ARCTIC WANDERER EXPEDITION

2012-01-01T16:09:00.000-08:00

NEW YEARS IN SEATTLE

2012-01-01T14:46:00.000-08:00

Happy New Years to everyone. I photographed the fire works of the Space Needle here in Seattle. I was across the bay about 1.5 - 2 miles away. I used my 300mm lens with a 1.7 teleconverter which made it a 500mm lens. I shot 656 Pictures in 10 minutes and culled them down to eight.

2011-10-20T05:14:00.000-07:00

I drove down to Rocky Hill, Connecticut yesterday to visit Hayn Marine. They make rigging products that are the finest available and back by their limited lifetime warranty. I met with Brett Hasbrouck their general manager. We talked about my expedition and what I need to finish re rigging the mast. Their going to give me all the turnbuckles, and compression eyes so I will be able to complete the rigging of the mast myself, and be able to fix any problems that might arise. I was also given a tour of their plant. Thanks to all at Hayn Marine.

2011-10-02T16:15:00.000-07:00

I drove to Port Townsend this morning to talk with Brion Toss one of the best riggers in the country. We talked about my mast and rigging and my list of things to do in the nest month just got bigger. But I need to know my mast won't fail. I learned a lot. Thanks Brion

2011-09-27T10:46:00.000-07:00

2011-09-27T10:08:00.000-07:00

OK, back from the middle latitudes, I've spent the last 4 months working on the University of Hawaii's research vessel Ka'imikai-O-Kanaola. We were doing radiation studies off of the nuclear power plants in Japan, it was a multi national team. I was able to watch Dragon boat races in Yokohama. The next trip was for a Korean project bottom maping half way between Hawaii and Mexico. My last week we were loading and dunk testing two subs that they were getting ready for the next two months work. Hawaii 5 O filmed parts of the fourth episode on and around our ship. I will be leaving for the east coast next week to work on Arctic Wanderer and there is lots of work to do. ( Engine rebuild, new stove, fix steering, re-rig the mast, and lots of little things. Here are a couple of pictures from the summer.

RUSSIAN HELP!!

2011-02-04T07:47:00.000-08:00

I have been in contact with Borge Ousland who sailed a trimaran through both NE & NW Passages last summer. http://www.ousland.no/category/northern-passage-2010/ He put me in contact with a Russian who helped him get permission to sail Russia's NE Passage. I received an email at 5am this morning and he will help me get permission. So hopefully the dream continues. This means I have lots of work to do to get the boat in shape for the journey. But as I have always said
Where there a will there's a way. everything will get done.

Pictures of Sunsets

2011-01-19T11:38:00.000-08:00

I've posted a few pictures of sunsets I've seen over the last few years. There on the expeditions face book page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Arctic-Wanderer-Expedition/269295396963

Ocean Navigator Story

2011-01-10T10:41:00.000-08:00

In January's issue of Ocean Navigator they ran a story about an New Zealand sailor who clames he made the first solo sail through the North West Passage. He is not the first, mabe the 5-6th. I would think individuals and writers would do their homework. The first person was a Japaneese sailor Kenichi Horie in 1981-1983. The second was an Englishman, David Cowper in 1986-1989. The third was myself in 2005-2007. And David Cowper has done it again.
While I'm on a rant Englishman Adrian Flanagan claimed to be the first to sail single handed through Russia's Northeast Passage. Well I don't think so, he made it half way through to the town of Tiksi where he loaded his sailboat onto a cargo vessel and was taken to Murmansk 1900nm.
Another false claim.
OK, I've had my rant thank you very much.

Back in Seattle Again.

2011-01-08T20:03:00.000-08:00

Yes I'm back in Seattle for the winter. I arrived at 1am on the Dec 29. Arctic Wanderer was taken out of the water the week before Christmas. She is currently sitting behind a machine shop in Situate. You can zoom in on the map above to see where she is. I'm talking with companies that will hopefully help with some of the equipment I will be needing to complete the refit. Yanmar, New England Ropes, Suncor Stainless Co. I'm also trying to find work!!! I miss Every one in Massachusetts. You all were fabulous. Thanks for all your help and support.

