ALONE IN THE ARCTIC: MY JOURNEY ON THE ARCTIC CIRCLE TRAIL
ALONE IN THE ARCTIC: MY JOURNEY ON THE ARCTIC CIRCLE TRAIL
In September of 2014 I flew into Kangerlussuaq, Greenland to hike the Arctic Circle Trail (Polar Route) to the west coast town of Sisimiut. I’ve always prided myself on offering my clients a unique, off the beaten path, adventure and what could satisfy that criteria more than a trekking adventure in the least populated country on the planet.
I planned to complete the near hundred mile journey in eight days but knew that winter was fast approaching and that if I was snowed in or injured I might have to hole up for a few days so I carried nine days of food and planned to ration if necessary.
Though I was carrying a new SPOT satellite based personal locator beacon (PLB) I was on the edge of the company’s advertised coverage area and even then I didn’t completely trust their claims. I was on my own and knew that if I got into trouble I would only have my knowledge and experience to look to for rescue.
That journey is still my favorite and was the first time I truly felt like an explorer. For the first four days I didn’t see a single person and it was just me, the reindeer, and the arctic hare. Along the way I met an amazing family of native Greenlanders that have become cherished friends and discovered a culture and a way of life that continues to fascinate me.
Greenland is a special place that draws explorers and adventurers from all over the world. I hope I have the honor of introducing it to you in person but in the meantime please read about my first journey north of the Arctic Circle.
ALONE IN THE ARCTIC: MY JOURNEY ON THE ARCTIC CIRCLE TRAIL (DAY 1)
ALONE IN THE ARCTIC: MY JOURNEY ON THE ARCTIC CIRCLE TRAIL (DAY 2)
ALONE IN THE ARCTIC: MY JOURNEY ON THE ARCTIC CIRCLE TRAIL (DAY 3)
ALONE IN THE ARCTIC: MY JOURNEY ON THE ARCTIC CIRCLE TRAIL (DAY 4)
ALONE IN THE ARCTIC: MY JOURNEY ON THE ARCTIC CIRCLE TRAIL (DAY 5)
ALONE IN THE ARCTIC: MY JOURNEY ON THE ARCTIC CIRCLE TRAIL (DAY 6)
ALONE IN THE ARCTIC: MY JOURNEY ON THE ARCTIC CIRCLE TRAIL (DAY 7)
ALONE IN THE ARCTIC: MY JOURNEY ON THE ARCTIC CIRCLE TRAIL (DAY 8)