Smoking Hills southeast of Cape Bathurst, NT : Photo Credit: Ansgar Walk
After an exciting finish of The Northwest Passage expedition on Saturday, October 8, 2023, the Arctic Cowboys still had to paddle their way down and out of the way of a major storm system making its way across the Beaufort Sea. Very high winds and cold weather forced the team to paddle a greater distance to get out of its way. Because of the low battery power available, the team opted to stop using their continuous GPS device and do a periodic check-in.
Yesterday, the team got very little sleep due to a big snowstorm that came in. Winds were up to 35 mph with snow banks topping their tent. Snow covered their kayaks, and they had to dig out before packing up. High winds were sustained until 9:00 a.m., at which time they took a nosedive, allowing the Cowboys to hit the water and head South. They paddled 37 miles in mostly ideal conditions despite their skepticism regarding the drastic weather change. The last 11 miles, they experienced 20-mph headwinds that challenged their worn-out bodies but were handled well.
At this point, we are still unsure of their take-out point, but the water remains clear of ice, which is great for the team. It gives them options.
Today, October 11, they are sleeping in, and decisions on direction will occur after reviewing the weather. We hope they will be off the water soon. Once on permanent land, they will be making a statement to all of those who have supported them.
