Resolute (Jun 12/06) - They already live in one of Canada's most northerly communities, but students in Resolute were eager to travel northeast to visit their counterparts in Grise Fiord.

Using money they raised through hosting dinners and running bingos, five excited students from Qarmartalik school realized their goal. They boarded a plane bound for Grise Fiord on June 1.

"The best part of the trip was the turbulence we were having," student Moses Aronsen said of the bumpy flight.

Aronsen, 14, spent some of his time in Grise Fiord with his aunts and cousins, whom he had met previously when they travelled to Resolute Bay. None of the Qarmartalik students had been to the community before.

"It's got nice weather over there. The view is nice, too. I like the mountains," said Aronsen.

He observed that his neighbours to the north have a bigger store and more area.

"The houses weren't so close together," he said.

The students and their three adult chaperons took a tour of Grise Fiord, including the school. They participated in relay races and other athletic events with their fellow students. Then they enjoyed a barbecue.

Artist Looty Pijamini showed them his studio, which houses impressive carvings and a muskox horn with an ulu dangling from it.

They also went on a trip by snowmobile and qamutiik to see and photograph an iceberg.

After a few fun-filled days, the students and staff from Resolute departed later than expected when the incoming plane had to respond to an emergency, according to teacher Jennifer Borden.

"They were very happy to spend extra hours in Grise Fiord," she said. "It was very beautiful up there, getting to see the scenery and the mountains."