Baffin Babes
80 days in the arctic
The plan
Getting to start.
First of March 2009 we will fly from Oslo to Qikiqtarjuak, our startpoint, via Ottawa and Iqualuit. After months of planning, preparations and training, we will be ready to realize our big plan.
Leg one: Qikiqtarjuaq – Clyde River
Setting off from Qikiqtarjuaq we will ski on the frozen sea ice where we have to be extra observant of polar bear encounters since this area is known for its large polar bear population. Pulling our 100kg heavy sleighs we travel north until we reach spectacular fiords surrounded by steep mountains. These fiords will lead us to the settlement of Clyde River, where we have our only food supply during the expedition.
Leg two: Clyde River – Pond Inlet
After days of repacking the sleds, resting and exploring the village we continue our journey along the dramatic fiord landscape, skiing along the coast through rough terrain with steep mountains and narrow river valleys. As we move in northerly direction we will cross several smaller glaciers and partly ski on the fiord ice where screw-ice formations will be a challenge. In the north we will once again meet the tundra and after 80 days in the Arctic wilderness we will catch sight of Pond Inlet, the last stop on our long and spectacular journey.
Settlement information
Qikiqtarjuaq, formerly known as Broughton Island, is located just off the east coast of Baffin Island. The small Island with 550 inhabitants is only 16 kilometres long and 12 kilometres wide. The region is well known for its outstanding wildlife and beautiful scenery and hunting and fishing are still important parts of daily life among the locals.
Clyde River with its 850 inhabitants is located on the eastern shore on a flood plain, with fiords, impressive mountains, icebergs and glaciers in the vicinity. The wildlife is rich, and animals such as caribou, seals and narwhals are often to be seen.
Pond Inlet is located on the northeastern shore of Baffin Island across from Bylot Island. A mix of mountains, glaciers and icebergs makes the place unique. 1350 people lives in Pond Inlet.
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