Day 12 - Sunday April 26 - Closing Ceremonies
Today was a day for a bit of relaxing, a bit of sight-seeing, and for getting things all wrapped up in anticipation of our departure tomorrow.
In the morning, we managed to get all of the Arctic gear returned and crammed into boxes, ready to be shipped back to Toronto.
After a quick lunch, the students took off for a free day to explore the city of Yellowknife. The teachers also did some exploring, and at least one of us did a little bit of napping.
By 6pm we all piled into the conference room for pizza and closing ceremonies. After some sappy speeches, and a hilarious slideshow courtesy of Marc-Antoine, we settled in to watch the movie created by the students over a few evenings in Resolute. It left us all in tears of laughter – a job well done!
Some more sappy good byes, a chat with Pierre on the speakerphone, and a failed attempt to get technology on our side for the dance party later, we dispersed for what was to be our last night together. Some went to bed. Others chose to hang out long into the wee hours of the morning, a last chance to socialize with new-found friends.
- Tara
Day 11 - Saturday April 25 - Eureka!
We had a somewhat relaxed morning getting ready for the trip to Eureka.
The only real work that had to be done was to transport our luggage to the Resolute Airport. The loader with the luggage basket drove from the airport down to the Hotel and we made a human conveyor belt to get the luggage down the hall. About an hour later, we were at the airport picking up boarding passes.
We left Resolute at 12:15 PM and the charter flight arrived one hour later in Eureka. Our group joined a contingent of CANDAC members and people from different government agencies and departments who had started from Edmonton. As we got off the plane and down to the Eureka Weather Station, we marveled at the mountains and fjords of Eureka and Ellesmere Island and how very different they are from the flatter land around Resolute on Cornwallis Island.
After having lunch in two shifts, we walked down to Slidre fjord. Two of the meteorological technicians (Dean and Sarah) demonstrated how to determine the thickness of the ice and then we went to watch a weather balloon launch. Sarah set everything up and then let Megan launch the "radiosonde", a small instrument that measures temperature, humidity and pressure as it travels in the atmosphere.
Next we split into two groups for tours. The first group went up to the PEARL Ridge Lab with Kaley for tours with several stops along the way for photos. The other group went to 0PAL with Jim Drummond the Principal Investigator for CANDAC. The groups switched and then got a tour of the Weather Station with Al Gaudet, the Station Program Manager.
After the two dinner shifts, we had free time to use the rec room to play ping pong, pool and shuffleboard. The Eureka Souvenir Shop did a booming business over the couple of hours that it was open. I think we bought up almost everything! Dean also got show us one of his other duties, that of postmaster for Eureka. He had a lot of postcards to process! Under the midnight sun, most participated in an enthusiastic game of snow soccer prior to getting on the plane. With all of the running around, our NEP crowd were finding that they were getting frosty faces, hats and hair at -20 C.
Then it was on to the plane for wheels up at 1:15 AM (local time).
Everyone took a few last long looks at the beautiful landscape of Ellesmere Island and hopped on the plane. The in-flight service had a definitely younger look to it, with Charla doing announcements, and Abby and Megan helping with the service. From Resolute to Yellowknife, George helped give the safety briefing. We arrived in Yellowknife at about 4:20 AM local time and got almost all of our bags on the first try. About an hour after we landed, we were safely in our rooms asleep dreaming about our longest day yet...
- Kaley
Day 10 - Friday April 24
Friday, April 24 was another outstanding day for all of us involved in the the CANDAC Northern Experience Program! Just like on the 24th of December, the group members were buzzing with anticipation all day.What's the buzz about? Going to Eureka of course! Both youth and adults alike are very excited to see this seldom seen site tomorrow. Nonetheless, the excitement level was not so high as to get in the way of appreciating the variety of activities today held for us. Our day began with classroom lessons on the topics of atmospheric ozone levels, Antarctic Research Life. Then our afternoon was spent listening to a wildlife presentation by the local Conservation Officer. this was followed by an interactive wildlife game with the primary school children of Qarmartalik School. A real treat awaited us after this...we learned hands on seal and polar bear fleshing and hide preparation from Saroomie Manik, a local elder. What a treat! There were many smiles and laughs as people tried to copy the right technique...a few of us needed to sew up holes we made. The evening wound down with a presentation enlightening us on the finer point of being a Eureka operator and...of course, packing our bags for Eureka!
