Sealift 2022

The Taiga Desgagnes arrived in Arctic Bay on August 26, the same day Inuujaq School held its community picnic.  The large ship arrived to deliver a variety of supplies to the community.  My sealift order, as well as the school’s, was on that ship. 

The bay is deep enough for large ships to anchor close to shore, cutting down the time needed to move supplies.  However, the captains frequently choose to anchor the ships in the middle of the bay.  I guess if they anchored too close to the shoreline, they would need a lot of time to move back and/or turn the ship around to leave.  I’ve said this many times before: a deep-sea port would make the delivery process so much easier and safer.  Unfortunately, the powers that be are too slow to react.  I think they’re waiting to see how the new deep-sea port in Iqaluit will work when it becomes operational next year.

The Desgagnes crew operated two tugboats and barges to ferry supplies.  Many were packaged in large sea containers and wooden crates.  Vehicles, on the other hand, were shipped as they were so that they could be driven off the barges.  The unloading area was in front of the Northern Store.  Everyone had to avoid this area or be careful when passing through.  Large loader machines were in operation and their drivers couldn’t see everywhere.

I took a few photographs on the day of the picnic.  The Hamlet Office bought a new sewage truck.  I found my wooden crate as well as three large crates addressed to the school.  An assortment of Co-op sea containers were assembled in a large pile.  Some of the containers had pieces cut out.  I wondered if they would be used to assemble a building somewhere.

The ship left before I could sign the paper to claim my wooden crate.  Thankfully, the crate wasn’t returned to the ship.  Unfortunately, I couldn’t find someone to move it to my residence, so I borrowed a truck from Frank and enlisted the help of a co-worker.  We would open the crate, load everything onto the truck, and divide my order into two groups.  My personal items would be moved to my residence and the school supplies would be moved to the school.

The co-worker and I stepped up to my crate, armed with crowbars, axes, and screw drivers.  We attacked the crate at the corners, trying to tear off nails and pieces of wood.  The loud banging sounds attracted the attention of kids wanting to help.  For them, sealift is like an early Christmas.  We managed to get one side of the crate open.  The kids loaded everything onto the truck in a few minutes.  I thanked them by giving them cans of Coke Zero.  I told them it was either that or nothing.  I don’t drink sugary pop anymore.  The kids dispersed after receiving their “payment”.

The co-worker & I unloaded the school supplies first and then drove to my place to move my personal items inside.  I dropped him off at his place and then returned to school.  I used a cart to move all my supplies to my classroom.  I spent a good hour unpacking and placing everything where it needed to be.  When I was done, I photographed the school supplies lining the main hallway.

School Administration hired a local mover to move the large wooden crates to the front of the school, and several people to move all the items inside the building.  The main hallway looked like a warehouse stocked with cardboard boxes.  I assumed the supplies would be sorted and distributed during the upcoming week.

I returned home and spent the remainder of the day unpacking my personal items and rearranging my residence.  My place also looked a fully stocked warehouse.  This would gradually change throughout the year and come next spring, my sealift supplies would be gone.

School Community Picnic

Inuujaq School held an afternoon community picnic at Uluksat Point on August 26.  Everyone was invited to come out, meet the staff, eat tasty BBQ food, and enjoy a variety of Inuit games.  Of course, students and staff would be in attendance.  The local Co-op & Northern Store provided the food, condiments, and juice boxes.  Community members were also invited to bring country food to share.

Planning began immediately after school started.  We had less than two weeks to get everything ready.  The idea for a community picnic in August was actually suggested in April, but there was no time to plan before summer.  Now it was all hands on deck. 

The Events Committee met, drew up a plan, and assigned tasks.  The school bus would transport K-4 classes; everyone else would walk.  Several teachers with vehicles were assigned to transport food, barbecues, and kitchen equipment.  I assisted in the getting the message out by posting Inuktitut & English newsletters on Facebook. 

We started making our way to Uluksat Point in the early afternoon.  I took pictures of students & teachers walking to the point.  Several vehicles slowly passed us the closer we got to the point.  I hoped many people would come to the picnic because a lot of food had been ordered. 

A large sealift vessel happened to be anchored in the bay and the crew were ferrying supplies to shore.  My sealift order was on that ship, but it would have to wait.  (More on this in a future post).

