Flying back to Qausuittuq (Resolute Bay)
The Kenn Borek Air's Twin Otter arrives on time and brings the group back to Resolute Bay, where is necessary to stay one night, before continuing south. A Resolute Bay tour is included in this page.

(Click on a picture to see an enlarged version)

 

It's time to say goodbye. The Twin Otter approaches the airstrip, performing a procedure turn above the highest obstacle.

 

Aircraft approaching Alexandra Fiord Aircraft approaching Alexandra Fiord
Aircraft approaching Alexandra Fiord Aircraft approaching Alexandra Fiord

The airplane descents into the fjord, flying very close to a mountain's side (top-left), then it makes a 180 degrees turn before overflying the field at an altitude of about 10 feet. A kind of "missead approach" is then performed, before turning again and landing. This procedure is used in order to let the pilots to carefully inspect the landing site, before actually touching down.

 

Kenn Borek Air service on Ellesmere island Kenn Borek Air service on Ellesmere island

As the fuel to fly back to Resolute Bay is not enough, in order to avoid a refueling stop in Grise Fiord, the pilot uses an electrical pump to transfer into the airplane's tanks, some fuel from three cans, carried right now from Resolute itself.

 

Kayak expedition to Ellesmere - August 2004
We, a very nice and adventurous group of ten.

 

Our luggage is ready to be loaded.

 

Goodbye Ellesmere, goodbye Twin Glacier!

 

Ellesmere island glaciers
Ellesmere island glaciers Ellesmere island glaciers
Ellesmere island glaciers Alexandra Fiord's area seen from the Twin Otter while climbing, from the flight to Resolute Bay. Part of the icecap covering Ellesmere island and several glaciers are clearly visible.

 

 

Resolute Bay airport Resolute Bay airport
Resolute Bay airport The Twin Otter lands in Resolute Bay (Qausuittuq), where is necessary to stay one night before continuing south.

 

Resolute Bay - Nunavut

A 360 degrees view of Resolute Bay (Qausuittuq). This town is populated by about 170 people living on natural resources and services for the community itself, one of the northenmost within canadian arctic, in Nunavut.

 

Resolute Bay - Nunavut Resolute Bay - Nunavut
Resolute Bay - Nunavut Resolute Bay - Nunavut

 

Resolute Bay - Nunavut Resolute Bay - Nunavut
Resolute Bay - Nunavut Resolute Bay - Nunavut

 

Resolute Bay - Nunavut

 

Resolute Bay - Nunavut Resolute Bay - Nunavut
Resolute Bay - Nunavut Resolute Bay - Nunavut

 

Resolute Bay - Nunavut

 

Resolute Bay - Nunavut Resolute Bay - Nunavut
Resolute Bay - Nunavut Resolute Bay - Nunavut

 

Resolute Bay - Nunavut

 

Resolute Bay - Nunavut

 

 


PICTURES
Toronto

Tour of Toronto, Ontario

Two days in Toronto, touring the city's museums and attractions, as the CN Tower and the Toronto Islands. GO.

Edmonton

Tour of Edmonton, Alberta

Two days in Edmonton, visiting the West Mall, the city, the Ukrainian Cultural Center and the Elk Island National Park. GO.

Canadian arctic

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.

Kayak on Ellesmere island

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.

Camping on Ellesmere island

Ellesmere island - camp where Alexandra Fiord ends into Buchanan Bay

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. GO.

Ellesmere island

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.

Tundra

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.

Nunavut, Canada

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.

Papaver radicatum

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.

Glaciers

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.

Resolute Bay

Back to Qausuittuq (Resolute Bay) <YOU ARE HERE>

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.

Yellowknife

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.

Pelican case

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.

Contacts - LUCIANO NAPOLITANO

Back - MAP AND TRIP INFORMATION

Back - OTHER TRIPS

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