- Andy
Day 9 - Thursday April 23
The week here in Resolute is flying by, and the group realizes we have only a few days left on this incredible journey together. Pierre left early this morning and we miss his wisdom and leadership. This was another full day of programming that starting shortly after 8am with three excellent presentations. Sonja presenting on the physical geography of the Arctic and had students look at maps to analyze the best areas for settlements like Resolute and Grise Ford. Mike followed with a timely presentation on sustainability, with yesterday being Earth Day, and it was filled with great discussions. The teachers wore green to honor the theme. Kaley finished off the morning talks with an in depth look at the atmosphere and air quality, climate change data and a challenging game of jeopardy.
We were at Qarmartalik School after lunch and treated to a variety of culture. The NEP students first gave a charged display of static electricity to the teachers. Brian then introduced the traditional clothing worn: the kamiks (boots), and kalipas (boy's tops) and amoutis (girls tops) for us and then the kindergarten; grade 1 and 2 students modeled them for us. The NEP students then had a chance to wear them for the rest of the presentations. Brian, the principal, and Patty (grade 5) gave us a drumming performance of the Wolf and the Hunt. Tara then showed her talent as a drummer and some students followed. Next, we were amazed at the throat singing by Dora and Ulluriak. Dora also showed us her gorgeous and intricate bead work. We then visited with two elders in the community at their homes, and had a chance to see soapstone carvings and beadwork. Jasmine and Ariel also had a throat singing lesson from Dora in her home. What a day! We would like to say Qujannamiik (thank you) to the school and community for their hospitality, generosity and the opportunities of a lifetime.
Mike gave the evening presentation on renewable energy and had students build their own solar panels from scratch. The students learned a little more about electricity. The evening finished off with a movie and a chance to get ready for our last full day in Resolute. We are trying to take it all in before we fly to Eureka on Saturday.
Unnukkut (good evening)!
Dale
Day 8 - Wednesday April 22
Today we had an opportunity to relax a little. We divided everyone into three groups. The first group began their adventure on the land while the rest of us either gathered our thoughts, recharge our batteries or caught up on emails and homework. Andy flew his kite and most of the students and a lot of the kids in town joined him.
The weather for our land trip today was very nice with temp's about -13 and winds of 4km out of the northwest. As the day progress the weather got even better.
The first group returned around 11:30 and they all stated that they enjoyed the adventure and experience. No Polar Bears where sited, only tracks.
Team 2 have been delayed until 1:00 due to mechanical reasons. Everyone is eager to head out. Off they went, their first stop was an old Thule site. Even with all the snow cover these sites where easy to locate and provided an experience of a life time.
As the day moved along the third group made it's way out, stopping at all the same sites as the first two groups. Our guide brought back some fresh blue ice. It is being delivered to an Elder who wants to make Tea with it. Good Tea starts with the best fresh water.
Back to the school once again. Tara is giving a lesson called "Creating Clouds in a Jar". We ran out of rubber gloves during this experiment, but all went well. I now have something else I can use in the classroom.
Aurora Borealis - A Firefly Waltz
Allison started with a beautiful reflection writing which painted a wonderful active picture of the Northern Lights. Well done.
What can one say about Pierre. I think that I speak for the entire group when I say that the only way our trip to Eureka would be better is if Pierre were able to join us. We will all miss you him on this part of our adventure. I hope that this trip with all of us has been and accomplished all that you wished it would todate. It has certainly been everything and more that I hoped it would be so far. Thank you
Another big day tomorrow, off to bed I go.
Mike
Day 7 - Tuesday April 21
Well, this is the end of the second full day here in Resolute Bay. The wind continues to blow, but we are dealing with it. Today was another fantastic experience. The morning saw more quality presentations with Ken talking about the first ten years of Nunavut, and Pierre talking about how scientists measure the atmosphere.
