Coming Back to Cambridge Bay

I was so excited to be coming back to the Arctic. Was trying to think of all the last minute things that were needed, and, of course, forgot a few, but not too much major. Most important was probably a vest, or fleece to wear at the office. Brita filter was another, but you can get almost anything here, if you want to badly enough.
Sent myself a box of food several weeks before leaving, packed a suitcase and a small cooler, and set off for the airport. My son, who drove me was a little concerned, as was I, about my ability to travel, since I had arthoscopic knee surgery six days previously.
I sailed through check in and security, carrying my pack sack and computer bag (heavy computer bag) on a set of wheels. Was met through security by a cart that took me through the airport to the Edmonton gate. It was late afternoon, and today we, another Midwife from Vancouver, and myself were headed as far as Edmonton.
Vancouver was interesting. The gate next to ours was going to Winnipeg and was supposed to depart at least thirty minutes before us. They started announcing delays awhile before they were supposed to load. Then they started announcing delays for our plane. For a long time they did not say what the delays were, but finally they were announced. Our plane was delayed because the staff had not all showed up to check up in. The Winnipeg plane was delayed because someone had been sick on it on the flight in, and they said "Believe me, you want it cleaned before you get on!) I was glad not to be going to Winnipeg!!
We landed safely in Edmonton and went to the hotel, had dinner, splitting an order of veggie fajitas and a salad, and off to bed. We had asked about getting to the airport for our eight o'clock flight and been told we only needed to be there an hour ahead.
So, up at six fifteen, after getting to bed about midnight, to catch the shuttle at six forty, and be there about seven. We basically went through security and onto the plane. A lot tighter than we had thought, but still good timing. No time for the last Starbucks though. There is not one in Yellowknife, although they do have the most lucrative Tim Hortons in the country, or in Cambridge Bay.
Flight to Yellowknife was unremarkable, except that it was full, and of course, it went mechanical. In this case that meant the front seat was loose, so mechanics had to come on board to tighten the seat, and readjust seat belts, etc. So, yes we were late, and we had only about a thirty minute lay over in Yellowknife, so were not going to make our next plane.
The flight was beautiful though, with the fields of the prairies and then the lakes and trees of the North West Territories.
On arrival there were four planes on the ground waiting for our flight. They were all Canadian North flights, and they just waited until ours came in, to take people to various communities. That is one of the great advantages of northern travel...along with the free meals.
A hot breakfast was served on the flight to Yellowknife, and again on the way from Yellowknife to Kuglugtuk, then a bread package from Kuglugtuk to Cambridge Bay.
We got in at 13:00, to our apartments to drop off the bags, and then to work. We were told we would not usually work on the first day, which is strange because I cannot remember a time not working on the first day.
We were given a very short orientation and started. Turned out the one midwife here was leaving in three days to go to Kuglugtuk, and we would be operating on our own. The next day was clinic.
We were introduced to everyone at the health centre, and had an amazing arrival and welcome. It was great to be north again and it looked like this trip would be full of adventure.