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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)