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

THE BATTLE OF THE GROUNDHOGS

The second day of February is not marked on any calendar, to my knowledge. Perhaps, in Gobbler's

Willie's Predictions

Knob, Pennsylvania or in Ontario at Wiarton, the date is marked clearly. It's GROUNDHOG DAY.

The sky, cloud cover and presence or absence of sunshine is the deciding factor in the remaining severity and length of winter..and it can vary in each location. In Niagara, we are situated between both communities and we have one of the most temperate climates in all of Canada. Positioned between two Great Lakes, our temperatures are modified in summer and, it's hard to believe, even in winter. Also, we have the added protection of the Niagara Escarpment, a landform carried over from the shores of a glacial lake of the last Ice Age.

While those same lakes dump mounds of snow on the south towns of Buffalo and into Oswego and Watertown when combined with the prevailing winds, here in Niagara, it keeps the volume of snow a lot less for us. Many times, as we see our neighbours in Buffalo digging themselves out from huge snowfalls, we thank our lucky stars. “Missed us by that much” as Maxwell Smart used to say to 99.

Monday was the second day of the month and proved to be a busy day for me and many more throughout our area. I watched CHCH TV report the many road problems, restrictions and school

By noon on Monday...let the clearing begin

closures as we were in the midst of our own blowing and falling snow storm. By the time it was over we had accumulated between 20 to 30 centimeters depending upon where you were and the directions of the winds around you. By noon, the sun broke through the cloud cover, for a while, and then the clouds returned and the snowfall continued.

The terms “blizzard-like” and “blowing snow” were in the Environment Canada storm warnings that were published online and echoed by other media...and, in fact, I believe that we were in the midst of a blizzard. How do I know? Well my last trip to Rankin Inlet 7 years ago had several of them. There were a couple of days when the Health Centre and the schools there were actually closed. Other days there were just periods of blowing snow followed by the sun coming out (during our restricted daylight hours) and the most beautiful snowscapes imaginable.

Last time I was delayed in leaving at the end of my contract due to the longest recorded blizzard in the history of weather in Rankin Inlet (and the rest of Canada as well). It's even listed in Wikipedia “Beginning on January 16, 2008, Rankin Inlet endured the longest recorded blizzard in Canada. Wind speed was 74 km/h (46 mph) or above, with gusts to 90 km/h (56 mph), and wind chill values was as low as -58. The blizzard lasted 7 days 5 hours.” I survived it...both indoors and out.

January 2008 Blizzard Conditions

So I consider myself blizzard-ready...should that skill be necessary this trip. Well, it may be since on Monday during our storm, I talked to Matt, my “soon to be” boss at the Health Centre. After a few questions and answers and some pleasant comparisons of our respective climates, we terminated our call. Later, in the late afternoon, my in box showed mail. Finally, almost after 7 weeks....my contract had arrived.

Now, why the delay? Well, there are many reasons. Nothing could happen before my police check was completed. Once I had fulfilled all necessary professional requirements, I had to sit and cool my heals until the mounties could tell our regional guys that my record was clean. That required my fingerprints being submitted digitally to check for any outstanding warrants, previous convictions, and any ongoing investigations. Once I had obtained my “vulnerable sector” clearance, the next step was to forward the necessary documents to my perspective employer along with all the other details they required...my S.I.N. and direct deposit info for pay. This required a form to be filled out, stamped and signed by my financial institution and then forwarded on to the north.

As well, the weather up north has been “winter”... in its simplicity and beauty. The odd snow day interfered with my approval for the temporary position. Some bureaucracy can be expected when dealing with government agencies but there has been good co-operation and things seem to be moving along nicely. By late afternoon, on monday the second of February, in the midst of our

The Inukshuk stands guard through it all

blowing snow, snow clearing and further snow deposits the final decree came by an email.

It didn't take Wiarton Willie, Punxsutawney Phil or any of those other furry prognosticators to tell me my fate on Groundhog Day. Instead, the Government of the Nunavut Territory officially notified me that I'll have six more weeks of winter...just sign on the dotted line...travel and accommodation info to follow. The irony is that after I signed my contract and sent it back, I heard nothing more. Another full day passed again and still there was no confirmation of receipt. So Wednesday I sent another email north to see if they had received the documents.

