They were seeking a wilderness experience. But during the first few weeks of their
1,880-mile (3,025-kilometer) trek across Canadas largest
island, which began in March 1994, John Dunn and his companions
were as concerned about keeping warm as with appreciating the
Arctic landscape. Facing stiff winds and temperatures as cold
as minus 42°F (minus 41°C), they focused on skiing,
setting up camp, eating, and sleeping. To make quick progress
and for sheer fun, they raised sails on their sleds and skimmed
across the ice through the canyon-like fjords of the northeastern
coast. For 192 days they pushed on, switching from skis to kayaks
when the ice melted, then finally hiking on foot. By the time
they reached their goal at the southern tip of Baffin, they had
been recharged by the freedom and vitality of the far north. |

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Confident that melting sea ice will still hold their weight in
late June, the team crosses Baffin Islands Home Bay in
ankle-deep meltwater. Halfway through their 1,880-mile (3,025-kilometer)
journey, they have already skied for three months, seeking renewal
of their restless spirits in the Canadian Arctic.
Article and photographs by John Dunn
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