Leaving Alert...wait, No, wait, Yes

Ok, so I was all set to put up a nice, sentimental post about leaving Alert and how much fun I had on my last day here. Here's a funny story instead:

Lunch time. I go up to the Chief Clerk, guy named Todd. He's in charge of the planes and bookings and such. "So Todd, where's the plane at?" Todd freaks. He's been having a busy day, and there are 20 people calling and dropping by every 15 minutes asking him the same question that he doesn't know the answer to yet. I apologize, and move on with my meal, making a mental note to ask the Met Tech later on about the flight.

Hour and a half later. Adrienne has me run down to the MIR to get some medical supplies. I pass Todd in the Linkway. Remembering lunch, I bite my tongue and don't mention the plane at all....which is why I knew it was bad when he was like, "24 hours man". "Really Todd? 24 hour delay? Wind in Iqaluit?" (I'd been watching the weather and Iqaluit was blustery). "Yeah Graham, sorry." Graham: "Ahh, no worries, it's Alert, right?" And we both head off. I'm bummed, but it wasn't unexpected.

20 minutes later. Todd on the PA: "Attention attention all station personnel. Please get all luggage to the HAPS Ramp immediately." Now, luggage was supposed to be there an hour ago, so I figure, "Hah, that Todd...playing a trick on Graham. The plane is actually doing fine!!" So, I call him up, with every expectation that as soon as he hears my voice he'll break out laughing at the great joke he pulled on Gullible Graham....not so. He calmly explains to me that 24 hours isn't enough time to get our luggage back, and that the traffic techs need to pack the pallet up to load onto the plane. "I'm sorry man, but it's 24 hours. Nothing I can do". **Sigh** "I know it's not your fault, Todd. Just was hoping that you were joking with me, thanks" That's right...I THANKED him!

1.5 hours later. Page on the PA: "Attention attention all station personnel. Would all personel leaving on Service Flight 86 departing tomorrow please ensure that their B25 kit is at....." At this point I will NOT quote the expletive that I used to describe Todd and his cruel, cruel "joke" that he played on trusting, old Graham. Needless to say, I refrained from calling him the second time...because I would probably be able to hear the strains of his laughter drifting through station all the way from my office.

Well played Todd. Well played.

The horrible irony is....the flight might still ACTUALLY be delayed due to wind :)

Really excited to visit Iqaluit, and then eventually get home. Loved my time up here, will most likely be back, but it'll be nice to see the sun go down (literally and figuratively) on this adventure. Thanks for all your support and comments, they helped me stay [relatively] sane up here.

Graham