Snow

2010-12-15T10:34:00.000-08:00

Flakes are starting to fall. The temps have been in the teens to twenties. The trip was great Hot and Muggy. I will be moving the boat to a marina about two miles away by car and three to four by water. It's up a river and will have to be moved during high tide. Hopefully it is not frozen yet.
It does freeze bu not like the arctic. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

Going South

2010-11-18T06:05:00.000-08:00

I leave on Sunday for St.Thomas in the USVI to help deliver a 90ft yacht. The trip will take 10-14 days. AWOL is her name click on link to see more of her http://www.awolagain.com/eng/exitsite.html

SLIDE SHOW / LECTURE

2010-11-17T11:32:00.000-08:00

The show was enjoyed by all. Around 40 were there.

SLIDE SHOW / LECTURE

2010-10-12T07:14:00.000-07:00

I will be giving a slide show at the Duxbury Bay Maritime School on Nov. 4 at 7pm. Come one come all as it will be a fun evening.

Arctic Historian John Bockstotoce

2010-10-11T07:05:00.000-07:00

Last week I finally met John at his boat Belevadeer. John spent 8 years sailing in the northwest passage in the 80s. Belvadeer is 60ft Long and a very capable arctic boat.

2010-10-07T09:09:00.000-07:00

Last month I went to the Newport boat show and talked with companies that have equipment I will need to get the boat ready for next years sail over Russia. Suncor Stanless Steel has offered to help. Hopefully Yanmar will provide a new engine. I also am talking with Harken, New England Ropes, Raymarine. The boat has been on a mooring in Satuit harbor for the last couple of months.
Hopefully next month I will be delivering a 90ft sail boat from the US Vergin Islands to Antigua.

Hurricane Earl, Oh MY.

2010-08-31T04:41:00.000-07:00

Hurricane Earl might come up the east coast this week. I've never experienced one so this will be interesting. I've been house sitting the last couple of days and will spend the next few getting the boat ready for what ever mother nature has in store for us. I will try to get the boat into the inner harbor and clear the decks, sails, fuel jugs, everything has to be stowed below as the winds could be high. (50 - 100mph) I've also been arranging to give a couple of lectures/ slide shows in the coming weeks.

Finally Back In The USA

2010-08-09T08:38:00.000-07:00

We finally arrived in Scituate Mass. last Friday. I was towed to a dock provided by Scituate Boat Works http://www.scituateboatworks.com/ . The weekend was very busy, we had many visitors. The local radio station interviewed me and was broadcast Sunday morning. The boat will be moved out to a mooring soon. Thanks to all who helped us the last two months. The trip from Iceland was a real eye opener. We encountered four gales and the boat did great. The waves crashed over the boat several times, WOW!!! And there were the break downs ( Broken Stays, Wind vane steering system, Engine Fuel system, Toilet) very frustrating. We had porpoises swimming under the bow, pilot and humpback whales within 50 yards of the boat. Now I need to find work so the boat can be totally refit. Four years in the Arctic has been very hard on her.

Boston Here we Come, I Hope

2010-07-28T03:43:00.000-07:00

Laundry is in the washer, Just showered. Now I have to move the boat to the fuel dock to get fuel. Then Leave. The repairs are done, The mast won't fall down I hope, I bought a 12 gallon fuel tank as the main tank is still messed up. The new on should get us to Boston. Now we just need a good NW wind. This time of year the winds blow from the SW which is the direction we need to go.We'll see.

Halifax, Nova Scotia

2010-07-23T06:23:00.000-07:00

I'm currently in Halifax for repairs. The sail from Iceland was good, we went through four gales, with waves breaking over the boat. I'm glad she is made of steel. Three hundred miles out of St' John's Newfoundland the trim tab for the wind steering system came off. We were towed into St. Johns for repairs. From there to Halifax the deck was ripping up were the wires that hold the mast up connect. So that was re-welded and the fuel tank was drained and steam cleaned, as it had water and rust in it. Now I'm waiting on the injectors for the engine as they were frozen open and have to be rebuilt. That should be done by Tuesday. Then it's off to Lunenburg to meet John & Phyllis of S/V Morgan's Cloud (www.morganscloud.com). Then is off to the west hopefully Boston.
The pictures are a couple of visitors we had.

