Dear Followers,

Leading up to our trip we did a lot of talking and mental preparation but it is hard to believe that the time has actually arrived. Although Inuvik is located in Canada, which seems to provide a little familiarity and comfort, it is also unbelievably north, frigidly cold and an incredible culture shock. We have only just arrived and are already feeling like aliens…but optimistic aliens.

January 14th was departure day. We started off in Toronto Pearson International Airport bound for Edmonton and then on to Inuvik. Everything seemed to go smoothly, apart from Virginia's broken suitcase (duck tape works wonders!) and a random airport security body search for Erin.

During our flight to Inuvik a nursing opportunity fell into our laps…..literally, a man fell into our laps. After consuming way too many M&M's and trying to stay hydrated our bladders could hold no more. While waiting in line for the bathroom a man fainted and fell onto us and then hit his head on a counter before hitting the floor. Naturally, our nursing instincts kicked in. Some may call us nurses of the north, others may call us nurses of the sky….we just call ourselves heroes ;) We did a full neurological assessment and wound care plus provided apple juice and emotional support for this poor, embarrassed, yet very lucky young man.  The flight attendants were happy for our help and looked to us for guidance. They even asked us if we felt an emergency landing was necessary. Now wouldn't that have made a great blog entry, but who are we kidding, this is not a dramatic Hollywood movie.  He was just fine and our flight carried on as normal.

Anyway, enough story time. We are here safely in Inuvik, bundled up and ready to go. Upon landing, we overheard a local describing the weather as "enjoyable." If enjoyable means having frozen nostrils, frost covered hair and eyelashes and numb legs then we agree. Good thing we packed a lot!

We are starting work in the hospital tomorrow and are excited to meet the staff and see how the unit runs. Wish us luck!