Pangnirtung here I come ...

© Joan Anderson

Yeaaah! I'm heading north again in September. Aeroplan just confirmed that I snaged one of two frequent flyer seats available daily on a First Air flight to the Arctic. Three hours flying time will get me from Ottawa to Iqaluit (1,302 miles) where a 50 seater twin prop makes the 1 hr flight to Pangnirtung - weather permitting.

Pang is an isolated Inuit community about 50km south of the Arctic Circle on Baffin Island in Canada's spectacular north. My first trip there was in October/November last year, 2006, and what a super experience it was! Nestled on the shore of Pangnirtung Fjord, and backed by rugged mountains of the Arctic Cordillera, the entire village enjoys spectacular views, occasional visits from Polar Bears, an abundance of wildlife, and is home to some of the best carvers, printmakers and weavers in the Arctic.

© Joan Anderson

If you would like to see more of the north, check out the "Gallery" section of my website at: www.JoanAnderson-Artist.ca

September is still a few months off though and now is the time for me to enjoy my summer and soak up the southern sun. In contrast to Pangnirtung where todays temperature is a balmy 5C or 41F, Ottawa is hot and steamy at 35C or 95F. Many will be moving at a slower pace today, while others will either stay inside or seek out those cool airconditioned oases.