'cottages' that are a little more than tents, and endless amounts of lakes.

Lots of snow geese out this time of year.  Pretty much the same as Canadian geese, but they are white.

I also had my taste of caribou, although it wasn't what I was expecting.  It was raw.  I guess it is common to it eat uncooked and frozen, and I was invited to try some at lunch.  Interesting taste.  Don't think I will be wanted more. 


Anyway, a few parting pictures.  I think it was starting to grow on me a bit, good thing I am heading back to Iqaluit!

Arviat

I finally made it into Arviat.  Landing on a gravel runway is a different experience, feels like the plane is going to shake to pieces.

The town is just north of Chuchill Manitoba, on the coast of hudson bay.  Although almost as north as Iqaluit, there are seagulls instead of ravens, long grass and bushes, its warmer, and is very, very flat.

There are no paved roads here, and even more ATVs compared to cars.  The trunk we rented is ready for the landfill, my door handle is a shoe string.  There is talk about building a road from Churchill to Rankin Inlet going through Arviat, and I couldn't imagine what the impact would be on this place if that came through.

Anyway, hopefully get done what I need to do and I can head back to Iqaluit with another over night in Rankin next week.

Massive Airport

Hanging in the school

It was grad night at the school, probably the busiest a parking lot gets in this town.  You can see what I mean about quads...

Rankin Inlet

I am held up in Rankin Inlet for a 2^nd night due to a cancelled flight.  No idea why, thankfully the hotel had my room available still.

Not a lot going on here.  Seems like there are more ATVs than cars here.  I find it odd that someone will wear a helmet while riding, but at the same time have a baby hanging out of their hood.

Im not sure what to write about this place.   A lot of construction companies, a busy airport, and a landfill.  I rather be in Iqaluit.

Anyway, a few pictures.  It rained for a bit, then turned into a beautiful day and I got a quick run in.

out-of-office

Leaving for Arviat in a couple of hours.  I fly to Rankin Inlet on the West side of the Hudson tonight, then hop to Arviat tomorrow afternoon, so I will have a chance to check out the wonderful Rankin.

Yes, I am on first air, but it will be a safe flight and they won't be taking any chances.


I had to ditch some extra clothes to make room for a firewall and wireless controller in my suitcase.  Maybe I will buy a t-shirt at the gift shop when I land ;)

A very sad day up here.  12 people died in a plane crash to resolute today.  Our flights are constantly delayed and cancled due to fog, and it is clear it is for good reason.  With such a small community up here it will have a serious impact on the entire province.  One of the survivors is at the Iqaluit hospital just down the street from me.  

I am getting on a 737 to Arviat tomorrow, so its a little scary to hear this the day before. 


http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/two-survivors-of-nunavut-plane-crash-airlifted-to-ottawa-hospital/article2136407/

On Monday I fly out to Arviat, which is south west from here, in pretty well the exact middle of Canada about 300km north of Churchill.  I will be there for a week moving some of the networks over to the new MAN fiber, and if I am lucky, going caribou hunting.  I am trying to negotiate bringing one of the locals here who said he will take me out with them.  In any case, caribou is the main diet of that area, so I should be able to try it.

It seems the news is nearly country wide, so you can imagine it's the “talk of the town” right now.   A 70 tonne bowhead whale was caught in Iqaluit this week, the first in over 100 years.  At first I didn't realize it was such a historic event, people kept saying “did you hear they caught a bowhead?”.  I was working in the NRI (Nunavut research institute) on Tuesday and the place was empty.   I asked where everyone was and front desk said “out on the bowhead hunt”.  I assumed it was just a normal occurrence.

So its a big week for Iqaluit. Bowhead hunting was banned for a long time due to low numbers, but just recently has been allowed (although still strictly controlled).  With 70 tonnes of whale meat in town, hopefully I can get my hands on some whale soup finally. 

Well I am going on a month up here now.  Still a month before I visit home, but halfway there ;)

Work has been more than nuts.  Don't really remember my last day off and don't see one in the future, but I guess it makes the time go by.  I got thinking of the things I 'miss' the other night, so here is off the top of my head...


High speed internet
F1/tsn
Indian food
wearing shorts
The track
running options
pad thai
the running room
fresh fruit
my magic bullet
blackberry
paved roads



and of course, Veronica...

Carvings

There is no lack of art work up here. They sell them in every gift shop, but all you have to do is sit down to a meal at any restaurant and you will be approached likely a few times with things like carvings, paintings, earrings, and fuzzy little slippers. The prices are usually quite good too. If you have ever looked to buy a soapstone carving in a shop, its about 1/4 the price if you buy it direct. I have picked up a few, sort of holding out for a few particular things.

Yes, it probably gets annoying after a while of constantly being offered things, however they are very polite about it. I see it as just part of the culture. I have heard in some towns they will actually knock on hotel doors, and walk right in if you let them.

I think I have been here too long, as I am starting to recognize people in my day to day life now. Like, every day. Its inevitable in a small town regardless, but this is a small town with no where else to go. There's no city to drive into, you need groceries there is one of two places you are going. You want to eat out there is like 4 options, and that's it. So you are bound to keep running into the same people over and over. Basically forget any ideas of living a private, quiet life up here, because you are part of the town, one big happy family.

On that note, its looking like my stay here may be extended, perhaps right to Christmas. I don't think I want to come back after, as January on Baffin Island sounds....cold. People assure me that winter is the best time to be up here, but I am sure they are just living in denial. -40, average. No, thank you. Oh but it's a dry cold! They are all nuts.

Speaking of Grinnell park


http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/story/2011/08/02/iqaluit-polar-bear-sighting-park.html

Sylvia Grinnell Park

On Sunday a co-worker and I took a hike out to Sylvia Grinnell park, just outside of the city. Not a huge place, but is close enough to Iqaluit that you can hike out and back in a couple of hours. We will definitely be taking another trip out.