August 7 Update

The whole Students on Ice Team in North Arm, Saglek Fjord
(photo by Lee Narraway)

** Afternoon Update **

Touch down!

Our team's First Air charter from Kuujjuaq touched this afternoon at the Esso Avitat Terminal at the Ottawa International Airport. Everyone emerged from the plane, excited and energized by the experience. Emotions ran high as they hugged and laughed on the tarmac...

Earlier this evening the team met at Carleton for an expedition de-brief. Many powerful stories were shared about both the expedition and about hopes and dreams in student's post-expedition life. It was evident to all who were present that this team has really come together through the experiences of the past three weeks.

Later in the evening, after dinner, and a big soccer game, the students met to discuss tomorrow's Welcome Home event at the Canadian Museum of Nature.

It was decided that 9 students would share their expedition experiences at the event.

All in all, it was a terrific day, full of stories, travel and emotion.

Tomorrow morning, everyone will gather at the CMN for a big farewell event. We expect many guests, including dignitaries to attend - and we know that there will be a lot of media present who wish to interview the students and staff about their experiences.

          

Zodiacs lined up at our Killiniq Island landing

Amanda Mackey, Bridget Graham, Mary Paquet & Emerald Kains at Killiniq Island

Ilona Morel & Maria Migliorero

** MORNING UPDATE **


How time flies!

Unbelievably, our team is on its last day!

But before we get to the schedule today, we understand that last night on board the ship was great fun! After their exciting landing to Port Burwell on the northern tip of Labrador (Killiniq Island) the team settled in to an afternoon of workshops and packing...

After a special Farewell Dinner in the dining room, the team assembled in the Lounge for a final evening re-cap, briefing and Polar Night expedition celebration! And what at night it was! And what an expedition this has been! There was so much to discuss and celebrate! And there many laughs and tears shed. The evening consisted of pod presentations, expedition reflections, music, drama, singing and dancing. There was of course an Expedition Slide Show - featuring some of the best shots captured by our expedition photographer Lee Narraway, as well as expedition videos by Pascale Otis! There was also time spent out on deck, enjoying the evening air, as the ship turned south into Ungava Bay towards this morning's destination, Kuujjuaq.

After a hearty breakfast this morning, our team will bid farewell to the Captain, officers and crew of the Clipper Adventurer.

We would like to thank every one on board our expedition vessel for helping to make this one of our best expeditions ever! Thank you so much for your professionalism and kindness. We never speak enough about life "on board the ship" for our young adventurers. But for many, the time spent on deck, on the bridge, and in the lounge meeting new friends, will be just as memorable as the experiences of this ship. There is nothing like standing on the bow of a ship.

Many of our northern students will be flying to their respective communities from Kuujjuaq later today, and so there will be many good byes and hugs today. Our expedition teams have the good habit of staying in touch with each other after the expedition. We have a big alumni association, and through social media, our students stay in touch with one another for years after an expedition. In fact, just two months ago, we had our inaugural SOI Alumni weekend here in Ottawa - and alumni from around the world descended on Ottawa for the event.

After bidding farewell to our northern students, the team will board our First Air charter for Ottawa at 2 PM EDT. Upon arrival at the Esso Avitat terminal at Ottawa's international airport - our students will board buses for Carleton University. The evening - for once! - will be light on programming - and the students can talk, throw around footballs, play games and socialize for much of the evening.

Tomorrow, we have a big morning at the Canadian Museum of Nature - where we will be the guests of honour at a special Welcome Home Event! It will be a great morning, and our participants will have the opportunity to meet with friends, family, supporters, dignitaries and media - and share their stories of adventure!

After a busy, busy couple of days on board the ship, we received many journals and photos this morning! We are currently formatting and posting them - so please re-visit the site later this morning!

STAY TUNED FOR MORE!