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.