Photo by: Tom McGuire
The Arctic Cowboys mettle was tested today, their final expedition day, due to huge waves at the launch site. The team experienced the roughest waves of the entire expedition throughout the 16 miles to the official finish of the Northwest Passage. They seal-launched from Whale Cliffs in 15-foot waves, some going over West’s head with 20-foot breakers at the turn. Once past Cape Bathurst, they paddled into the mud flats. West and Mark had to get out of the kayaks and pull them through ankle-deep freezing water and mud 200 yards back into Snowgoose Channel. Jeff and Eileen got out when they hit mud, to help. Jeff’s boot got sucked off and he ended up in the muck. It wasn’t for the faint of heart.
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Paddling on the west side of the peninsula was uneventful until the snow started falling as they searched for a campsite. They said it was very cold, as they were wet. Typically, paddling warms them up throughout the day.
The team really misses their families and FOOD, as in real food. Jeff sent a grocery list a mile long. West has lost about 30 pounds. They are eagerly waiting to check out the one restaurant in town. In fact, they may sit there all day.
The team will be handrailing it along the coast, as weather permits. There are some high wind days coming up and they may have to sit it out here and there. The tracker will be discontinued since the expedition has reached the successful stopping point and all remaining battery power will be utilized for weather reports and updates. The support crew will continue to feed the team weather information and ensure they reach their take-out point safely.
We may have a blog update here and there but, for now, we appreciate everyone following along. We appreciate all of the support we have received on social media. The team will be home shortly and will be adding their personal stories about the expedition.
Thank you!
