As the Arctic Cowboys restocked on gear, and food, and rejuvenated themselves in Cambridge Bay, their minds were set on the relentless Arctic cold that would soon descend upon them. Enough rest! Now it’s time to get ahead of the cold, winter weather. It will be knocking on our door, very soon. The countdown has begun.
In this small Arctic community, they frequented their beloved café, savoring Musk Ox Burgers, and have become regulars at The Northern Store. They tied up loose ends from back home, handling banking and other tasks they couldn’t tend to while paddling the entire Northwest Passage.
Danielle, the Enokhok Inn manager, emerged as a crucial figure for the team. She secured a truck rental and ensured a safe spot for their kayaks. Her willingness to lend a hand wherever needed, like arranging for pants to be hemmed for West, left an indelible mark. It turns out, that many people in Cambridge Bay sew out of necessity, a testament to their resourcefulness. She took the pants out one day and later that afternoon another person, Julie, came by to pin and sew them up. West had met Julie before. Surprise! Julie is the banker who helped West with some business a day earlier. West had already updated me about Julie the day before. He went on and on about how helpful she was. Now, she went above and beyond and took care of his pants. He captured a picture (below) of them together and I just love that her last name is Smillie! Thank you, Julie Smillie. She absolutely refused any money for her work or time. West dubbed her one of our Arctic Angels.
Julie’s parting words, “We’re all just walking each other home,” resonated deeply with the Arctic Cowboys. As they embarked on the next leg of their expedition, they carried with them the spirit of camaraderie they had found in the Arctic communities.
