Posted: Apr 07, 2009 12:05 pm EDT
(ThePoles.com) Brit Antony Jinman spent 6 weeks on Baffin Island in support of his school outreach project to produce a short film on life in the arctic, the Inuit and how climate change is affecting the environment and the Inuit themselves, he told ExplorersWeb. His project also involved a solo ski traverse for 2 weeks in the Auyuittug National Park.

Travel in the Arctic

Antony explained why he likes to travel and live in the Arctic environment, “because it really is an art. To be able to navigate by the sun, to read the weather and snow conditions. To learn what equipment works and in what conditions, to make sure you’re eating enough calories and of course knowing how to over come obstacles safely.” And, he said, days are physically and mentally challenging.

Auyuittuq National Park

Antony arrived in Qikiqtarjuag on Baffin Island via Iqaluit, the main town on the Island. “I started the day with my introduction and orientation of the Akshayuk Pass and Auyuittug National Park, ironically called the land that never melts.”

“Auyuittuq National Park is found on Baffin Island’s Cumberland Peninsula in Nunavut, Canada. It features the many terrains of Arctic wilderness including fjords, glaciers, and the Penny Ice Cap. Auyuittuq was made a national park in 2000.”

Traditional skills

He met with several locals and learned about their traditional skills. “The ancient Inuit had a special bond with the sea. It provided them with most things needed for survival; meat for food, blubber for fuel, bones and ivory for tools and skins for clothing and shelter. To obtain these gifts, they perfected the skills of hunting whales, seals and walrus in open water and from the sea ice.”

He also learned how to treat and prepare sealskins before they can be made into clothing. “Two of the village elders were busy teaching this lengthy process to the younger women on the course. Once the skins have been scrapped and treated they can be dried and made into different items of clothing, from gloves to kamiks (traditional boots).”

Antony explained about the traditional transport of the Inuit. “With highly effective means of travel over sea ice and through open water, the Inuit quickly mastered the Canadian Arctic.”

“The invention of the qamutik (dog sled) and umiak (women's boat) allowed them to cover great distances in search of game and to ferry large quantities of food and gear. The kayak, which was used to hunt game along the coasts in summer and at the sea ice edge in winter, however, was the cornerstone of the Inuit hunting economy.”

Solo trek

Antony left Qikiqtarjuag for a two-week sledge-hauling ski trip in Auyuittuq National Park to Pangnirtung. On his way into the Park he crossed a number of fresh polar bear tracks, which were playing on his mind, he reported the evening from the tent.

On another evening he described the scenery: “The scenery where I am sat is nothing short of spectacular […] The snow has stopped and given over to views of towering peaks. This glaciated valley was made by nothing more then ice and snow and makes you stop and think about the power of Mother Nature.”

“It’s incredibly powerful to know you’re stood in a 150 km long glaciated valley, with mountain peaks towering above you. Mountains like Mt Thor, which has been cleaved in half by the long gone glacier, one half has completely disappeared. Of course climate change is nothing new here, its just staggering how quickly things are changing.”

One evening he arrived at a small lake called Windy Lake and decided to make camp. “The person who named it Windy Lake really didn't do it justice. It should be called something like; The Windiest Lake Known to Man.”

Technology

Antony described how he used his telecommunication technology and he paid attention to recharging the tech. “PDA needs to be warm so I heat my tent and use Lithium batteries to supply power. Works well.”

He uses software and hardware from Human Edge Tech and said, ”Human Edge Technology is a company myself and Rebecca have used to send back our blogs and pictures. It works really well and is highly recommended for all sorts of expedition, fund raising events or adventure travel.”

Animals

Antony saw various animals; arctic foxes, ptarmigan, a snowy owl, a seal lying on the ice, tracks for polar bear, arctic hare and wolf prints. He also gave some facts about polar bears and caribou in his dispatches.

Greenland

At the end of April Antony will attempt a Greenland crossing.

About Antony Jinman coutesy of his website:

“As a teenager, I dedicated much of my free time to mountain sports including skiing and snowboarding, hiking and climbing. At college, I studied a HND in Public Services, placing myself in the ideal position from which to enter the armed forces. I successfully completed time in the Territorial Army and the Royal Navy before returning home to pursue a career in the great outdoors.”

“For a number of years I took up the role of a tour leader, accompanying groups on adventure holidays around the world. After saving enough money, I invested in a placement on the Plas-y-Brenin Fast Track Instructors Scheme, through which I qualified as an International Mountain Leader. I soon found myself leading various remote expeditions, including a number of trips to the Arctic.”

“At 27, the Arctic remains a special place to me. Stunningly beautiful and untouched by Man until relatively recently, it is a place where maintaining the utmost respect for the environment is the key to survival at times. The indigenous peoples of the Arctic have all learnt to coexist with nature. Guided by their experiences, we can all learn valuable lessons for the future.”

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