Expeditions often try to accomplish a ‘first’ to do something. Even when an expedition is underway, there can be unplanned firsts. Barbara and Tom are constantly working hand in hand to double-verify data to provide the most up-to-date information to the team. Well, some days go better than others, even when you think all plans are set. Today was one of those days. We studied the tides. We studied the tidal flows. We studied winds. We studied currents. And then we studied some more. We even used fluid hydraulic water flow physics simulations that calculated high tide and low tide moving in opposite directions and how long it would take for water to move from one side of the Strait to the other. In what was a ‘first’ for us was that we didn’t consider underwater terrain issues that can affect the speed of flowing. We hadn’t needed to in the past.
The team set off just after noon in order to ride the tide from east to west through Bellot Strait. After a few miles, it was very apparent that the tide was still rushing from west to east and caught our team off guard as they were expecting a rush of water behind them. They ran into very fast-flowing water that was being forced through a very narrow and shallow opening. A difference in depth of 446 ft. down to a shallow 3 ft deep. Mixed in with the big water were icebergs and other ice. It moved very quickly toward the team and they found themselves ducking behind big boulders to protect themselves from the melee. It was determined they would have to pull off and wait a few hours for the water to reverse direction. We knew the tides turned every four hours. We knew it took about two hours to get there. We planned accordingly. Sometimes, the best-laid plans just don’t go as planned when you’re missing a vital piece of data!
Eventually, after watching the water turn, the team set off from east to west. They were joined by two cargo ships that passed each other in Bellot Strait right in front of them. It was a river highway! They talked to the captains of both cargo ships via VHF radio as they passed right in front of them. Despite all of their research, the water was very calm and serene as they paddled through Bellot Strait. It was peaceful.
While in Bellot Strait, they realized the “zenith point” was to their left about halfway through the strait. https://mapcarta.com/24717726
As the team was starting to wake up in the morning, after going to bed very late, they heard something rustling around outside. West and Jeff got up and out of the tent only to notice a Polar Bear near their camp stove at the perimeter of their camp. West surmised that it must have been looking for their oatmeal, their breakfast of choice each day. West and Jeff scared the bear off and then have to remind themselves these bears are dangerous creatures despite the cute little tail they shake as they run off away from the camp.
The team hopes to pick up their pace as they head towards Cambridge Bay. All supplies have reached Cambridge Bay in preparation for the team to reorganize and paddle the back half of the expedition. They will be racing against time before the ice starts to form again in a few weeks.
Photo by: Tom McGuire
Total. 583.51 Today 29.0 Expxpediton 505.51