Leaving Iceland

2010-06-12T11:59:00.000-07:00

I'm leaving Iceland tonight. I'm sailing to Maine, it should take two- three weeks. You can follow my progress on Ocens tracker on the right.

Sailing West

2010-06-08T12:59:00.000-07:00

I called the Russian Tourism Agency and they told me there was nothing that could be done to change my applications status. SO I'm sailing back to the US east coast this weekend, it should take three - four weeks as it's 2100 miles. Tomorrow I will take a test sail into Reykjavik.

Back in The Water Again!!!!

2010-06-07T12:42:00.000-07:00

This morning I was up early starting on the last few items I had to finish. ( Fuel the boat, Fill the water tank, load the skiff, buy propane, then secure the skiff, fuel jugs, propane tanks, wash the ash off the boat. And last Pay the very big bill.) Wanderer was launched at 2PM, We stayed at the dock for an hour to make sure the engine was running, no leaks, or other problems. Then we were off to Keflivik 2 miles north. On Wednesday we'll sail to Reykjavik. I received an email from the US Embassy in Moscow and they can't help, but they are concerned about my case and want me to keep them informed. I will send an email to the Russia tourism agency.

Ash Fall

2010-06-04T11:40:00.000-07:00

The morning started out partly cloudy, then it was like a thick fog rolled in. One of the ship yard workers told me to get a dust mask as it was ash from the volcano. Well not from the volcano but from it's aftermath. It was ash that had settled around the volcano that is being picked up by the south easterly winds, and blown across the south west parts of Iceland. As the day progressed the skies grew dimmer and ash was falling.
The Ocens tracker is up and running. I will go into the water on Monday, then to Keflivik harbor for a couple of days. No word back from the US Embassy in Moscow.

Russian Reply

2010-06-03T12:54:00.000-07:00

I received an answer from Russia yesterday and this is what they wrote: "Implementation of this expedition is regarded unreasonable according to the conclusion of the Counter-Intelligence service of the Federal Security Service of Russia". WOW and WOW. I've sent an email to the US Embassy in Moscow to try to get some clarification as to there reason. Today the boat was moved out of the boat shed as they were starting to spray paint a 100ft ship that was in there. It's good to be outside as there's more light in the boat and all the electronics's can work. So I am testing everything and the Ocens tracker should be working now.

Work Continues

2010-05-29T05:10:00.000-07:00

This last week the welder finished the bow. The hull is 4mm thick, I had the welder put 6mm in. So the bow is stronger. The bottom and sides have been painted and I'm painting the decks and cabin. The engine was put into the boat two days ago and I just have to finish installing it When she gets launched in a week she will be a new boat.

Progress

2010-05-25T14:40:00.000-07:00

This last weekend I painted the bottom of the hull, and the black trim, and the decks. Today I completed three projects. I had the engine returned and it's ready to be loaded into the boat on Thursday, I replaced the fuel fill, the cap was washed overboard last summer, and I put bigger bolts into the wind vane mount that was loose. Tommorow I will go to the Russian Embsay and talk to them about my appliccation. I still have not gotten a reason as to why they turned it down. It's good to see the boat cumming together.

The Ocens Tracker

2010-05-22T02:52:00.000-07:00

I just created the link for the Ocens Tracker, The boat is currently in a very big shed so the tracker won't work until I move the boat out of the shed. Which should be around the 1st of June.

Volcano Erupting in Iceland

2010-05-16T04:00:00.000-07:00

I went to the volcano at 8:30 last night. I wanted to see the lightning and lava. At around 11:30 it was dark enough, I was able to see some lightning and lava. Couldn't get a picture of them. I arrived back home at 2am. Long day.

