The wilderness calls
An ArcticQuest 1831 news item
Written by Dom Mee
- 9 Aug 2003
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I have had a great few days here in Gjoa Haven learning many things from the Inuit people including the art of survival in this unusually harsh environment. I traveled with my Inuit guide George to take a look at my start point which is situated close to Matty Island and to my to delight the ice has finally shifted.
The only way to reach my start point is by quad bike as the terrain is too rough for any other available form of transportation. George and I traveled over 150 miles across country yesterday in what can only be described as off road heaven! but after 14 hours of rocks, bogs and bumpy tundra I was glad to get off the quad.
I will be moving to the start point on Saturday pulling all my equipment by land sledge and quad which will take around 10 hours. I will set up camp and ready the Kayak (IDS International) for the voyage on Sunday, George will also camp over night with me as he wishes to hunt some caribou.
The Inuit community of Gjoa Haven have made me feel most welcome during my short stay. I would like to thank everyone for being so accommodating and a special thanks to the staff of the Amundsen Hotel, Debby Franck, The Canadian Rangers of Gjoa Haven, SGT Paul, Cpl John, Wildlife Officer Dave White, my friend and guide George.
Well its time for me to do my job and hopefully by my next update I will have reached the Magnetic Pole discovered by James Ross in 1831.
Old Inuit Saying - When hunting the Polar Bear never bear a grudge!