Uluksat Point is a popular picnic and camping.  A few staff members were already working the barbecues, cooking hot dogs & hamburgers.  Many stood in line while others hiked up nearby hills.  I too hiked up a nearby hill to take more photographs.  More people continued to arrive as time passed.  It took some time to get everyone served because we only had two barbecues.  I waited until the end to get a hot dog & hamburger.

K-9 teachers played Inuit games with their students for about an hour.  I walked around and took more photographs.  Adults stood around and chatted.  The principal used a bullhorn to thank everyone for coming to the picnic.  The event finished around 3:45pm.

Staff cleaned up the cooking area and collected garbage, with the assistance of students.  The garbage bags were deposited into two large bins near the point.  The barbecues and cooking equipment were loaded into designated vehicles.  Leftover food was given away.  Students who lived the furthest from Uluksat Point were given priority on the school bus.  The remaining students were driven home by family and relatives.  I helped with moving the barbecues & kitchen equipment back to school.  A staff member then gave me a ride home. 

Overall, I’d say the picnic was success.

 

Boats, Gas, & School

I returned to Arctic Bay in early August.  I spent a good three hours unpacking and rearranging everything in my residence.  School staff reported to work on August 10.  We had to get everything ready for the first day of school with students.  The school year would begin on Monday, August 15.  (More on that coming up).  School Administration held a Welcome Back Meeting for new and returning staff.  Schedules were handed out and operational procedures were reviewed.  Staff were then dismissed to do what needed to be done to get ready for Monday.  In between this work, staff shared stories about what they did over the summer break.  Many were impressed and surprised by my adventures in Las Vegas and Toronto. 

Three boats were anchored in the bay.  Two appeared to be privately owned yachts while the third looked a research vessel.  I didn’t inquire further because all my attention was focused on my classroom.  I would be teaching three high school social studies classes, a high school drum class, and three middle school guitar classes for the fall semester (August to December).

Everyone in town breathed loud sighs of relief when the gas ship arrived on August 14.  The community had run out of gasoline at the end of July.  I think barrels of gasoline were flown in while people had to use their vehicles & boats sparingly.  The situation made me think of the post-apocalyptic film series Mad Max.  The gas ship spent two days in the community refilling the gas silos.  The territorial & federal governments need to look at building more gas silos in all Nunavut communities because gasoline consumption is only going up.  I think it’ll be many more years before alternative fuels & energy will replace fossil fuels in the North.

Staff were hard at work in the Home Ec Room on the morning of Monday, August 15.  It was the first day of school and food needed to be prepared for the morning assembly & breakfast.  Food preparation began at 8am.  The menu consisted of various fruits, yogurt, and juice boxes.  Tea and coffee were added for parents, guardians, and Elders.  Chairs, tables, and a portable sound system were set up in the gym.  The food was brought over to the gym in bowls.  Staff then prepared plates.  You don’t keep the audience waiting.  Everything was ready just in time.

The assembly began at 9am.  The principal welcomed everyone to the 2022-2023 school year.  The staff came up to the front, introduced themselves, and briefly explained their role(s).  An Elder blessed the food and then breakfast was served.  Staff handed out plates of food & juice to students and guests.  Everyone enjoyed their breakfast.  The assembly lasted around an hour.  Students & teachers returned to their respective classrooms while parents & guardians were free to leave.  The first day of classes officially began.

I treat the first of school as an orientation day.  I introduce myself to my students, review the course outline, and play a few icebreaker games.  I’m not a fan of beginning the curriculum on the first day.  Too soon.  The first day of the semester should be an easy/fun day.  The second day can be all work and no play. 

 

Summer of 2022 – Part 4 – Road Trip & Highland Games

I left Toronto feeling confident and proud.  Completing my sixth tandem jump and first solo jump made me feel like I could do anything.  The never-ending, bumper-to-bumper traffic on Highway 401 didn’t bother me at all. 

The next town I visited was Petrolia.  I wanted to see how my friend’s brewery was doing after another year.  In short, Black Gold Brewery (BGB) is still going strong.  My friend and his business partners are steadily expanding the beer list and distribution network.  Several restaurants in Petrolia and Sarnia already sell BGB beers on tap.  They’re also looking at acquiring more floorspace for storage.  I asked if buying a large transport truck was in the works, and my friend said maybe in a year or two.  They’re currently looking at purchasing a van for outdoor events.

