Camping on Ellesmere island
Back on Ellesmere to set up a new camp, approximately
where Alexandra Fiord ends into Buchanan Bay. Time for long hikes and for further
observation of archeological remains.
(Click on a picture to see an enlarged version)
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| We continue to observe many walrus. It's very nice to hear them when they come out from the water and snore. | |
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| Kayak in the Arctic Ocean | |
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| We then land on a suitable place, back on Ellesmere's mainland. |
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Huge icebergs are piled up on the beach by high tides. |
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The temperature above zero causes the icebergs to melt slowly. |
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| A nice orange lichen, with a close-up on the right. | |
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| Other different lichens. | |
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| A black lichen growing on the rocks, the diameter is about 5cm. | |
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Fox trap built by ancient Eskimos. Normally there aren't moving mechanisms, but the fox just cannot escape once inside (jump or turn back). |
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| I take a nice long walk around the basecamp. |
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Trekking Ellesmere island. Near something that looks like an old moraine or a stream, I can observe several, very nice Silene acaulis (diameter 15cm). |
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| Silene acaulis | Cassiope tetragona |
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| Typical tundra vegetation. Left: Pedicularis lanata (4cm tall). Above, a nice Saxifraga oppositifolia (4cm in diameter). |
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| There are also several mushrooms. |
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An arctic hare, found on the way back to the camp. I wasn't prepared for such encounter, so my camera wasn't properly set for fast action. She was friendly, but didn't wait enough... after just seconds she disapperead behind the hill |
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| I finally return to the camp, through the beach. |
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At about midnight, a break in the clouds lets us to enjoy a spectacular midnight sun. |
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| The bay under a wonderful midnight sun. | |
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PICTURES |
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Two days in Toronto, touring the city's museums and attractions, as the CN Tower and the Toronto Islands. GO. |
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Two days in Edmonton, visiting the West Mall, the city, the Ukrainian Cultural Center and the Elk Island National Park. GO. |
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Fly to Ellesmere island, via Cambridge Bay and Resolute Bay Is a long flight, with one stop in Yellowknife, one change in Ikaluktutiak (Cambridge Bay) and one night layover in Qausuittuq (Resolute Bay), before the final leg to Alexandra Fiord / Kane Basin on Ellesmere Island by chartered Twin Otter. GO. |
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Ellesmere island - first camp on Skraeling island First camp on Skrealing islands, after a short paddle from the airstrip. This island is very interesting for the many archeological remains left by ancient Eskimos. GO. |
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Ellesmere island - camp where Alexandra Fiord ends in B. Bay <YOU ARE HERE> Back on Ellesmere to set up a new camp, approximately where Alexandra Fiord ends into Buchanan Bay. Time for long hikes and for further observation of archeological remains from the ancient Eskimo. |
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Ellesmere island - long hike to inner glaciers We move again, paddling to a bay about 4 hours away. The following day, a spectacular hike to a mountain glacier ending into a frozen lake, awaits us under a perfect blue and clear sky. GO. |
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Ellesmere island - second camp on Skraeling island With about 7 hours of paddling, we go back to Skrealing islands, setting up the camp on a different spot. There are many birds and archeological remains here. GO. |
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Ellesmere island - camp on the opposite side of Alexandra Fiord We continue to north, close to 79th parallel, on the opposite side of Alexandra Fiord, a nice spot for long hikes and paddles around the nearby islands. GO. |
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Ellesmere island - going back to the airstrip, camping halfway The advanture is about to finish. It's now time to retrace our steps back to the airstrip, with one night stop halfway. GO. |
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Ellesmere island - camp at Alexandra Fiord near the airstrip Was located near the unprepared airstrip at Alexandra Fiord. From there, I've reached the beautiful Twin Glacier, by a short hike. GO. |
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Back to Qausuittuq (Resolute Bay) The Twin Otter arrives on time and brings the group back to Qausuittuq, where is necessary to stay one night, before continuing south. A tour of the town is included in this section. GO. |
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Flying to Yellowknife and Yellowknife city tour From Qausuittuq, I've flown to Yellowknife where I've spent two nights, before taking the connecting flights back to my country. GO. |
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Digital photo equipment used during the expedition In a so adventurous trip, where no computer or recharging facility is available, is necessary to bring appropriate equipment and to protect it from water and mechanical shock. GO. |
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