The Arctic Cowboys navigated an impressive 31 miles of choppy waters today. Battling relentless high winds throughout the day, the team’s determination pushed them forward.
Their destination, Fort Ross, holds a significant place in the annals of travel history. Nestled amidst the Arctic expanse, Fort Ross welcomes weary travelers. The site boasts two cabins, a haven for those passing through.
To the team’s surprise, the cabins were well-equipped, offering bunks with foam mattresses and a Coleman camp stove fueled and ready. Essential supplies lined the shelves, even including the luxury of toilet paper. With paper plates, cups, and utensils at their disposal, the team was set to prepare a hearty spaghetti dinner. Does anyone know what “FRUHSTUCKSFLEISCH” is? There is a can of it in the cabin. The team wants to know what it is.
What is very cool are the notes and letters from many of the people who have passed through Fort Ross. Eager to etch their own mark in this historic haven, the Arctic Cowboys added their details, hoping to solidify their claim as the first to conquer the entire Northwest Passage in a single season by kayak solely under human power.
Tom McGuire and I noticed there were two cargo ships headed south in Prince Regent Inlet. The only place for them to go is through Bellot Strait just west of Fort Ross. The strait is only 1.2 miles wide. It will be interesting to watch these ships navigate through the strait. They have to travel the same way our team did, going south and circling back around to enter the strait. We project the first ship to reach the strait this evening. This is exciting for the team to be able to see this as it’s happening.
After crossing through Bellot Strait, the team will be moving into the western Arctic. They will head towards Cambridge Bay for resupply before moving on out and continuing west.
Total 530.51 Today 31.0 Expedition 452.51
Cover photo: Se Mo
Double Cabin Photo: Ansgar Walk
