Daniel T'seleie
Northern News Services

Arctic Bay (Aug 29/05) - After two weeks on the ocean in a 24-foot boat, three Nunavummiut arrived safely in Arctic Bay last Sunday.

The trio set out from Rankin Inlet on Aug. 8 for the longest boat trip of their lives, close to 3,000 km.

"Nobody does (this trip). I think we understand why now," said Leo Eecherk, who made the voyage with his brother Andy and nephew Randy.

After their father gave them the boat several years ago, Andy and Leo decided it would stay in Rankin Inlet with Andy. When he decided to buy a new boat this year the brothers figured the vessel should make its way to Arctic Bay where Leo could put it to good use.

With two outboard motors, Leo said the boat could travel at about 30 miles an hour. This theoretically makes for a five-day journey, with full days of boating and no hang-ups.

But conditions were not ideal for the Eecherks.

They spent four days in Repulse Bay waiting for a part to repair one of the outboards.

Shortly after setting out from Repulse they were slowed right down by "miles and miles of ice, as far as you could see," Leo said.

With foggy weather, they were hesitant to risk the ice-filled waters.

"We don't fool around with ice," Leo said. They were hoping for a "good North wind" to clear ice on the route to Hall Beach.

Fortunately they shot some caribou and were able to eat well for the whole trip. They camped on shore in a tent whenever possible, but spent plenty of time sleeping in the boat.

The wind eventually came and cleared the way as far as Iglulik, but once again they were worrying about ice.

The strait between Iglulik and Baffin Island is treacherous for boating most of the year.

"When there's ice in there it's very dangerous, you can't go through there," Leo said.

It took 13 days and 400 gallons of gas to reach Arctic Bay.

"It's good to be on solid ground again," Leo said.

Even while travelling with a satellite phone, GPS, and CB radio, he says they were taking a chance on the trip.

"I wouldn't do it again."