Hell Gate, Ellesmere Island, Nunavut

(Post 1 of 2) Hell Gate. 2 a.m.

We have been traveling way north up the west coast of Ellesmere Island, but it’s time to go. The conditions that allowed us to be here are changing.

First, the ice bridge that has been blocking the northern channel between Ellesmere and Axel Heiberg is breaking up, which will allow ice to move in from the north.

Second, the ice floes hanging around the southern entrance to Eureka Sound are on the move. Our way out is quite narrow, so when we got the latest ice forecast, we chose to move on.

So here we are. On our way south, dodging ice, making sure we can get out before it’s too late.

Moon is up. Life is beautiful.

Photo by Ralph Lee Hopkins.