(Sent from the Passage on Monday 30
August)
All
Broke camp early. Set for Beechey Island. Historical sight where
Franklin buried of three casualties of his expedition in search of
the Passage 250 years ago.
We powered along the Devon Island coastline at 41 knots, 74.5
degrees North of the equator, with seals and whales and birdlife
all around.
Glaciers poured ice into the sea. "Bergie" water (floating
with sea ice) required everyone to be on alert. Fog rolled in
from the left, then closed from behind, then loomed in front.
Late in the day and several hours late, we made our rendezvous
with the support vessel. Tonight is for repairs and prep for
our journey to Resolute tomorrow.
+ Forecast sea state: not known.
+ Ice condition: variable - clear to 9/10+ coverage.
+ Conditions in the high arctic can worsen rapidly.
We have every confidence that our RIB can deliver all that we
need, but this journey isn't going to be that simple.
We have been fortunate so far. Keep praying for us.
Bear and team