NWP 43. And finally…

21-Oct-24 Nottinghamshire, UK

It’s been nearly four weeks since returning home from an epic and amazing trip. Not had time to fully unpack yet due to various commitments since landing. Such is life back in reality.

So.

You will be very pleased to hear, dear reader, that this is the final blog post of the North West Passage expedition.

Sincerely hope that you have enjoyed the vicarious travel and learnt something new. As I have.

It is a right pain writing blog and sorting photos for each blog post as it can take a few hours each day. But I then receive a nice comment from people I never knew would be interested in reading it so that’s made it all worthwhile. I hope it has given you an insight into the people, places and things I saw enroute.

Thank you for reading.

The two months travelling and sailing through the North West Passage have been amazing. I have seen and done things only a few thousand people will ever experience. I know I am lucky in life. And will keep living life.

Seeing polar bears for the first time. Sailing through the sea ice at midnight with searchlights. Visiting the Franklin Expedition camp and graves on Beechey Island. And. Of course. Seeing the aurora borealis for the very first time in the middle of the Labrador Sea. Are amongst my most memorable experiences.

You can watch the video of the trip below which was produced by the professional photographer and videograpaher onboard. It’s 20 mins and well worth a watch. See how many times you can see Touring Taurean in it! I count four!

The Arctic is completely different to Antarctica. And not what I expected. I would definitely go back to Antarctica. But feel like I’ve done the Arctic. Not as much scenery and less icy. More dry and brown tundra. And you forget how wide the channels are in the Arctic. Not like Antarctica where you find yourself sailing through magnificent snow capped scenery.

I sincerely hope that this blog has inspired someone to travel. I was inspired by the older girl across the road. As a teen, I was mesmerised by photos of her travels. Very sadly, she died a few years ago in her mid-50s.

Just before I left, my mentor whilst training as a QS and former boss sadly died. He was 65. And during this trip someone I know was given two weeks to live. He very sadly died at 60.

So live life whilst you can, dear reader.

Get out there and see the world.

Enjoy life whilst you can.

And finally…I’ll leave you with a couple of quotes which I’m rather taken by…

‘What you do not see, do not hear, do not experience, you will never really know.’ – Anders Apassingok – Lore of St Lawrence Island: Echoes of our Eskimo Elders

‘The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.’ – Jack London

So that’s that, dear reader. Though please do remember these three words.

Explore.

Dream.

Discover.

THE END.