Inuvik (Apr 19/04) - Giant wolves, fresh caribou steaks and a blizzard: there was no life like it for a Canadian army exercise in the Delta.

Taking part in Exercise Sovereign Patricia, "C" Company, 1 Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry flew from Edmonton to join up with Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk contingents of Canadian Rangers for a successful Arctic sovereignty operation last month.

Months of planning and preparation went into planning the exercise before the company arrived in Inuvik on March 9.

After initial unpacking and kit checks, "C" company moved outdoors and into tent groups to begin acclimatizing to the cold weather. Platoons were introduced to their Canadian Ranger guides (with whom they would work closely over the next two weeks) and prepared to deploy.

After an initial recce, the company moved out behind its Ranger guides and travelled some 40km north to Sitidgi Lake.

Movement was carried out by BV 206 and snowmobiles with troop-laden toboggans in tow. All were impressed with the stunted pines and pristine snow, if not the cold itself during the move.

Over the week, the platoons conducted round robin live fire raids, survival training (including the construction and occupation of improvised shelters) and ice fishing. All the company was impressed when the Rangers dropped off a fresh-killed caribou that proved an excellent change from rations.

The company moved back to Inuvik, March 16, to do some equipment maintenance and prepare for the next day: the Patricia Regimental Day.

March 17 was celebrated with a number of planned events, including soldiers providing displays at the schools, a shooting competition with the Rangers and RCMP, a parade and an officer/senior NCO vs. junior ranks mukluk soccer game.

Perhaps the most memorable event was the dinner provided by the Inuvik Legion that hosted the company. After having lived outside on hard rations, a huge feast of moose meat lasagna and roast reindeer was much appreciated.

The rest of the evening was spent enjoying the establishments and hospitality of the residents.

The RCMP mess kindly hosted the officers and senior NCOs and witnessed some record bell ringing!

The morning of the March 18 saw the company heavy headed but happy as it prepared to deploy once again from Inuvik.

Departure time

The next day ushered in the departure of two parties. First, a composite platoon under the command of Major Tod Strickland went to Tuktoyaktuk overland using snowmobiles.

The remainder of the company, under the command of Captain Kevin Barry, departed for Noell Lake to practise mobility and traditional skills.

Over the next three days, the Tuk expedition travelled approximately 50km a day and spent the nights camped out on the tundra. Participants will well remember the 100 km/h winds encountered outside of the tree line.

All personnel safely arrived in Tuk and served as a curiosity to the hamlet's children. A white-out delayed redeployment by a day, but in the end, they safely arrived back at Inuvik via the Mackenzie ice highway.

The second party spent their time testing new cross-country skis and snowshoes while learning traditional skills from the Rangers: iglu construction, hunting, fishing and tracking of game.

Soldiers will remember the vast herds of 1,000-plus reindeer that passed the camp across the frozen lake.

All will remember the kindness of the reindeer herder who slaughtered two of the animals, which were promptly devoured in a variety of stews and such.

The huge timber wolf, which was shot and killed by a Canadian Ranger near the camp, was quite a novelty as well.

The company's second-in-command was not exaggerating when he stated that "it was as big as a Shetland pony."

After four days, the company moved back to Inuvik and awaited the Tuk contingent. Once reunited, a parade was held to honour the Rangers before everyone prepared to return home.

The return went off flawlessly and Edmonton greeted the soldiers with 10C weather.

In concluding, Exercise Sovereign Patricia proved to be a challenging and unique experience that should not be missed by anyone given the chance to attend.