Long Ways Away

Perhaps it's the time difference or maybe the ravens and passing skidoos, but I feel very far away...

The journey started in the wee hours of Sunday, departing from the Victoria airport for Ottawa, via Calgary. I've never been to Calgary, but the view from above is just as the topographical map suggests. Mountain, mountain, mountain then flat as a pancake. Actually, I've seen pancakes with greater elevation. My stop over in Ottawa was supposed to be uneventful, but because of some ridiculous fog all planes were grounded on Monday. All of that technology, yet crippled by fog. And so our dominance over nature remains in check. Back to the hotel for another night of fretting I would over-sleep. On Tuesday the approach to the airport was grim. Close fog and reports of flight cancellations. After a tense hour the plane was hurriedly loaded and boarded, with hopes the small break in the fog would persist. We left the still fog enshrouded airport to the sound of ecstatic applause. Canadian North is the only way to fly. Sure there's no in flight movie, but we did get a free meal and a hot towel. Best of all was the complimentary cup of coffee which included with a generous shot of Baileys and whip cream.

We flew north over Quebec with its unending vistas of snow covered hills and frozen rivers. When we reached an expanse of frozen water it was a sign we were nearing our destination. Far above the tree line the plane began its descent. The arrival and departure areas are one in the same at the Iqaluit airport. There is no luggage carousel, just a short conveyor belt and the luggage is piled on the floor. Boxes of groceries were interspersed with the luggage, as were many coolers and rubbermaid bins (described as "Eskimo suitcases" by the Inuit woman who I chatted with during the flight).

My home for the new few months is in a cozy house on the shore. My room has a slanted ceiling, thus far whacked my head every morning. The views are amazing, when the sun is up. At night I can see the aurora faintly dancing in the sky and eat breakfast by pink sunrises and still shining stars.

Lots more to come, but thought you'd like to know I'm alive and well. All digits in tact, despite the efforts of a marauding dog which accosted me on the way to work yesterday.