Inuvik Storm of the Century and Kelsey's Leaving Inuvik Party

This past weekend the town of Inuvik, Tuk, McPherson and Aklavik were cut off from the rest of the world.  Many of the locals said it was the worst wind storm they have seen in dozens of years.  The roads were closed, the ice road to Tuk nearly disappeared due to blowing snow, all flights were cancelled, cell phones didn't work, satelite TV was down, long distance was unavailable, and so was the internet.  This lasted for four long days.  Such an odd feeling to know that there is no way to communicate with the outside world exept by satellite phone ($$$).  You can imagine how difficult this made things at the hospital for doctors fielding community calls and arranging medevacs to Yellowknife. They had to take their paper work out to a car, plug in the sat phone, and sit in the cold while the car warmed up dealing with critical situations.  Oh yes, and all the bank machines and credit cards were down, so the town of Inuvik was running on cash only.  I now have a nice little reserve.  I hope my house doesn't burn down. 

So during the storm, what were we to do but have a party for one of our greatest friends leaving town? Kelsey Assmusen.  Some say we confused the party with a bachelorette party since we had a stripper, penis cake, mechanical bull and twister game in the kitchen.  None the less, it was a riot.  Here are a few photos...