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We made it to the Arctic Coast after the delta released us from its vicious hold. It’s much nicer here, tons of birds and expansive views. Pulled two all-nighters, saw a grizzly on a marine mammal carcass and were pursued by moose in the shallow waters of the Arctic Ocean. Saw lightning, rainbow, moon and sun all on one horizon. It feels like we’re in a dream world. We are now walking and puddle jumping across the remainder of the delta, the beaches several miles ahead.
In the map below, Caroline and Pat are approximately 6 miles from the Arctic Ocean on the western edge of the delta.
Willy Van Hemert said:
Hooray – the Arctic coast! Congratulations on a mighty struggle and wishing you easier travels along the coast. Dad
Erik LeRoy said:
Wow. We were worried you weren’t going to get out of the Delta before your food ran out. But then we looked at each other and said, “naw, it’s Caroline and Pat.” Erik & Beth
Alastair Humphreys (@Al_Humphreys) said:
Well done! How beautiful.
Eleanor Mcmahon said:
Delta be damned , and no looking back, onward, onward ,ever onward.
Fly bonnie boats and fleet feet , soar across the land with your eyes wide .
Write it all in your head as you move, like a mantra.
We are all there with you in spirit.
Rose Van Hemert said:
Congratulations on reaching the ocean, a tough row behind you! I’ve been thinking of your challenges and sending energizing thoughts. You two continue to amaze me. Happy trails ahead. Love, Mom
John, Elizabeth, Bennett & Eliot said:
Way to go P and C! We’ve been wondering what that coast would look and feel like after so many miles of winding delta. Congrats! Hope it’s nothing but hard white sand beach walking to Kaktovik! JPEB.
Lee Tibbitts said:
So great that you are out of the maze of the MacKenzie Delta…wowl
How have you resisted the urge to do a point count every 500 m?
LL
Ashley Van Hemert said:
Congratulations! It was great to hear the enthusiasm in your voice again. I think of you guys every time I hear a bird I can’t identify (living in the woods, only able to identify a snipe – that’s a lot of thinking about you). So proud and awed and not surprised by your on going accomplishments. Keep it up!
Joanne Farrell said:
Pat, when you were living on the Salcha, you re-supplied and went back to your cabin for the deepest winter. When you came out again and called home about three months later, I was incredulous to hear your voice. “How is it in there?” I asked. You simply replied, “Oh, kinda rugged.”
You both look so happy as you journey on through the “kinda rugged” mountains and deltas and rivers and …..oh, such gorgeous country.
You are both in our thoughts and prayers so often.
love, mom