Rankin Inlet (Apr 27/05) - Some Rankin Inlet cadets got a little taste of life in the Maritimes this past month.

The 11 members of 3019 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps (RCACC) visited Halifax, N.S., as part of the interprovincial cadet exchange program.

Corps commanding officer Capt. Tim Hinds said the Rankin cadets spent three days involved with various activities with the host 652 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron of Milford, N.S.

"This time last year, we had a group of cadets from Kamloops, B.C., come up to Rankin Inlet," said Hinds.

"This was the reverse end, or other part, of that exchange program, except our cadets went to Nova Scotia.

"To be honest, we had hoped to go to Kamloops, but things worked out well in Halifax."

The cadets were accompanied by civilian instructor Sally Watters and 2nd Lieut. Steve Turko.

Civilian instructor Michele Ashby said one of the highlights of the trip for the cadets was the opportunity to go rock climbing at a purpose-built gym.

The three-day whirlwind trip included bowling, watching the tidal bore, having lunch on-board the frigate HMCS St. John's and tours of various museums.

The cadets also enjoyed a walking tour of Halifax and did as much shopping as time allowed.

"The least-appealing activity for our cadets was a visit to a dairy farm," said Ashby.

"They found cows up close and personal to be decidedly stinky."

Ashby said the trip was quite educational for the Rankin youth.

She said it was an exciting opportunity for the cadets to visit another part of Canada and interact with youth whose lifestyles differ from their own.

"The chance to learn about the history and geography of a place they are unlikely to visit again gives them a better understanding and appreciation of the vastness of our great country and its regional differences.

"Not only that - they had an awful lot of fun!"