Yes, they had received it...but didn't respond. You see, the Health Centre was closed. The reason...the entire Kivalliq Region was experiencing...another blizzard.

Next Time: NO PASSPORT REQUIRED

NO PASSPORT??? No Problem!!!!!

Have you renewed your passport lately? My last one needed attention since it was expiring while I'm north. The Canadian Passport used to be valid for five years, but now you have an option of either five or ten. The trip north to Rankin Inlet does not require one...and travel in Canada does not require it either...but we've always maintained a valid one. So it made sense to do the renewal before I head away. I think it's always quicker to renew a valid one than to wait and re-apply for an expired one.

From the time we turned in our old ones and paid our fees, it took a week for the doorbell to ring and Vince to ask for a signature on his Canada Post device. When you actually sit down and look closely, this new document is really a work of art. First, this new passport is actually an e-passport...as all issued since July 2013. It has been designed to thwart counterfeiting with a number of new technologies and printing techniques...many used since 2001...including  microprinting, holographic images, UV visible inks and watermarks.

Canadian e-Passport

While smaller in dimension it retains its distinctive Canadian Coat of Arms in Gold Foil print on the front cover, along with the french and english words for "passport" and now features the international symbol for e-passports. Your picture is now digitally printed and not a photo affixed to the paper. That entire page (with your information printed neatly) is laminated with a plastic covering impregnated with at least six distinct holograms.

These include the word CANADA, a compass rose, two different maple leafs (one traditional, the other a modern facsimile). Another small hologram is a map of the entire country...over printed on the solid maple leaf. In addition, there are about 30 small maple leaves in various sizes scattered throughout the remainder of that laminate (all in a hologram).

The page next...the one above your colour photo/info page...has a small black and white replica of your colour photo of the previous page much like your drivers licence...and of course, the signature line. The next 30 pages are to be used for those stamps and visa attachments required by various countries for entry or departure. They are the most amazing collection of Canadian memorabilia and our country's history.

All regions and major events in our nation's close to 150 years history (yes, in 29 months...we'll be 150 years old) are depicted. Our Native Canadians are honoured on the next page with a sketch of an INUKSHUK, an EAGLE feather and an infinity symbol. Canada's North is represented by a map showing the Arctic circle with the many expedition routes of Joseph-Elzear Bernier from 1906-1913

Bernier's routes were sponsored by the Government of Canada

as he sailed to expand Canada's sovereignty over the arctic archipelago up to the North Pole. The Prairies pages show images of a Grain silo, some oil wells a-pumping and those famous Wheat Board of Canada hopper cars in a line.

Halifax's Pier 21, Newfoundland's Cape Spear, the famous Bluenose, our picturesque Parliament buildings, and a sketch of Niagara Falls grace several of the leaves. The 1885 insertion of the Last Spike on the transcontinental railroad is recognized. Respectfully, the 1980 Marathon of Hope is remembered with the sketch of TERRY FOX. It's actually a drawing of his statue. One of seven that have been erected across our country to honour this 22 year old hero who started an intense focus towards Cancer treatment.

Historical pages denote important events in our nation's fabric. The famous gathering of the Fathers of Confederation, Samuel de Champlain and his vessel as well as a classic view from the river of old

Samuel de Champlain died in Quebec on Christmas Day in 1635.

Quebec city are showing the early foundations of our country. Iconic drawings of the Northwest Mounted Police and a modern RCMP musical ride are also documented.

In sporting tradition, “the Cups” of Lord Stanley and Earl Grey (our 9^th Governor General) are sketched as Canada's famous annual struggles as well as an image of Nellie McClung, one of the famous five. Those from the east may not recognize the name but she was well respected in her struggle for women's rights and social responsibility and change along with her four compatriots in the west.

