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Explorations in the Arctic: Recent Expedition Updates
After enduring significant weather delays in Resolute, explorers Borge Ousland and Vincent Colliard have successfully flown by charter plane to Ward Hunt Island. From this location, they plan to traverse approximately 60 kilometers eastward over sea ice to Cape Columbia, the northernmost part of Ellesmere Island. This marks the commencement of their ambitious 1,100-kilometer journey aimed at achieving the first unsupported north-to-south crossing of Ellesmere Island.
In other parts of the Arctic, various expeditions are currently underway in Canada, while new ones are taking shape in Greenland.
Northwest Passage Expeditions
In a notable sled journey, Spaniards Jose Trejo, Sechu Lopez, and Francisco Mira have initiated their 22-day trek to Gjoa Haven. To circumvent the open waters of Barrow Strait, they opted for a chartered flight from Resolute, starting their ski journey near Prince of Wales Island. Since April 6, they have covered approximately 260 kilometers on skis. A storm in mid-April temporarily halted their progress, but they have resumed with a steady pace, recently averaging 17 to 20 kilometers per day.
A few days ago, the group passed Cape Eyre and made their way into Franklin Strait. As of April 26, they approached the Tasman Islands, situated just off the Boothia Peninsula. They reported pleasant temperatures ranging from -15°C to -17°C, with light winds and improved snow conditions.
Meanwhile, Norwegian explorer Anders Brenna is navigating challenging conditions during a solo attempt to complete a 1,100-kilometer sled journey from Gjoa Haven to Glenelg Bay on northern Victoria Island. After about four and a half weeks of travel, he has changed his route due to difficult snow and sea ice conditions, now heading southwest toward Jenny Lind Island. This adjustment will significantly reduce his distance to just 400 kilometers. Even with sufficient provisions, Brenna faces logistical challenges if he attempted to continue on his original path, as a traditional snowmobile pickup would soon be unfeasible.
Baffin Island Adventures
A team of British adventurers—Tom Harding, Ben James, Leanne Dyke, and James Hoyes—was recently dropped off via snowmobile in the Weasel River Valley. They progressed toward the mountains east of Akshayuk Pass, using GPS technology to summit two peaks on April 15 and 17 before skiing further eastward.
Northwest Territories Journey
Norwegian veterans Bengt Rotmo and Randulf Valle have successfully completed an impressive 700-kilometer sled journey from near Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories to Kugluktuk in Nunavut. Starting from Great Slave Lake on March 25, they made substantial advancements through snow, frozen lakes, and tundra. Their expedition required navigating varying spring weather conditions, including rain and whiteouts, while also encountering wildlife such as wolves, foxes, and caribou.
During the Easter weekend, they reached Napaktulik Lake, a significant waypoint. As the journey progressed, they faced strong headwinds but relied on snowmobile tracks for navigation. Despite challenging conditions, they arrived in Kugluktuk on April 27.
Ungava Peninsula Expeditions
Several teams have already finished 400-kilometer ski crossings from Akulivik to Kangiqsujuaq. Additionally, Kathleen Goulet, Chantal Secours, Julie Gauthier, and Roxanne Chenel embarked on a noteworthy 600-plus-kilometer ski expedition from Schefferville to Kangiqsualujjuaq, retracing a historic canoe route along the De Pas and George Rivers. Their journey, starting on February 7 during the coldest season, concluded 49 days later when they reached Kangiqsualujjuaq after covering 614 kilometers. They encountered extremely low nighttime temperatures, sometimes dipping to -47°C, along with strong winds.
Greenland Expeditions Update
Currently, there is no news on Japanese Arctic traveler Yasu Ogita, who is set to ski a 400-kilometer route from Siorapaluk, the world’s northernmost village, to Cape Inglefield. As of April 16, he awaited a helicopter flight to Siorapaluk.
Additionally, polar guide Camilla Ringold is leading a team of four on an ambitious 2,000-kilometer snowkite adventure from Kangerlussuaq to Qaanaaq. After being dropped off near Point 660 on April 23, they faced initial difficulties managing the treacherous Russell Glacier icefall. Following a challenging start, they transitioned to kite-skiing after reaching the inland ice. Their progress has accelerated significantly, with some days achieving distances of up to 100 kilometers, although they have recently faced complications due to a knee injury requiring evacuation of one team member.
Source
explorersweb.com