No distance traveled

Position: Igloolik

The last few days in Igloolik have been a whirlwind, as we needed to make a critical decision; would there be enough snow on the trail to make it to Pond Inlet and furthermore what would be the best trail. After talking with locals, it appears that this year has had a late spring and exceptionally good snow; however, the rivers will soon open and because Pond Inlet has been getting more sunlight the snow has likely melted more further north.

The route that we have been recommended is one of the traditional dog sledding routes. Before plastics, Inuit throughout the North would ice the bottoms of their runners, an effective but fragile way of reducing friction. They would therefore avoid rocky snowless overland crossings. We are hoping this route still retains these desirable attributes.

We have already traveled over 2,800 km and only 400 km remain to attain our goal of Pond Inlet. Our detour south around the Gulf of Boothia has delayed us by about two weeks; we have however made the call to continue to Pond Inlet, with the best of hopes that the snow will last just a bit longer. With a slight but steady south west wind blowing, we are heading back out for our final leg.

Eric

[Via Pittarak: Northwest Passage Expedition]