Holy Bow Batman

2010-05-14T13:33:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday I arrived at the boat to find the bow had been opened like a can of caviar. I would have enjoyed the caviar more. The holes in the keel had been also cut out. the welder was hitting the bow with a hammer and at some point it went through, the steel was rusted from the anchor
line. Every time I anchored it brought saltwater into the chain locker, which soaked the foam insulation, which rusted the hull. It took 27 years. It will be replaced with thicker steel. 6mm verses 3.5mm. And the interior structure will be beefed up. I am tiring to figure a way to make a pan to capture the saltwater and divert it to the bilge. Yesterday I went to view the volcano and all I could see was the ash cloud rising thousands of feet into the atmosphere. I plan on returning on Sunday when it is dark to view the fire blowing out of it. It is throwing rocks the size of cars out. The boat was moved into a very large shed today and I will be posting a video of the move in the next day or so.

Home At Last

2010-05-06T11:54:00.000-07:00

Yes I'm home, on my boat. It's fantastic to be back in Iceland. The weather is overcast, temps in the 50s. The engine is not ready due to a problem getting parts from Singapore. Yes Singapore!!!!
You would think they could get them some place closer. Anyway it should be ready next week, I hope. The bottom of the boat was pressure washed today, now I have to sand and grind the rusted spots. Then Paint them and apply the anti fouling paint, next week. I am also keeping an eye on the volcano as I want to photograph it at some point. Then there is Propane. My last tank is low so the hunt was on today for Propane. I was under the impression that European tanks were a different thread than US tanks, not. I was able to exchange my tank for theirs. A very big worry solved. I will have an 8-10 month supply when I leave.
Thanks to all who gave me your well wishes, You are ever in my thoughts.

Disapointment

2010-05-03T09:29:00.000-07:00

I sent an Email to the US Embassy in Moscow last Thursday asking them to get an update on my application and Friday morning they replied that my application had been turned down. I have to wait for their written reply to find out why. I leave for Iceland tonight and will arrive at 6:30 in the morning. the temps in Iceland are in the 40s with rain and winds are out of the south. Hopefully the winds and volcano will be in my favor.

Time Is Getting Short

2010-04-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

I'll be flying to Boston on Tuesday. Its hard to believe I've been here for the whole winter. Once in Boston I'll do all my grocery shopping and last minute things. I have to deliver every thing to Iceland Air in New York to be air freighted to Iceland. I leave on May 3 on the red eye and arrive in Iceland at 6:30 am on the 4th. Then the real work starts. First get the rebuild engine back in the boat, then start on about a dozen projects on the list. And when I have some spare time go see the volcano. I just hope mother nature is good to me and doesn't change the wind direction and dump ash on the boat.

Tourist Council: Travelers in Iceland Are Safe

2010-04-18T07:53:00.000-07:00

The Icelandic Tourist Council wants to emphasize that day-to-day life in Iceland is going on as usual, even though the volcanic eruption in Eyjafjallajökull glacier on the south coast of Iceland has made a profound impact and generated dangers in that specified area. In other parts of the country, Icelanders’ daily life is proceeding quite normally.

Everyone to Wear Dust Mask in Iceland Due to Ash Fall

2010-04-15T07:31:00.000-07:00

Ash fall from the volcanic eruption in Eyjafjallajökull has affected air traffic in England and Scandinavia today and therefore traveling to and from Iceland.

Around 1,100 people are waiting for flights at Keflavík International Airport, according to information from the airport’s information officer, Fridthór Eydal. Although ash from the volcano isn’t blowing over Keflavík, airports in Europe are closed, including London.

It is recommended that everyone who has to go outside wear a dust mask because of toxic chemicals that could possibly be emitted into the atmosphere through the ash fall that comes with the current volcanic eruption in Eyjafjallajökull glacier.

SLIDE SHOW / LECTURE

2010-04-13T07:50:00.000-07:00

I will be giving another slide show at West Marine store at 6317 Seaview Ave NW, on April 19, 7PM .

