The team spent a couple of days at the self-titled Ice Bay Camp, named so because of the ice rushing into the bay where they were situated. Later in the afternoon, they decided to relocate the camp out of the bay to avoid getting trapped by incoming ice. The wind was expected to pick up overnight. They moved approximately 5 miles, a distance extended by the incoming ice, to a location they have dubbed Scorpion’s Tail Camp. If you examine it on their tracking map, it resembles a scorpion’s tail. They had to choose between camping on the tail or along the shoreline north of Ice Bay Camp. Due to concerns about being caught up in the winds on Scorpion’s Tail, they made the decision to be closer to the Prince Regent Inlet, which they are set to cross tomorrow afternoon.
The winds were gusting up to 21 mph, with sustained winds holding at 15 mph, keeping them in place longer than they had hoped. In fact, at noon today, Barbara received a call questioning the decision to wait it out because conditions were highly favorable for crossing at that moment in the immediate vicinity. After reassessing the conditions, it was determined that while things were good at that time, a few hours later they would not be. By the time they were projected to arrive in the middle of the inlet, the winds were projected to pick up to an unsafe speed.
The Arctic Cowboys plan to cross the Inlet tomorrow anytime after 2:00 pm. At 2:00 pm, they will leave in slightly higher winds (9-11 mph), but it should be manageable for a short time. As they head west, the winds are expected to slow down. Our weather models predict waves or fog won’t be an issue. Leaving at 2:00 pm will provide them with more time to cross, but if they wait and leave around 4:00 pm, they won’t encounter those higher winds, though they’ll have less time before the winds pick up again. Their initial goal will be Fury Beach, located toward the southern end of Somerset Island. Our latest ice models show about 5 miles of ice along the shoreline in front of Fury Beach. We anticipate the winds will push the ice out. If not, leaving earlier in the day will give the team more time to maneuver around and through the ice to dry land.
We will have a weather update call with the team in the morning to give one final update before they decide to cross. We will ensure their safe passage.
If you wish to support The Arctic Cowboys in their Northwest Passage Expedition, you can visit our website at www.thearcticcowboys.com and click the “donate” button. Throughout the expedition, resupply packages continue to be sent to upcoming locations for the team to access along their route. Supplies were mailed today to Cambridge Bay. The costs are quite high and funding needs don’t stop at the starting line on expeditions. Additionally, we have stickers for sale to support our team, available for purchase on our website with more collectibles coming soon.
Photo by: Tom McGuire
