Well, I departed Toronto for Ottawa on October 9th, and arrived on time. We then departed Ottawa for Iqaluit on October 10th, on time. It was once we arrived into Iqaluit that the reality of traveling within the arctic showed itself again. We had an initial layover of 2hrs, which was extended by 2hrs due to some unscheduled airplane maintenance. But, it is better to fix those types of problems while on the ground, than in the air! So we patiently waited. Finally we took off, and flew to Arctic Bay to refuel the plane. We then took off yet again for Resolute Bay on Cornwallis Island, just at the edge of the Northwest Passage. We arrived 4hrs later than expected, around 10pm. The charter flight we had arranged to take us further north was cancelled due to inclement weather both in Resolute and in Eureka. So, we were forced to spend the night in Resolute at the South Camp Inn. I was here previously in the Summer of 2011 with UofT working at Qarmartalik Elementary School. Not much has changed here, other than the hockey arena is fully built and operational, and there are more polar bears wandering through town than a few years ago.
The blizzard has settled in today, and all flights are grounded for the day. The forecast does not appear to be changing for a few days, with whiteout conditions and extreme winds keeping us blanketed. This is another example of the reality of travel in Canada's North! Can't fight Mother Nature, she'll always win! So for now, there is more waiting to be done. Hope everyone is enjoying their Thanksgiving weekend!
HT
Mike
