More musings from Pete on CATRYN

CATRYN
David Rice
Fri 15 Aug 2014 21:50
Hello my friends,  One of the slightly sad aspects of trying to transit the NWP in a small boat in one summer, is that there is little or no opportunity to meet the local Innuit people. When not sailing we are waiting for the ice to melt in uninhabited anchorages. I have been very fortunate as I spent 5 days in Pond Inlet waiting for Dai to arrive from Greenland. Pond has a population of 1,500, of which 95% are Innuit, with an average age of 20.|Yes, 20!! They have a school, but with quite a low attendance rate of around 70%. The kids learn Innuktitut for the first couple of years, before switching to English. Hunting seal and Narwhal is still very much a major source of food. I found the Innuit people extremely friendly and open, and keen to talk and learn about other countries. The children and young people are especially inquisitive.
 
In my last blog, I said that I would relate a short story about Arctic Bay, where we spent 2 days to replenish our stores. This small community numbers some 750 people. I went  ashore in the dinghy with 15 empty Jerrycans to re-fill with diesel fuel. The fuel truck came near to the beach, and I had to carry the containers just a few metres between the truck and the beach. In this task, I was ably assisted by 5 young children, who insisted on helping me fetch and carry the Jerrycans. You know how it is? It would be easier to do it yourself, but they were so keen to help that I let them. When they had finished, I gave the oldest one $10 CA, and told him to buy some something for all of them. The kids shot off at high speed in the direction of the General Store. 10 minurtes later they all returned, each clutching a can of fizzy drink. They all thanked me, and the one I had given the money to handed me back $5 change.
 
No comment really needed from me.
 
Well we made some progress today, another 110 miles or so West. Anchored in a well sheltered Inlet called Graham Harbour with 2 other boats, one belonging to Garry who I told you about last time.But we really need the ice to melt further south SOON. It is still blocking all our routes through the NW Passage. But we are all staying positive, optimistic, and of course PATIENT!!
 
Until the next time
Pete