Krystle

Clyde River is a town considered to be the last outpost of civilisation, and upon flying into Clyde River, you certainly felt that isolation. Unfortunately with too many bags we had to wait for the next flight to bring in the remainder, which forced us to set up camp beside town for the night. Local Inuit children were fascinated by our arrival and it became 50 questions a minute.

With better weather conditions the following day we tucked ourselves away in sleds amongst 5 snowmobiles and began the mission to Sam Ford Fjord. During smoko time, our Inuit guides cranked out a butcher knife and sliced up an Arctic Char sushi style. It had been relatively smooth sailing until we set out after smoko and one of the snowmobiles broke down in the first few hundred feet.

The winds picked up to roughly 40knots or more and the wind chill factor was ridiculously freezing. The crossing of a frozen river section almost saw our sled flip over and took a bit of manoeuvring and hard yakka to help navigate it through the tricky conditions.  After 8 hours huddled in the back of the sled we arrived onto the plateau surrounded by the majestic cliffs of Sam Ford Fjord.

After a bit of discussion we agreed on a campsite and somehow managed to set the tents up in howling winds. By this time it was certainly close to midnight and to sum it up, we were buggered.

The next morning saw clearer conditions but unfortunately way too dangerous for jumping. We finished off setting up the camp during the day before the 2nd team arrived in the afternoon and soon it was mini town of Mountain Hard Wear tents.

Finally on the morning of day three, we awoke to no wind and an air of excitement swept over the camp in no time. Kiguti, which translates as ‘The Tooth’ from the Inuit’s was selected as the first peak to jump. To avoid congestion on the climb up, the team was split into 3 groups. The first group was to set trail and the first thing we noticed that it was unusually warm for this time of year, It was a hard slog up as at times it felt as if you were swimming as your leg plummeted thigh deep into the snow.

Even though your legs are buggered and for me I was feeling a bit delusional from lack of food, a sense of achievement washes over you once you reach the top. After the Base jumpers geared up, it was a tricky walk down to the exit point as it slopped down and one slip could be fatal (well especially for me since I’m the only one without a rig).

With a few deep breaths, Rich Webb christened the expedition with the first jump. The following team members soon followed and a series of yahoo yells filled the valley. Unfortunately for me reality sets in quick and it’s the long way down for me. Though with a bit of slippery slide action with the ice axe for a brake, it was a mini adrenaline adventure coming down.

The temperature during the day can be quite pleasant considering that your wearing about 4 layers but later at night, the temperature drops quickly. It never becomes dark like night time in Australia but at least enough that you can sleep comfortably.

Today saw a slow start as we awoke to snowing conditions and the low cloud providing poor visibility. Of course hanging out with a unique crew in the arctic there was bound to be some multi talented athletes. Katie, Ben and James from the USA filled in time by climbing a 2100ft chute to ski down watched on by the rest of the team.

By late afternoon, a few jumpers got itchy feet and hiked up late afternoon to launch off ‘The Notch’ situated near Kiguti. All 5 jumpers showcased superb technical skills as they flew along the giant granite walls with incredible speed.

As long as weather conditions hold, tomorrow will see one of the highest peaks jumped, Chinese Wall, an epic 4900ft.

Krystle Wright
Sports and Adventure Photographer based in Sydney, Australia will be documenting every angle of the month long expedition. 
Further work can be seen here at: www.wrightfoto.com.au