The team got a later start today due to the 25 mph wind gusts that blew their tent around while they were trying to stow their gear in their boats. The winds in the area where they set up camp were whipping all night and made things a little difficult to maneuver.
They paddled 22 miles today despite beginning and ending their day with huge winds. If you’re following along with their Garmin InReach trackers, once they made the curve at the south end of Bylot Island, they had a reprieve from the winds and enjoyed their time on the water. The terrain is starting to become more green and lush. Fresh water sources are more difficult to secure so they have to plan accordingly. (They are carrying a filter for water)
They are passing quite a few larger icebergs now and were passed, very slowly, by a research ship going through Navy Board Inlet. The cruise ships and iron ore ships must travel extremely slow in order to protect the wildlife and out of respect for the communities and their residents. The passage has been closed to cruise ship travel for the past two (2) years due to the pandemic.
They are both holding up well and are starting to develop a routine that will, eventually, assist them in gaining more time and momentum for the expedition. Tomorrow will be a challenging day. They are expecting a lot of high winds/gusts and will be crossing Navy Board Inlet from east to west when there is an expected break in the wind.
Rebekah will be leaving Pond Inlet soon. We have met some wonderful people that have embraced our team and have assisted us with many aspects of our travel. Expeditions tend to remind us that there are always good people that treat strangers well, no matter where you travel.
Attached are photos of a a pocket knife gifted to West from Titus Allooloo. There is an inscription on it written in syllabics Inuktitut which says “Mittimatatlik” which means Pond Inlet.
–Barbara Edington
