My work stint this session is going to be in the western region of Nunavut, the Kitikmeot ( central is Kivalliq & eastern arctic is the Baffin ) and not been in this area for 3-4 years. Really hit me today when a brief stopover in the Kugluktuk airport, did some catching up with a few familiar faces...two elders had died, a favorite 10 year old was now abit of a rebellious teen and colleagues were in different work positions.

The other reality of northern travel that also hit was changing weather condition...the blizzard in Cambridge Bay meant an overnight in Yellowknife, the alternate would have been to return to Edmonton but...once on the way! The Yellowknife airport is fairly familiar but has undergone some renos including a new gate #3 and a interesting display of an Inuit doll. I never travel light but have food bins, fresh, frozen and dried; x-c skis, clothing and books and choices have to be made as to what is "excess" but fortunately all made it!

After settling in the Explorer hotel as the day was bright and snow fresh decided to get out on the skis for an hour or two, plotting my route from this view from the hotel room. Though sunny and bright what I did forget was that it was also minus 25 with a brisk wind! out came the heavy parka and sunglasses. Though some rolling hills next to the lake under several footbridges no falls but some close calls. Loved the late afternoon colors and note here the moon is out at 4 PM and ravens calling when looking back at the hotel...that very northern bird that remains all year & has such a myriad of calls. although not making it all the way to " Old Town" did get close. the sign reads " Great Slave Yacht Club " and this house boat is ready to launch in a few months time. A 5 PM sunset was well marked in the outlines of those same footbridges on return  and sounds & silouettes of planes landing.

My only regret was this morning when I woke with eyes almost swollen shut! Frost bite around my left eye lids...ouch! some Flamozine ointment this afternoon from the health center helped but probably should have kept the glasses on the WHOLE time!