At the far northern tip of Baffin Island we had reached the remote Inuit community of Pond Inlet.
The sail in through a broad channel marks the entrance to the North West Passage.
The views on either side spectacular with glaciers sweeping down to the ocean, snow capped peaks and growlers of all shapes and sizes floating in the water, many providing land for a multitude of seabirds.
The views on either side spectacular with glaciers sweeping down to the ocean, snow capped peaks and growlers of all shapes and sizes floating in the water, many providing land for a multitude of seabirds.
Today was our first wet landing which required us to step into the water from the zodiac as it reached the sandy beaches of Pond Inlet.
An elder dressed in a traditional seal skin costume welcomed us. The outfit was remarkable in its design.
As well as providing protection from the cold weather, a large hood at the back not only provides head protection but also coverage for a child being carried in a papoose or a backpack.
A young Parks Canada guide underscored the reality of life in the North.
It only starts to warm up in July and the snows return in September along with the prospect of long, dark winter months ahead.
A visit to the local Coop reminded us of the cost of the family grocery bill. Watermelons have been known to reach $70.
It only starts to warm up in July and the snows return in September along with the prospect of long, dark winter months ahead.
A visit to the local Coop reminded us of the cost of the family grocery bill. Watermelons have been known to reach $70.
The community was generous in its welcome to us southerners, putting on an enjoyable cultural show with demonstrations of Inuit sports, traditional flame keeping, throat singing, dancing and an emotional rendition of “O Canada” in Inuktitut.
It was a joyous end to a day in Canada’s far North.
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