On this day, the Arctic Cowboys padded a very nice 41.6 miles. The waters were calm and the waves minimal which helped the team cross without incident. They left Enterprise Camp early and paddled to Fuel Depot Camp in overcast skies which eventually led to snow. Snow has become the new rain. The shoreline was lined with Caribou antlers. The team suspects this is likely a migration path for the Caribou.
A few weeks ago, in the expedition, paddling partner Jeff Wueste tumbled while setting the kayaks up on the bank ahead of high tide. These boats are very heavy and, after a long day of paddling, awkward. In this tumble, Jeff was concerned he may have torn his Achilles tendon. He hobbled along for a few days but continued to be a full participant in the expedition. While in Cambridge Bay recently, two other patrons of the Enokhok Inn, were EMTs. Eileen suggested they take a look at Jeff’s ankle, which they did. While they made some suggestions on how to take care of the ankle going forward, they did recommend Jeff go to the clinic to have it fully checked out. West & Jeff did, in fact, do that. The PA and doctor at the clinic were wonderful. They quickly took a look at Jeff’s ankle, took X-rays, and made a preliminary assessment that was more favorable to Jeff than not.
Also, while in Cambridge Bay, the team met Leszek Stankiewicz. This gentleman, from North Carolina, is sailing around North America with six friends. They are sailing in a 44-foot sailboat, enjoying life as they continue to do the things they love. Any part of an expedition where you get to meet others participating in their own adventures is a great opportunity to meet like-minded individuals.
Let’s hope our team continues to make great progress in this second half of the Arctic Cowboys Northwest Passage Expedition. When successful, they will be the first team to ever complete paddling the NWP solely under human power in one season.
Total: 1031.51 miles Today: 41.6 miles Expedition: 969.51 miles