Canada' s efforts in the First, Second and Korean wars are recognized by the drawings of Billy Bishop and his plane, the HMCS Sackville, and The Infantry of the Korean War, respectively. And finally, to recognize those who've made that ultimate sacrifice, are pages showing the Vimy Memorial in France and the Canadian National War Memorial in Ottawa.... LEST WE FORGET those who have actually allowed us to remain safe on our soil and yet, travel freely with this document throughout the world.

With only 35 pages...2 are taken by photos from my hometown

Perhaps, I should have asked for a passport with the extra pages. Although those ones are no longer available, it would have been interesting to see what other sketches might have been included. While it's almost a shame to have to cover these pages with stamp ink as we enter various countries over the next ten years...a tough job for sure...but somebody's got to do it!

Next up: GOING....GOING....GONE!

LONG DISTANCES

There's lots being said, these days, about how the world is changing or has changed. In many ways, our world is much more complicated...and yet, things have also simplified and become easier....maybe too easy. Take for instance air travel. Distances between destinations seem to have diminished, at least with the increased flight range of today's modern jets and direct flights (when you can find them) between airport locations that used to take two or more legs of travel.

Planes have always fascinated me. Getting ready for this adventure I've had time to reflect and try to figure out just where and when. As I await my travel details for Rankin Inlet, I got thinking back to my first exposure to an airplane at Malton airport in the late fifties, early sixties. My Aunt Edna and a co-worker had booked a trip to Hawaii (she also travelled to Acapulco and many other destinations

1963 Trans Canada Airlines becomes en francais "Air Canada"

and I think that's where I got my travel spirit from). As clear as I can remember she flew on Trans

Canada Airlines, before it had become a national airline and later Air Canada (the french translation of TCA at the time). Canada's early years of passenger service in the late fifties and early sixties are far different than the travel of today's security conscious traveller.

Our family had taken her in our '49 maroon Plymouth to the airport outside Toronto. In those days, there were no seat belts and you could stuff as many people as possible on those bench seats...sometimes with us “kids” sitting on the laps of adults or the older kids. I can't remember how many pieces of luggage but I do remember her carry on...probably because a nine or ten year old could carry it. It was leather with well-rounded vertical corners, a top-opening style and a zipper that would travel on three sides. On top were her initials, “E.B.J.” in silver printing, just below the large handle and inside, on the top, was a mirror. The leather, outside, was neatly stitched and dyed a “baby blue”...can we even say that as a colour anymore?....and was part of that matching set, all packed and ready for “the handlers”.

Some recollections of the airport, itself, include large windows facing the planes on the runway and a coffee shop style lunch counter. As well, there was a staircase to the terminal's rooftop allowing you to view the comings and goings of the various propeller driven airframes. The wind was always blowing up there, but as kids we were eager to see her “off” and we waited and waited while the steps were finally backed away after the various other service vehicles had left. Those props finally started to spin, one, then two, and eventually all four before the plane taxied out. The large field area, decked out with various small signs, lights and ribbons of paved runways seemed to go on forever. Further delay meant we watched as her plane finally lifted.

The best thing about taking her to the airport, was the bonus of accompanying her across the tarmac and carrying her hand luggage up those moveable stairs. And then, at the top, she asked the stewardess, if I could enter the aircraft to see where she would be seated. My first time on a plane...no flight...but what an experience for this wide-eyed kid. This was a four engine prop style plane...was it a DC6, DC7 or a Lockheed Constellation???...not sure. It was big with a gleaming, shiny aluminum skin...along with well over 100 passengers on board. From that point there, my fascination with aircraft has continued to this very day.

A couple of years ago I decided to try a new hobby, radio controlled model flying. Finally last fall, I achieved a personal quest of “getting my wings” from the local model flying club. I was able to become certified in the operation and flight of radio-controlled aircraft in Canada and the USA thanks to the dedicated and unselfish efforts of a great group of instructors and a large support network of club members. While I have yet to actually receive them, I GOT THE PAPERWORK TO PROVE IT!!

