On the Floe Edge – Seven Hours North of Baffin Island

The day began with flights – first, from Ottawa to Iqaluit where I spotted some other members of our group in the airport. I’m not gifted with great detective skills – they were easy to spot and so was I. Grinning from ear to ear, wearing coats way too bulky for the airport and wheeling duffel bags straining their zippers – we were stoked and it was obvious! By the time we landed in Pond Inlet, we were old friends and ready for anything. The evening included performances by local throat-singers, young athletes who demonstrated their kicking and wrestling skills and even a rendition of “O Canada” in Inuktituk. While the cultural performances were fascinating, the most important moments of the night came when our Arctic Kingdom group leaders Tom Lennartz and Mike Beedell told us, “I think we’re all looking for some magic in our lives - and you’re going to find it here.”