News And Media

AYL Complete Horton River

August 6, 2009

The AYL group concluded their expedition travel of over 300 kilometers down the Horton River and arrived at the rendezvous point a day early. Taking the opportunity, the group hiked across the tundra of the Smoking Hills to be rewarded by the great views of the smoldering mineral deposits in the soil that give the area the name, and out over the ice strewn waters in Franklin Bay of the Arctic Ocean.

Visiting Franklin Bay, a few were moved by the moment and took a dip in ocean. One of the students commented that "it was surprisingly warm!"

The next day the AYL group prepared for the pickup by the Twin Otter from Aklak Air, and in the evening on July 20th, the plane landed on the bank of the Horton River to fly the group back to Inuvik. The group was smiling, displaying apparent delight and well earned satisfaction from completing the extensive NOLS leadership training over the previous two weeks.

On this return flight the group saw plenty of gyr falcons, swans, caribou, a small herd of musk ox, and a large grizzly bear relaxing on the beach of a small lake. The group arrived back at the Arctic Chalet in Inuvik just before midnight.

Patricia Qiyuaqjuk and Olivia Netser overlook Franklin Bay on the Arctic Ocean.

AYL group on an vantage point on the Smoking Hills with views to the ice strewn Franklin Bay.

Into the Beaufort Sea!

Smiles loading the plane for Inuvik.

Last AYL photo on the Horton!

So happy to have done all that.