To those of us back at home base, we expected another day for the team to sit out paddling due to the rain and high winds. Suffice it to say, we were all a little surprised when we received the text notification that the team was starting around noon. After sitting in a tent for a couple of days, the team decided that even a few miles picked up on a high-wind day will be better than none. Well, those few miles turned into 25 miles paddled for the day!
It was pretty uneventful although they did see another Polar Corgi. These bears all have the same habits. They run away while looking back, run some more, look back, run into the water looking back, and get far away from the team. Once the team paddles by its location, they swim back onto the shore. I’m pretty sure the team is ok with the Bears running away from them. They have seen so many Polar Bears this time around. They did notice a few Musk Ox in the area where they are camping but are keeping their distance.
The team christened their temporary camp as Cold Crotch Camp, thanks to an unexpected mishap involving Jeff’s dry suit. Unfortunately for Jeff, his zipper had succumbed to the elements and had become compromised. Stepping out of the boat, he inadvertently introduced his lower half to the frigid waters, resulting in an instant infusion of icy 29-degree water discomfort. A quick change of clothes ensued, and the camp found itself humorously named in Jeff’s honor.
With camp set up swiftly, the team’s focus shifted to satiating their hunger and preparing for a well-deserved rest. Their sights are set on the next few days, during which they plan to tackle the waters with even more determination, propelling them steadily toward their destination – Cambridge Bay.
Photo by: Tom McGuire
Total: 686.11 miles Today: 25.0 miles Expedition: 608.11 miles
