Leaving the Arctic ... for now!

After a little shopping, we are all too soon at the Inuvik Airport, this time at the main terminal for the Air North flight south to Whitehorse. It's sad to be leaving Rod, Martha and Steve – I’m not sure when I’ll be back in their part of the world because there are so many other places I want to explore. But I will keep in touch – Tim Tam’s are on permanent request; strangely, Vegemite isn’t!

Back in Whitehorse, I have a chance to drop by and tell Doug at the General Store all about the trip. And after dinner at the Homestead I take my last opportunity to see the northern lights, spending some hours sitting on the deck of the cabin looking at the sky and reflecting on what has been a remarkable journey.

The contrasts between the Arctic and British Columbia confront me when I land in Vancouver. The smell of freshly mown grass is so strong; the grass is almost a psychedelic green, and the pinks and whites of the dogwoods and camellias are exceptionally bright compared to the grayish-green colours of the vegetation in the Arctic. And the "squareness" of the planned gardens surrounding houses contrasts with the houses which are built amongst the trees in the Arctic.

I have been very fortunate to see a somewhat untouched part of the world in a unique way. To again experience the joys of dogsledding has been very special. And as I have extended my comfort zone a little further, I have learned more about myself and have acquired new skills. The Arctic is a remarkable part of our world, and we have only seen a very, very small part of this. I look forward to seeing more both in summer and winter.