Whitney & Smith e-newsletter - September, 2008

We had a great season this year, running ice edge, hiking and sea kayaking expeditions on Banks Island, Ellesmere and Baffin Islands. Hiking across the Top of the World at Latitude 82° N (that’s less than 500 nautical miles from the geographic north pole!) we had plus 25° C weather, acres of beautiful flowers and ice fields and were witness to a wolf hunt, start to finish, twice! The kayakers on Ellesmere witnessed a complete solar eclipse, where, in the land of 24 hour sun, they saw some of the major stars come out, felt the temperature drop significantly and noticed a silver wave effect bouncing off the river across the tundra. On Baffin our custom hikers were in awe looking up at some of the world’s most spectacular mountain scenery with sheer granite peaks rising over 2000 meters.

"Jane- Thank you so much for organizing such a wonderful trip. I’m sitting at my desk in the heart of the New York rat race wondering how I could have been in such an incredible place a few short days ago. Dave and Andy were fantastic guides. Beyond their great cooking and solid risk management, their sense of humor and depth of knowledge of Ellesmere's’ history and wildlife made them a great team. Glenne couldn’t have been a better paddling partner, and its great to travel with an outfitter that focuses as much on surrounding itself with quality people as it does on celebrating wild, remote places. The harsh and powerful land/seascapes made one feel vulnerable, insignificant and at the same time, very much alive! Looking forward to the next adventure! "

Mark Zimring , paddling Ellesmere Island

Upcoming Expeditions

Great Bear Rainforest

We leave for the Great Bear Rainforest trip mid-September where we paddle beneath 4000' high granite cliffs, visit salmon running rivers where grizzlies, black bears, wolves and the elusive spirit bear feed. Humpback whales and migrating birds share these same waters. Sold out for 2008, there are few spots available in 2009.

Patagonia

If you’re looking for a great getaway, join us paddling in Patagonia on our Marine Safari which runs from mid October. The sun will feel great as you watch southern right whales, Southern sea lions, Elephant seals, and Magallanic penguins.

Or try our Heart of Patagonia hiking trip which won the magazine Outside's Trip of the Year Award. You’ll find great opportunities to photograph endemic Patagonian flowers, condors and guanacos against the magnificent backdrop of the famous Patagonian mountain peaks.

Baja California

We return to Baja California in Mexico the first of February. This exciting two week sea kayaking expedition takes place in the Sea of Cortez alongside the Sierra Giganta mountain range. We’ll camp in secluded coves, and paddle amongst pelicans, blue-footed boobies and leaping manta rays. With luck we may spy an occasional blue, fin, or humpback whale along our passage, as well as a pod of common dolphins.

Gear Sale

End of Season Gear Sale: We are selling Marmot Thor 2 man tents $ 350, North Face VE 25 Expedition Dome tents $ 350 and Klepper Expedition 2 man kayaks $2000.