Going...going...GONE !!!!

The past six weeks have been most interesting...Hectic? Definitely, but interesting just the same. On a Friday, just two weeks before Christmas, I got Matt's email. I called that monday to answer an S.O.S. And here it is, with a few days to go, before my return to Rankin Inlet.

The INUKSHUK along the Niagara River Parkway

I would be remiss if I were not to thank those individuals for the assistance in making this return to the Arctic possible. First, I have to thank the better half...for many things but mostly for her understanding and support....not just for this trip but for over 41 years of wedded bliss. She is my constant sound board...listening to many ideas, frustrations and thoughts. She is my gyroscope, my image stabilizer and my GPS...my rock, my hero and my lighthouse...all at once...so thanks.

It doesn't seem that long ago that I left SCGH after 37 years. The skills I learned in the early days from Tony and his techs have allowed this revisit to occur. Without the confidence building imparted by the staff, well let's face it..this opportunity would not be possible. Challenges still lie ahead, though.

Having just completed my tenth Christmas season at Henry's, this hiatus will give me a chance to refocus and an opportunity to apply some photographic skills while “up north”. So thanks to the crew and management in St. Catharines for covering for me for the next 6 weeks. Hopefully I didn't bore them with past stories and, with any luck, I hope there will be new ones which I'm sure that they will hear ad infinitum.

The multitude of well wishers that dropped a line, stopped by the store or left a message of encouragement were appreciated. Some had jokingly (or maybe not) questioned my sanity. Others simply asked if I had not had enough winter yet. There are many others that have helped make this possible....so consider this note a “thank you” to each of them. It would make this tale too long and I

would be sure to miss someone, for sure.

The "BIN"...all ready to pack.

The bags are almost packed. My bin is almost full and the list of things remaining to be done or picked up is getting shorter...THANK GOODNESS!!! The next couple of days will probably be a blur and go by VERY quickly. Before I know it, my  travel day will be here. A trip to Pearson Airport, the flight to Winnipeg...a dash to the connecting flight and the wings of FIRST AIR will have me safely arrived in Rankin Inlet, faster that you can say Inuktitut in English.

The weather is scheduled to be clear and sunny for my arrival The high a -36...the low -39...A warming trend is currently in the forecast for the rest of the week. Of course, that is just a forecast. I'll keep you posted or you can click on the weather link located in the blog. The most that you can expect from weather is...there will be change.

While previous experience provides us with a good foundation, new experiences are the fabric of life...even when the temperatures outside are a bit cool....you simply dress for it.

"THIS IS YOUR CAPTAIN SPEAKING, WELCOME TO..."
 To be continued...

First Air 737 loading the upper deck cargo area in January 2008