As the clock struck 11:00 pm, the expedition team seized a window of near-perfect weather to set their kayaks into the water headed towards Cambridge Bay. With the impending high winds predicted at noon the following day, their strategy to beat the elements was clear. A 47.0-mile goal lay ahead, and the team maintained an impressive pace, cutting through the water with determination.
Their efforts paid off, as they arrived right on schedule at their destination. Greeted by Andre, a local contact from Cambridge Bay, their exhaustion was momentarily eclipsed by the warm camaraderie. Andre’s snapshots captured the arrival, freezing moments in time against the Arctic backdrop.
It’s great to see the team after so many days without creature comforts. The plan is to sleep in a real bed, in solo rooms, grab a little distance from each other, and stay out of the 50+ mile per hour winds projected over the weekend. In addition, they will eat some real food, starting with a hamburger that was devoured this evening. They will also work on some boat repairs, restock their supplies, charge up & replenish their electronics, and get ready to push off sometime next week for the second half of this wild adventure.
We are still waiting on one box that contains some much-needed new dry suits that have gotten tangled up in customs. After being on the phone with FedEx/Customs every day for the past four days, I hope we have it all squared away.
Total: 958.71 miles Today: 47.0 miles Expedition: 896.71 miles
