Trading Passions Expedition Journal Entry- Noatak River

Noatak River Portion- Day 17- 34kms

Woke up to the sounds of rain beating on the tent again this morning. Deciding we had waited long enough we slowly got up and dressed. Wind starting to pick up we ate and got organized.

A fairly uneventful paddle day with the highest winds, most rain and to top it off, coldest. We both struggled with the freezing temperatures. Being in soaking wet gear to start and with a non-dry dry suit, my feet and toes were hurting.

By the time we stopped for camp I was fighting back tears. Each breath I quivered from the cold. We quickly started to set up the fly from the tent to sit under to change out of our dry suites and wet gear, as to keep the tent dry.

As we pulled out the fly we realized, a large grizzly was walking up the beach across the river. Stopping to snap a few photos we noticed another one down the beach walking the same way.

Only taking a few cold minutes to watch, we continued set up and de-gearing. Then setting up our tent and curling up, making a coffee to try to warm up. Both of us still feeling the cold we try to barter with each other to make dinner outside. We both end up braving the awfulness and gearing back up. We stand in the rain and wind and try to enjoy our meals. Gobbled up quickly we hike the food down the beach and tie up for the night. Now back in the tent we try to get warm, play cards and talk future goals. I’m still freezing. An obvious chill got into me today. With soaking wet feet for the entire day, I now have three pairs of thick socks on and still feel they are wet and cold. The wind and rain continuing to howl around us, we hunker down for a cold night. We still go to bed smiling and laughing, “this will only add to the story and teach us how much we can withstand.” Goodnight Neverland! Xxo

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