After lunch we participated in an "elder tea" at the school, during which time students, teachers, and the CANDAC team were able to direct questions of all sorts, at some of the Resolute elders. The responses were both interesting and thought provoking. We listened to their views on life today and their rememberances of life past. At the end of the question period, we had some "country food"! We partook of polar bear stew, seal, caribou, muk tuk, arctic char, and two types of bannock. It was interesting to hear that the elders had not themselves had polar bear stew before. Apparently this was a new way to serve it and it was very well received by all! The food textures, tastes, and even the colours were quite novel. I think that muk tuk (narwhal whale) is a taste that must be acquired over time!
The day ended with a session on arctic flora delivered by Dale during which we learned how the various plants in the area adapted to the harsh climate in which they live. They are more than just pretty flowers!
So, a very big thank-you to Brian, Jennifer, Christine and the rest of the staff of Qarmartalik School. The past two days have been simply amazing!
Quiannamiik!
Unnuaqsakkut!
Pierre
Day 6 - Monday April 20
When reflecting on the day it seems most appropriate to say “Quiannamiik” or ‘thank you’ in Inuktitut. Our morning started with a blustery walk to Qarmartalik School where we were greeted by the principal Brian Manning. Brian and his staff officially welcomed our group to Resolute and treated us like royalty. We received not only a special welcome but a variety of gifts to take home and cherish. We are all excited about the programs that the staff has planned for the upcoming week. Tomorrow we will be returning to the school to meet some Elders and sample traditional foods such as seal, caribou and polar bear soup. Be sure to check in to read about that experience.
After a hearty lunch back at the hotel we hit the books and took in presentations on historical geography, Arctic marine life and Arctic mammals. Being minus 32 with wind chill we opted out of an afternoon walk and instead partook in some yoga. We are crossing our fingers that the wind dies down so we do some outdoor adventures tomorrow or the next day. I can hear the wind ripping at the walls outside my window. It is an unbelievable force up here and a primary concern when deciding whether to head outdoors or not.
A big thank you for all of the learning that we did today and for the warm welcome to Resolute.
- Allison
*Editor's note* We were also priveledged to listen to a presentation about solar eclipses, specifically the eclipse that was recently seen over the Canadian Arctic, and the culture of eclipse chasing. The presentation was given by Steven Bedingfield - another guest in the hotel whom some of us were lucky enough to meet over dinner on our first night.
Day 5 - Sunday April 19
Sunday was travel day, our first travel day as a whole group of CANDAC personnel, teachers, and students. By 7 am we were in the hotel lobby with bags packed and ready to go. What would normally be a far too early morning was countered by the adrenaline rush of the idea we were actually heading for Resolute.
Moving twenty-seven people and their luggage from a hotel in Yellowknife to Resolute was no easy task. A fleet of taxis ran back and forth from hotel to airport moving us through the streets of the city, which was quiet under the grey wet rain-snow mix that fell.
Once at the airport the procedure was simple. Unload the taxi, get dressed for the flight – put on snow pants, winter boots, and parkas, and check our luggage. We were ready. Was the plane? No.
We waited, played some games, snacked, undressed so we wouldn’t overheat, got on the plane, taxied down the runway, waited, taxied back to the airport, got off the plane while they checked a warning light, waited, played some games, snacked, played a short game, got on the plane, and finally took off.
The flight was relaxing and gave us all a chance to catch up on sleep, reading, reflections, and more get to know you chat. A brief stop over in Cambridge Bay for fuel, and requiring us to get off the plane was a welcomed chance to stretch our legs and move around before climbing back on board and heading for Resolute.
The fog that said goodbye to us in Yellowknife turned into bright sunshine that welcomed us to the Cornwallis Island town. The walk across the tarmac in –23 C weather was a refreshing ‘hello’ from the high Arctic.
We were pumped. Andy tried to do a quick history lesson using the poster of the airport but our convoy of vans arrived and we were off to the hotel. We checked in, got our rooms, relaxed, and checked out the hotel before setting off on a walk around town. In full winter gear we strolled the streets like tourists would do on the streets of Florence. The only difference being that in Florence the wind chill is not below –30 C, there are not husky pups following you around town, and every direction you look is not a sea of snow and wind.
