The minute I stepped off the Northern Ranger I knew I was in for a treat. The docks in Rigolet were bustling with people, everyone helping each other to load and unload the boat. The sun was shining, and the mountains sloping into the sea looked perfect.

"My friends and I didn't really know where we were going. We had an idea to camp somewhere, but that was about it. Someone from town picked up on our 'where do we go now' faces, and came to talk to us. He told us that there was a nice spot to camp nearby, close to town, and that he'd be happy to take us over. We loaded our stuff in his truck and he dropped us off a few minutes later. A beautiful spot to sleep and from which we could easily wander into town.

A little over two years ago, I took my first steps in the humble, coastal community that is Rigolet, Labrador, which was to be my home for the next 3 months. As I arrived, on a ferry appropriately named the Northern Ranger, my nose became instantly consumed by the salty, crisp scent of ocean water and kelp. It was still dark outside, and the only figures visible were the porches of a few houses, lit feebly by a single light bulb. After grabbing my bags, I met the rest of my Katimavik group and we were lead to our new home. The walk was not strenuous, but lasted for an eternity. I hauled the wheels of my suitcase over the uneven, loose gravel road with the promise of sleep being my only motivation. Once inside the door, both my bags were thrown lazily onto the floor as I hurried to make the bottom bunk of the bed I was sharing with my roommate.

"I tiredly gazed out of the window and saw that the darkness which had blanketed the landscape as I arrived, was disappearing. On the far horizon, overlooking the ocean, the sun was starting to push its way into the heavens. With the bits of energy that I could muster, I pushed past everyone's bags, slid my bare feet into my shoes and scurried down to the water with my camera. The sun was slowly soaring into the sky, swirling shades of fuchsia and blue into the clouds. The brilliance of the stratosphere, reflected on the calm water was a perfect duplicate, creating black silhouettes of the few boats that lay afloat by the shore. I stood in awe and asked myself out loud, 'How lucky am I to be able to live here for 3 whole months?'

Having visited the various provincial norths, all four Nunangat (Inuit regions - translated as 'Inuit Homeland') of Canada, and most of Scandinavia, I find no other place as enchanting, stunning, and beguiling as Nunatsiavut. Having had the privilege to visit Torngat Mountains National Park on separate occasions, I can honestly state that this is one of Canada's most spectacular parks. What is also inspiring about the park is the innovative management approaches which have been instituted to protect the culture and the land, generate equity and foster empowerment. While other provinces and territories may have national parks with mountains, none of these parks have the spirit of Torngat, and none can rival the warmth and hospitality of the Nunatsiavut people. I am truly thankful to the people of Nunatsiavut for this amazing gift.

What an experience flying on a Twin Otter to the North Coast! I knew from the roar of the turbines that this flight was going to be different than any I'd ever been on. Flying at 1,000 ft, the whole plane was blessed with perfect views of the land below. Watching how the Churchill River flows next to the Mealy Mountains, cut in two by islands, and knowing when we're getting close to our destination by the appearance of snowmobile tracks kept me glued to the window the entire flight. To see a landscape so close that is so remote that very few people had ever traveled on it fascinated me. I was excited to travel to the North Coast in the first place, and my plane trip there added to my excitement and enjoyment of my trip.

We have travelled to Northern Labrador many times in the last 8 years. What can we say except that Labrador and her beautiful people remain in our hearts always. We cherish these feelings and consider our selves so proud and fortunate to have been able to visit this most special place. There are few remaining pristine wilderness areas remaining on this planet and the North Coast of Labrador is one of them. Go ahead, do it, visit there. You will never ever forget it.