Now, if you think it's difficult sitting in an aircraft while the guy (or gal) up front takes you on your journey, try standing on the ground and orientating yourself as that RC plane flies toward you at a fairly quick speed. You can't panic or gravity will take over and you'll go home with a green garbage bag full of parts and pieces....we all keep one in the trunk just in case. It took me a while to get the hang of it (with the assistance of a computer flight simulator...thank you “Phoenix” versions 3 to 5)...but now I can fly without the mandatory electric tether of a buddy box system. Ergo, I am now free to crash these things all by myself.

With this new found skill, I look at planes, their body shapes and wings differently. I now have to consider wind speed, direction, air flow and those physical principles of Bernoulli. It's amazing, as you get older, how you grasp concepts differently...and this hobby really makes you appreciate those subtle differences. Experience is your best teacher and the student must stay on constant alert or suffer the consequences.

Yes, our world has changed, and continues to evolve. Modern plane designs have seemed to reduce the distances between our destinations and, for the flying public, it has made those points seem closer

The distances Toronto-Winnipeg and Winnipeg Rankin Inlet

and safer than ever, given the literally thousands of passengers in the air around the world on an hourly basis. These design changes have also affected the model flying hobbyists and many advances in the technology of the sport have contributed as well.

And those long distances, while not any closer physically, have seemed to become closer. In six hours of flight we can be anywhere in North America and, even Rankin Inlet.

Next Up:

THE BATTLE OF THE GROUNDHOGS

Less than a Month...and yet a World Away!

It’s mid-January and already, locally, the days have started to yield more light. Leaving the camera store on the weekend, the sun was shining and still above the horizon after 5 p.m…and it just makes you feel more positive about everything.

Sunset last week on Kalar Road, Niagara Falls

We have had less than a month of official “winterdom”, but the milder weather of the past few days has excited many. The comparison of last year’s January weather to this current month is a “hot” topic of conversation. In fact, last year our weather started cold with snow in late November and pretty much stayed that way for the next four months. Even the famous ice boom across the Niagara River wasn’t removed until May…a month late!!!

Contrast that with this season’s early snow sprinkled with some bitter cold around new years. Despite some bone chilling days since then, a few flakes and snowfalls have led to much milder weather overall than last year. The next week for Niagara looks like this will continue.

There are several interesting comparisons when you compare our local weather, here in Niagara,  with that of Rankin Inlet. Firstly, our temperatures and wind chill factors are considerably different. As such, my warm (i.e. cold weather) gear is ready and waiting having been augmented to a degree. My time in the north, this time, is occurring later in the winter season and I expect warmer temperatures into the last half of march. I learned last time, however, that expectations in the North are seldom a reality. Having recently talked to staff at the health centre, they have had a series of heavy winds and blizzard conditions. It affects the staff and life, in general, in the town.

2008 Snowy Landscape outside Rankin Inlet

People are no different when they are locked into an environment for days on end, whether it is north or south. “Cabin fever” is something you can deal with if it’s recognized. The other interesting outcome of long term blizzard-like conditions is that goods, services and people are not transported as normally occurs daily. Shortages in the milk and bread sections of the local supermarkets in January 2008 were evident during our 6 day blizzard at that time.So the weather can definitely be a factor in the health and well-being of a community.

While looking over the weather data this aft for both my deck weather station (JCWX) at home

and the airport reporting in Rankin Inlet(CYRT), I noted a couple of other interesting facts. Here, in Niagara today, we had a sunrise at 7:44 and a sunset at 5:10. In Rankin Inlet the sun rose was 9:14 and the sun was to set at 3:23(if the clouds and fog allowed them to see it). More curious was the other stat shown clearly on both pages.

In Niagara we will gain an extra 1 minute and 52 seconds of daylight, while in Rankin Inlet they will gain 5 minutes and 5 seconds, that’s almost three times more daylight per day and this will continue to increase each and every day.

While it’s just a few weeks until my potential departure, the weather is but one aspect of the contrasts of the two regions. The climate, the people, the daylight…it’s a world of difference in both spots and hard to believe you remain within the same country.

