The Arctic Cowboys are planning on paddling Friday to cross Franklin Bay to Malloch Hill. The waves are crashing into the rocks in their current position and conditions simply have not been ideal for a 40-mile crossing from their current location. Their wait thus far will give them the opportunity to continue to move in order to complete the expedition successfully. Once at their launch position, expect them to cross the bay, a 40-mile crossing. This will put the team in a safer condition.
The team is doing well, albeit a little frustrated in being so close…yet stuck. They are in good spirits and anxious to get moving.
The support team of Barbara Edington and Sheila Reiter arrived in Inuvik on Wednesday after experiencing the ups and downs of the Dempster Highway. They enjoyed visiting with other travelers at the Eagle Plains Lodge, saw their first moose (although it was just the head and rack), loved the dogs that roam the place, and made plans to follow the other travelers and a snowplow through the remaining mountain range. It was extremely comforting to have other people to travel with. Conditions were not ideal as the heavy snowfall made driving very slow and tedious. At times, whiteout conditions were imminent. Once at the border of the Northwest Territory and the Yukon Territory, as explained by locals, the conditions were greatly improved.
Barbara and Sheila met a team from Vancouver filming a documentary about searching out and finding old cars to restore. These guys were such a delight to “travel with” and we loved the support and thumbs up when we successfully made it through the mountains. We rode both ferries with them before they sped on ahead to Inuvik.
In addition, we “traveled with” a daughter and her parents. She was from Toronto and her parents were visiting from China. Her dad was an absolute pro at driving on snow. They had rented a vehicle in Whitehorse, drove to Tuktoyaktuk, and then were driving back after 2 days. Kudos to them. After an 8-day drive from Texas, the last 2 days were extremely challenging. To know we would have to drive it back after only 2 days is too much for me to even consider.
Once in Inuvik, Barbara and Sheila grabbed a bite to eat at the only restaurant open in town and sought out a hotel. They talked with the desk clerk, Seth, about the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). Because it was overcast, he stated we wouldn’t be able to see them until the next night, when the sky was clear. At around 10:45 pm, Barbara received a knock on her door from the man at the desk, Seth. He came to tell her the skies had cleared up and the Aurora Borealis was visible. She called and woke Sheila, they darted outside and saw this amazing sight. Initially, it looks just like a string of clouds. Once pictures are taken, they are a beautiful green phenomenon. It was truly breathtaking. This was worth every single mile it took to get to Inuvik. Now, we need to get this team home!