I got a tour of the backroom where the beers are brewed and was allowed to take photos.  I was impressed to see a large awards plaque displaying gold & silver wins for two of his beer flavours at the 2021 Ontario Brewing Awards. 

I did sample several beers and bought a lot of beer cans before continuing my road trip.  I support local businesses.  I wished my friend continued success.

I stopped at a local gas station to refuel and buy snacks.  I was surprised to see Crystal Pepsi on sale.  The last time I saw that beverage was in the 1990s.  I bought two bottles.  An internet search informed me that Pepsi brought the flavour back for the 30^th anniversary and was selling it for a limited time.  I hope they continue selling the flavour.  It’s alright.

I made a short detour and visited a former co-worker in Fergus.  He and his family are doing well.  I gifted them several cans of BGB beer.

The last town I visited was Kingston.  I dropped in to see an old university friend and take a break from driving.  I’m not a fan of driving for more than 5 hours unless I take plenty of breaks in between.  I gave my friend a six-pack of BGB beers for letting me stay at his place.

Old Train Station.

City Hall

We explored the city centre and waterfront.  Well, actually, I explored; he played tour guide.  There were a lot of people, most likely because it was bright sunny summer day.  I photographed the Old Train Station, City Hall, Confederation Park Fountain, and surrounding buildings.  You have to watch where you step in the park because of droppings left behind by Canada geese. 

Speaking of Canada geese, I managed to stand in the middle of a flock and film them walking by eating grass.  Thankfully, I wasn’t attacked.  I’ve heard stories of geese being very aggressive. 

We ate at Dianne’s Fish Shack & Smokehouse for lunch.

Royal Military College

I continued exploring the waterfront, photographing boardwalks, sidewalk art, the Royal Military College on the other side of the bay, and the Flora MacDonald Confederation Basin (FMDCB).  The FMDCB is a large small craft harbour that can accommodate a lot of boats. 

We explored the Lemoine Point Conservation Area on the second day of my visit.  It’s near the Kingston Airport.  People come here to hike, walk their dogs, bike, fish, canoe, swim, and photograph wildlife.  The only wildlife I photographed were geese and ducks.

I thanked my friend for putting up with me and returned to Ottawa the following day.  My road trip had come to an end.

The last big event I attended this summer was the Glengarry Highland Games (GHG) in Maxville on July 29.  The last time I attended the Games was in 2017. 

A lot of people were glad to see the return of the games, having been previously cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  This was evident from the many cars parked around the festival grounds.  I wore the GHG shirt I bought in 2017.  It still fits!  My dad & I paid the entrance fee and entered the festival grounds.

A loud constant drone of bagpipes greeted us.  It didn’t matter if one, several, or many bagpipers stopped playing.  Another player(s) somewhere starts playing and the tone is maintained.  If that annoys you, wear earplugs.  There were also sounds of crisp snare drum rhythms being practiced & performed, but these were not as constant as the bagpipes.

My dad & I walked around, looking at everything the Games had to offer.  Food and vendor stands were placed around the main field.  There were also smaller fields to accommodate the Pipes & Drums competition.  At the main field we watched: the men’s caber toss, men’s & women’s weight throwing, and the women’s sheaf toss.  The throwing weights weigh 42 pounds!

Lotus Turbo Esprit

The Antique British Car Display returned.  Club members parked their vintage vehicles on a hill behind the main field.  I’m not much of a car enthusiast, but I did spend a lot of time photographing each car.  They’re all well maintained, but the only car I can see myself owning is the 1985 Lotus Turbo Esprit.  I prefer futuristic designs.

In the afternoon, my dad & I watched a Scottish Small Sword tournament, musket demonstration, and two pipes & drums bands perform.  I’m glad I brought ear plugs.  (For the musket demonstration, not the music).  The muskets are loud and I didn’t want my hands to shake while I filmed the loud bangs. 

Unfortunately, we didn’t get to try haggis.  There’s always next year.

We left the Games in the late afternoon.  Overall, it was a great day.  The Games would continue for a second day.

Attending the GHG was the perfect way to end my summer vacation.

I spent my last week of summer getting ready to return to the Arctic.

End of Summer of 2022 mini-series.