The Arctic Cowboys are fighting the good fight against the elements. They are getting in some good mileage despite weather obstacles such as headwinds, rain and cold.
On Saturday, September 30, they got in 43.4 miles going up and over Cape Parry. They had a great paddling day and are really glad to get that out of the way. Any time the team has to be in such open water, there is a collective sigh of relief when it’s over. The tip of Cape Parry is a migratory bird sanctuary and they have to steer clear of it and cannot land without a permit. This exposed the team to large open water and they handled it very well.
Total: 1532.81 miles Today: 43.4 miles Expedition: 1475.81
On Sunday, October 1, the team paddled 16.3 miles to get in place for a launch across Franklin Bay. Logistics are tough for this crossing because they want to get across but there are headwinds, rain, big waves, and high winds projected in the next couple of days. Today, they are camped at a gorgeous camp against a windbreak cliff. Lots of sea caves and huge rock features.
Monday will be a shutdown day due to high winds. The Arctic Cowboys will hopefully cross Franklin Bay on Tuesday headed straight across from where they are stationed now.
Barbara (expedition manager) and Sheila (Jeff’s wife) are still making their way up to Inuvik. They have driven 3000 miles since Wednesday with about 1200 miles to go. Today, found them driving through the absolutely breathtaking Canadian Rockies. Snow-peaked mountains, babbling brooks, huge iron bridges, and stunning horizons. They saw a few deer, a coyote, rabbits, zero elk, moose, or long-horned sheep. Despite the hundreds of signs stating there were elk, moose, deer, and long-horned sheep…there were only deer. Maybe tomorrow as they wind their way out of the mountains, will they see them. They DID see a working payphone which is a tad unusual for us back in Texas.
Total: 1549.11 miles Today: 16.3 miles Expedition: 1492.11
On Monday, October 2 the Arctic Cowboys stayed put due to higher winds. Winds that would prevent them from crossing Franklin Bay safely. They planned on drying out their clothes and gear but, it wasn’t meant to be. It rained all day. Sheila and Barbara spent the night in Toad River, staying at the Toad River Lodge. They logged 11.5 hours of driving today bringing their total miles covered to around 3500. They have about 750 more miles to do. Today, they saw 4 bears. The last one decided to dart across the road in front of them bringing the truck to a screeching halt. They say about 30-40 Bison. These animals are huge and were just lounging on the side of the road. Occasionally, they would see a wayward one tucked back up in the woods. In addition, they saw another fox with a gorgeous tail.