Coming Soon:  LONG DISTANCES

Resolving Those UNREVOLVING Gears

Previously, you learned about my welcome in the midst of horror. As the staff of the Kivalliq Health Centre had arrived that January 3, 2008, I was in the middle of a “situation”. . As each of the curious staff greeted me and/or welcomed me, they were met with a mess. I was up to my elbows in chemistry, a processor in disarray, and a floor that also required attention.

Trying to analyze my dilemma, and get those racks a-turning was now a serious issue. It was 0830 and the centre was open for business. I was not. As I pondered and concentrated on resolving the matter, don’t ask me why but I thought back to those times when you try to open that wide mouth pickle jar and that lid won’t budge. You try to wrap your hand around it, you tap it, or you sometimes run hot water over it hoping to warm any brine residue that might help to release that lid.

Brilliant…use the hot water. I carry the first offending roller rack across the “wet” room to the sink and start the hot water flowing.  Have you ever waited at a sink that seems to take forever for hot water to arrive…only to scald yourself eventually when the full temperature was reached? Let me put it to you this way…if your sink hadn’t been used in say 2 weeks AND your outside temperature is about -25….in spite of insulation inside a building…well it takes a while LONGER. Eventually a slight change in the level of cold in the water started to happen. About 5 minutes later (or so it seemed) I had hot water.

The reception desk for Lab/Xray patients

Now while this was all taking place, I had met the secretary/receptionist (shared between Xray and the Lab staff). In fact, by this time, I had met her about three times. She had introduced herself and welcomed me like the others. She had, quite nicely, and very business like, returned each time to announce the arrival of my next patient. Somewhere in the conversation exchange, I mentioned that we wouldn’t be doing any cases today if I didn’t get this processor functional. I think she returned three more times before my first case was done.

I had set the developer roller rack on the floor near the counter with the sink, while this whole thing was acting out. I was trying to figure out how I was going to get this rack into a sink the size of many used in home bars….a round peg in a square hole so to speak.The best I could do was to get the gears portion of the rack, almost, under the water stream.  I say almost, since there was a great deal of water splashing around me and onto the floor below.

At some point while I’m struggling to get those gears turning under the running hot water, and with water running over the countertop down the cupboard doors and onto the floor, someone arrives with a bucket and mop in order to prevent someone from slipping or other damage. The combination of water on both ends of the developer rack along with more effort on my part on the drive gear starts to free it up and the rollers begin to turn.

Eventually the rollers turn freely….one rack down and two to go. The fixer rack needs less work even though it looks worse with all the crystallized fixer affixed. It cleans up relatively quickly and turns freely…likewise the wash rack. We are making progress. Now having found something to carry the developer from those replentishment tanks to the processor itself, I start to fill the tanks. With first the developer and then, the fixer, completely filled we are ready to reassemble.

The "Thumper"

The pieces are falling into place. Once the processor has been energized, the banging has been quieted to a faint repetitive thump. A noise is still there but it is less noticeable now. It’s almost nine and time for the test films. A little later these 14 by 17 test sheets drop into the exit bin. Damp but delivered, my workday has started…just a little late. Let the patients begin.

The Blogger’s Epliogue: Later in the afternoon after playing a game of catch up with my patient backlog, there was an opportunity to check where that continuing thumping was actually coming from. It turned out that a drive gear for the developer rack had become stripped due to the initial binding on that fateful startup...the loud thumping earlier in the day was actually the developer rack jumping as the drive gear tried to get that rack turning. Some quick thinking now allowed me to reverse that gear on the drive shaft and, with it on backwards, smooth meshing ensued and the thumping was gone. Later in the week, I replaced that defective gear once I had discovered where “we” stored the spare parts.

As a momento of this near tragic event (at least in my mind), I have kept that gear attached to a USB drive as a sort of “lucky” charm and it constantly reminds me that you can overcome adversity with sound, practical logic. It will accompany me as I travel north for that same remembrance.

