2008 Canadian Arctic Trek For Earth Health
On April 25, 2008 Ed Viesturs and John Stetson will travel to the Canadian Arctic to mount a sledge hauling, ski journey of approximately 150 miles through one of the most beautiful and pristine areas of Northern Baffin Island. The theme for this expedition is Healthy Planet= Healthy People.
Their objective is twofold. First to utilize and familiarize themselves with the equipment, systems and strategy necessary for a possible future ski journey to the South Pole. An unsupported journey to the South Pole from the coast of Antarctica entails some 600 miles of travel and meticulous attention to detail as far as planning and preparation. The Canadian Arctic expedition would serve well as a shakedown for the longer Southern trip. The second objective is to showcase the effects of climate change already occurring in the Arctic regions. This would be highlighted by talking with the resident population of Inuit in the community of Pond Inlet and getting firsthand information from them about what changes they have seen and how they are adjusting, not only their lifestyles but also their subsistence hunting strategies.
The expedition should last for approximately 20 days and Viesturs and Stetson plan to make daily progress reports via satellite telephone. Check here on edviesturs.com for the dispatches.
Ed Viesturs sponsors and partners include Timberland, Rolex, Smartwool, Adventure Medical Kits, Grandoe Gloves, SOLE Custom foot beds and Talus Outdoor Technologies. Additional product support from MSR, Julbo, CAMP, DeLorme GPS, Acer Personal Locator Becons and Forty Below.
Follow Ed in the Arctic on GreatOutdoors.com