Devon to Ellesmere.

(Photo;jovial.on.ca
looking north to Ellesmere Island from Devon Island.Mid August)

I spoke with someone in Grise Fiord today. Grise is our endpoint on the south coast of Ellesmere Island.Grise Fiord has the distinction of being the northernmost town in Canada. Population 163. He told me that last year the ice was thick. I asked what was thick and he said they only got one supply ship and it was in September and had to escorted up there by an Icebreaker! He went on to say that one day the sound could be clear and the next you could walk 50 miles across the ice to Devon Island. (photo;jovial.on.ca
this photo is taken in the same place as the above photo the following day .)

I guess his big warning was wind and ice, thats what will get you up here. He told me to call back a couple of days before we head north and he could give me a better idea as what to expect ice wise. Every year is different and with the climate change he has seen over the past few years he doesn't know what to expect. Its actually colder in August now because there is more cloud cover up there.Which of course means with ice breaking up,(because its warmer in the Arctic Ocean west of Ellesmere) and with current and wind pushing it around you can go from an ice free sound to something pretty choked up in a matter of hours.

          The photo below is of the Sverdrup Glacier which is on the north side of Devon Island close to where we hope to come down off the ice cap that covers the east end of Devon. That looks pretty challenging to come down, as we'll be around 3000 feet above sea level to cross the island. We plan to come down a lateral moraine along the side of the glacier. Directly north of this glacier about 50 miles is Grise Fiord our end point.                                                        Russell.   

Comments

[sergio]

Looks stunning - hope the weather favours your trip, as the challenges of the crossing and trekking will be more than sufficient.

All the best to you and the team/lads - will be following your quest with much interest.

cheers
sergio

[russell]

Thanks Sergio...keep those good vibes coming!

[russell]

Thanks Sergio...keep those good vibes coming!

[sergio]

No problem re: good vibes. Have to say your trip is reminiscent of the early explorers (the Byrds, Scotts, Franklins) - where these intrepid groups of men would go off and the rest of the world would sit and wait for their tales. I find it inspirational what you guys are doing - and while I may never get to the arctic - your trip does challenge and motivate me to my own humble treks and explorations.

Some Stan Rogers for you - I could only find this version of Northwest Passage - have a listen - I think you'll enjoy (on Youtube)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz6vU1iSA0k&feature=related

and this is a classic sung in pubs around town after a few "sociable sodas"

www.youtube.com/watch?v=vL8EwN4dsv4&feature=related

Cheers to all

[russell]

Thanks again...a good tune will stick my mind and keep me going on those hard days , and wake me with a smile in the mornings. ( the other guys might not like my singing voice ...but it does feel good to sing out every now and then!)

[sergio]

I'm sure a rousing chorus of Northwest Passage or Barrett's will have the guys paddling like mad. On another note - in an effort to entice you and any of your companions to come to our neck of the Coast - here's a little event you may enjoy, plus the paddling around Canso is great

www.stanfest.com/splash.asp

Also there's a blugrass festival at "the Ovens" another neat place to paddle - put on by the remaining members of the Chapin Family. So come to NS - paddle and sing to your hearts content.

[russell farrow]

Wow, what a line up of great talent at Stanfest! Who wouldn't enjoy at least a few of that amazing line up of musicians?
I'm trying to talk Alain into bringing his bass so we can jam under the midnight sun...