Coming soon: TIME IS PASSING

Being Given the Gears

It’s been interesting these past few weeks to think back 7 years to my first day at Kivillaq Health Centre.The details remain sharp.  Having arrived the day before in the darkness of night, I had risen after a well deserved sleep. Recalling that the day before had been a long day of travel...from

Departing on Wednesday Jan 2, 2008

the 3 a.m. wakeup, the 4 a.m. transport ride to the airport, check in and a 6 a.m. early breakfast off the airport property with my brother.

The boarding of the 8.a.m. Westjet flight to Winnipeg…the waiting…the check-in to my 3 p.m. Calm Air flight…the waiting…some TSN World Junior hockey tournament viewing…a bowl of chili and a cold beer in the Air Canada lounge…some waiting…the flight to Churchill…the refueling (more waiting)…the continuation of my flight to Arviat (waiting on the plane while they defrosted the built in steps of the plane)…and, finally, the touchdown at Rankin Inlet airport amid some winds and swirling snow. A greeting party of two had met me in the airport arrivals waiting room and, like a VIP, had wisked me away in an SUV to my new Rankin Inlet address (commonly known to the locals as “the barn”).

A quick breakfast and, if the mind is accurate, my airport greeting party again arriving just before 8.a.m. and driving me into the Health Centre (otherwise, how would I have found it?).

It had seemed like forever to get ready for the outside. My face mask, gloves, boots, coat, over pants, sweater and heavy socks had taken forever to install for that 20 second trip to a warming white (or was it snow covered) SUV left running outside my apartment. 

Here, at “the Barn”, I had unpacked a bit the night before to organize my food and my clothing for

2008 MUDROOM at "the Barn"

the next day, so I would be prepped when the “cock crowed”.

The morning was crisp (they all were) and it was dark (same again). The winds were calmer and the packed snow of the parking lots crunched under my Sorell’s.  As we entered the backdoor of the Health Centre, I couldn’t help but notice, the absolute cleanliness and neatness of these surroundings. The floors were pristine and literally sparkling. The place was only a few years old but one could tell that it was well maintained.

I was escorted to my “workplace”…and as lights were energized, I was introduced to a couple of early arrivers. They had anticipated my arrival and were eager to meet me (mostly since they had been without a tech for over a week). As I defrocked my outside clothing, I toured my surroundings, scoured the notes and papers affixed to equipment and walls, and generally looked over my “tools” of the next few weeks. I powered up the xray control and table to the normal hum of electrical equipment. My morning had started.

Now it was time for the darkroom portion of my excursion. Checked cassettes and film bins…found the flow taps for water and power supply, closed the lid…and started up the processor. Suddenly, there was a hard banging. It was regular with each one about a second apart…..Panic….Problem….Shutdown….where was the emergency power shutoff??? After what had seemed like an eternity (probably only about 15-20 seconds), I killed the power and immediately the banging ceased. This was not the way to start my Nunavut career. Would I need a service call BEFORE I even got started? Where would they have to come from?  No time to panic, but it was, instead, a time to solve.

Pulling the lid off the film processor, having determined I’d better start and run through a complete diagnostic check of the whole unit, I lifted the developer rack. The tank was empty…dry….well there was some residual developer in the bottom. I tried to comprehend...why dry?

I turned my attention to those first set of rollers. The developer rack was caked in oxydized developer...dry and dark brown…so this was not recent drainage. Feeling more like Sherlock than Roentgen, I glazed on the next tank. It was almost to capacity and stunk like fixer…a far better sign. After a glance at the rack, though, I could see my next hurdle. The encrusted and dried fixer had

2008 Fixer Rack

deposited on all the gears...and they would not turn. I tried again with all my strength to turn the main drive gear, but to no avail. This was definitely a drive train problem and now to check on the gears.

Now, while this was happening, the remaining staff of the Kivillaq Health Centre was arriving to begin their normal workday. Even before they had removed their coats, almost each and every one seemed to stop into Xray to greet me, wanting to shake my hand, and welcoming me to Rankin Inlet. My hands smelled of fixer and developer…and I had dripped chemistry all over their pristine floors…this was not a best first impression.

Next Time: RESOLVING THOSE UNREVOLVING GEARS