Back at the hotel we had our meal and then listened to Pierre explain what facilities exist at Eureka, learned about the scientific work that goes on there, and witnessed the beauty of the site while watching a video slide show. Andy followed up with a ‘tornado’ presentation on the first people of North America and of the north. He had us looking at maps, at artifacts, and at the remarkable history. Going to bed at 11:00 pm is not unusual after such a long day, but doing it while the sun still shines is. We’ll see how everyone sleeps.
We are in Resolute. This is what we filled out applications and wrote essays for and we couldn’t be more pumped. Tomorrow we’re going to the school and continuing our high Arctic adventure.
- Ken
Day 4 - Saturday April 18
After a fairly late night of Aurora watching by most of the students, we hit the day running at 8:30am to fit in a full day of orientation material. While the schedule was packed with the usual first day activities – Introductions, Reviews of Rules and Conduct, and Safety presentations, there were also a couple guest speakers who broke the day up with interesting talks of their own. In the morning we enjoyed a talk by Keith Sanders, an architect in Yellowknife who spoke about considering the built world from a sustainable viewpoint. Students, teachers and CANDAC staff alike were all engaged and discussed many good points regarding sustainable building, what that means and how and why it is or is not accomplished. The afternoon held a presentation from another CANDAC IPY Outreach participant, Ben Avern, another Yellowknife resident who was one of two Assistant Arctic Research Officers last year. Ben spoke of his experience driving the Ice Roads to the diamond mines out of Yellowknife over the past 3 years.
The night wrapped up with dinner at Boston Pizza followed by a fun evening of bowling at the local alley. After the festivities, the group reconvened briefly at the hotel to be briefed on the following day’s schedule before retiring to get some well deserved rest before what promises to be another big day tomorrow. Resolute Bay, here we come (weather permitting :).
- Matt
Day 3 - Friday April 17
As the first students were scheduled to arrive in the early afternoon, the group took their last opportunity to review plans and timetable lesson presentations. Lively discussion on how best to capture and record this unprecedented educational undertaking ensued.
With the successful arrival of all 15 participants (and their luggage) in Yellowknife, the full contingent for the Northern Experience Program is assembled and ready to explore and learn about Canada’s High Arctic. Students streamed in throughout the day with our last intrepid participant arriving from Old Perlican, Newfoundland in the late evening.
The students were keen to meet each other. The energy and excitement was palpable as Ashley and Matt helped the group members try on the Arctic gear they would be wearing for Resolute and Eureka. At the same time students were sizing boots, snowpants and parkas, Kaley, Ken and Amanda were being interviewed live for CBC North. The Northern Experience Program continues to create a media buzz.
Stay tuned, more to come.
-Sonia
Day 2 - Thursday April 16
Day Two. Our last teacher arrived. We got some more business out of the way. It’s clear that a lot of work has been put into all of the lessons that have been prepared. The students are definitely in for an excellent and very informative few days!
We toured the Federal Government building here in Yellowknife. It’s LEEDS certified and a pretty neat place. We walked out to Bullock’s Bistro for dinner, and checked out the bush pilot monument as well as a bit of “old” Yellowknife.
I’ll attempt now to post our first photo album. Hopefully the internet connection holds out!
Don't forget to check out the blog!
-Tara
Day 1 - Wednesday April 15
It's already the end of day two, and I'm scrambling to get the website updated with everything that has been going on! The iffy internet connection hasn't helped, but I have to admit that it's been general busy-ness that has kept me from these updates.
And yes, the CANDAC folks did, in fact, get here on the 14th, but I’ll leave out all the boring logistical stuff that happened before the teachers arrived. Let’s just say that the problem of the delivery of four left boots (all different sizes and not accompanied by the right ones) has been successfully solved.
What happened yesterday? Five of six teachers arrived. Eventually. With only two missing pieces of luggage. We met in the afternoon. Got some business out of the way. Had a delicious meal, and then proceeded to head out of town to take in the Northern Lights (I hope to get a photo album up tonight). All in all, a highly successful time!
-Tara