My partner and I are going on a 1-week icebreaker expedition to Baffin Island this August. We'll be doing shore expeditions to National Parks and Inuit villages via Zodiac. We've never taken a trip quite like this, although we're eager (but not avid) campers/hikers. I would really appreciate any tips and advice that you may have to offer. What to bring, what not to bring, what to wear, I'll take it all. Thanks in advance.
1
cheersterry
Your outfitter will tell you exactly what you need. The requirements are very specific. Some of it will be supplied by them.
This is a great excursion. You're going to have a gas.
Cheers,
Terry
2
brooktrout
Sorry, can't help but that sounds really great. Do you happen to have a link with info. on the expedition?
4
kayakgirl
Like booktrout, I can't help you with recommendations but I'd be interested to hear more about this trip. Can you post a link for us?
Thanks!
5
nilsy
You should go with the standard approach for northern destinations - layering. Make sure you have some wicking layer that will also keep you warm (ex. long sleeve capalene or polypropylene shirt), then maybe a fleece coat, and some sort of windbreaker as your outer garment (waterproof rain gear would make a lot of sense). Make sure you bring a light winter hat and some light mittens as well. That should cover pretty much all of your conditions. Places like www.rei.com, www.campmor.com, or www.ems.com can provide any clothing you might need. Finally - avoid cotton, its a killer when you get wet and cold.
I trekked across Baffin in the early '90s - we didn't start our trip until early August because we needed to make sure ice breakup had occured so that we could take a small fishing boat on a 6 hour trip from Broughton Island to our staring point on Baffin. We had decent weather, but I learned that one year earlier they'd had a 9" snow storm at the same time (1st or 2nd week of August) the prior year. If you're heading up towards Pond Inlet (which I assume you are if you need an icebreaker) it may be colder, nevertheless go with layering!
Have fun, the landscape (giant rock walls, etc.) is beautiful, the icebergs are awesome and entertaining, and then of course there's the chance to see cool whales, fish, birds, etc.
6
ljmanning
Thanks for the ideas nilsy. The outfitter gave us general guidelines, but I always like to hear from someone who's been there! The company we are travelling with is called Cruise North The trip we are taking is called Baffin Adventure, and the itinerary is flexible depending on the weather and ice conditions. I can hardly wait!
7
ben
Your ship is likely the Lyubov Orlova. She is scheduled to leave St-John's Newfoundland on July 18 to begin her Arctic season.
8
marle
How about some Inuktitut? Now the dialects are different, and I live in the Kivalliq Region, but here is some.
ooo-blah-koot Good morning
ooo-blue-koot Good After noon
Can-we-pee How are you? or in Slang Sue-vee
Tack-a-you-na I'm tired
Can-weenie-tuna I'm well
Co-yen-a-me Thank you
Mut-na your welcome
Tay-ma Done
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
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