Photo credit: explorersweb.com
Borge Ousland and Vincent Colliard Complete Juneau Icefield Traverse
Borge Ousland and Vincent Colliard have achieved a significant milestone by successfully traversing the Juneau Icefield in Alaska. This accomplishment marks the ninth of the twenty largest icecaps globally that the duo has crossed as part of their ongoing Ice Legacy project.
Joining them on this three-week expedition were Sarah McNair-Landry and Erik Boomer, both experienced polar explorers who accompanied the team in a filming role.
The adventure commenced on September 23 in Skagway, where the four travelers began their trek through dense forests, hauling sleds with their gear. In the initial days, they maneuvered through wooded terrain and over rapidly flowing rivers until reaching the edge of the ice.
The team then faced the challenge of navigating the 40 glaciers that feed into the icefield’s vast, flat-topped plateau. They found these glaciers, known for their complex network of crevasses, quite demanding. Progress often capped at 10 kilometers per day, and even with 10-hour days spent on the move, capturing this beautiful yet formidable landscape proved time-consuming.
During one particularly tense moment, Colliard fell through a fragile snow bridge amid the intricate crevasse system. Thanks to their safety protocols, which included traveling roped together, Colliard emerged uninjured.
Upon reaching the main plateau of the icefield, the team anticipated a smoother journey. However, their hopes were dashed on the fifteenth day when a storm compelled them to spend the day in their tent to wait out the adverse weather.
Reflecting on the experience, Ousland commented on the multifaceted challenges they faced, which included not only the unpredictable weather but also the intricate navigation required, particularly through the Taku Glacier, which served as their exit route from the plateau.
Source
explorersweb.com