As usual, we have a beautiful midnight sky and everyone is in bed.
Yesterday's plane was delayed due to weather in Resolute, so two planes are coming today. I was scheduled to ride on the second flight, but I squeeze on the first plane for fear of being stuck until Friday or later.
Hurry up, Sam!
Pascal gave his elloquent goodbye/thank you speech (see movie) and we're all in a single file line (why?) boarding the plane. It's been NICE!
Pascal looks happy as a camper (haha) next to the HumVee, his pride and joy. He'll stay here at least until Friday with several other brave souls. The airplane window is a bit frosty.
There were 11 of us on this flight, packed like sardines.
Blast off from Mars!
Coming up on Resolute.
The pilot did a fancy maneuver right before landing that really got our attention. That was a SHARP turn.
There was a very strong crosswind, and at some point the plane went sideways...at least I could have sworn I saw the ground moving in the wrong direction.
In this weather, the planes always circle around once or twice to view the runway before landing.
And it was a perfect landing in this high wind. The pilots came out smiling. That was fun!
We are all crossing our fingers in hopes that we don't get stuck overnight in Resolute.
The weather is not looking good. Believe it or not, we would not have the anemities here that we would on Devon Island! There is no hot water in the co-op, no Mel's food, we'd be packed a few in a room on cots, and it isn't cheap to stay here.
Sam's gone mad!
Still crossing our fingers...
We've gotten on to the plane, but now the de-icing machine won't start. They're giving it a jump start.
It's finally working! *whew*
We're all feeling very, very lucky. We'll make it all the way to Ottawa tonight. Then we'll all take long, hot showers and meet down at the bar...if it's still open.
THIS is the runway. Dirt, rain, and fog.
We did it!
A couple of hours later we're coming up on Iqualuit.
Ah...pretty.
It's fun to see Iqaluit from the air again, now that we're somewhat familiar with the town. We can pick out landmarks where we visited on our way to Devon Island.
It's going to be very warm here, compared to what we are now used to, and I'm still wearing three layers.
I still can't remember the name of these purple flowers, but now I know they're not saxofrage. I know all about saxofrage now!
It's a beautiful sunset in Iqaluit, viewed from the plane. And this time I didn't get eaten by mosquitos!
Goodbye Iqualuit!