Original Iceland Volcanic Crater Goes Silent

2010-04-08T07:54:00.001-07:00

There is significant activity in the new volcanic crater on Fimmvörduháls mountain pass in south Iceland while the original crater has ceased spurting lava—for now, at least. However, the lava still seethes in the older crater.

SLIDE SHOW / LECTURE

2010-04-04T08:16:00.000-07:00

I will be giving a Slide Show/ Lecture about my trip on Friday April 9 at 7PM. All are welcome, there will be a small charge at the door. The location is the Swedish Cultural Center in Seattle, 1920 Dexter Ave. Call 206-283-1090 for more information.

Volcanic Dinner at Iceland Eruption Site

2010-03-31T08:41:00.000-07:00

Master chefs from Hótel Holt in Reykjavík cooked a gourmet volcanic dinner for travelers near the crater on Fimmvörduháls in south Iceland yesterday. The menu was lobster soup and monkfish and lobster spears that were grilled on the glowing hot lava.

MSNBC video about Iceland Eruption

2010-03-28T19:46:00.000-07:00

Thousands Flock to Eruption Site

2010-03-28T07:22:00.000-07:00

On Saturday March 27 literally thousands of people walked the path from Skógar to the eruption site on Fimmvörduháls. Some were a part of organized groups, but most were on their own. The parking lots at Skógar were jammed. As early as five o’clock this morning people started the hike towards the eruption. For most people it took between five and six hours each way. Today it was particularly difficult since there was a strong, cold wind from the north and the temperature was at -18° Celsius with the wind-chill factor. This did not deter many people. It is estimated that between three and five thousand people have taken the stroll.

Iceland Lava Flow Changes Channels

2010-03-27T07:30:00.000-07:00

The lava from the crater on Fimmvörduháls mountain pass in south Iceland has suddenly changed channels. Now all of the lava flows down the Hvannárgil canyon instead of the Hrunagil canyon. A new 100-meter high lava fall has formed.

Videos of the Eruption.

New Iceland Mountain Needs a Name

2010-03-26T07:18:00.001-07:00

A new mountain is rising on Fimmvörduháls where the current volcanic eruption is taking place and the mountain requires a name. Fimmvördufjall (“Five Cairn Mountain”) after the mountain pass is one suggestion.

Web Cam of Icelandic Volcano

2010-03-25T07:55:00.000-07:00

This link is a web cam on the volcano erupting in Iceland. It is a very slow feed.http://www.mila.is/um-milu/vefmyndavelar/eyjafjallajokull-fra-thorolfsfelli/

Tomorrow and in the coming days, travelers will be able to observe the eruption from air:

Tour operator Nordurflug will offer helicopter trips from Hótel Rangá for ISK 35,000 to 50,000 (USD 269-384, EUR 202-288) per person, depending on the length of the flight

Iceland Eruption Open for Tourists

2010-03-24T07:40:00.000-07:00

Photo by Hallgrímur Egilsson. Taken by the river Markarfljót (road F-261).

Vídir Reynisson, divisional manager of the Civil Protection Department, said their goal is to allow tourists to travel to the area near the volcanic eruption zone on Fimmvörduháls in south Iceland so they can view the spectacle up close.

Eruption Update

2010-03-23T07:42:00.000-07:00

After emailing some friends in Iceland they say this is a minor eruption, but it could change. Planes are flying in and out of Iceland again and farmers living close to the eruption have been allowed to return to there farms. Time will tell what mother nature has in store for Iceland.

Volcano Intensfies

2010-03-22T07:57:00.000-07:00

The news this morning is that the 800 Yard fissure is getting larger and heading toward the Myrdalsjokull Glacier which sits on top of the powerful Katla volcano. The island might be different when I arrive in a month.

ARCTIC WANDERER EXPEDITION: Volcano Erupting in Iceland

2010-03-21T10:08:00.000-07:00

ARCTIC WANDERER EXPEDITION: Volcano Erupting in Iceland

Volcano Erupting in Iceland

2010-03-21T09:33:00.000-07:00

I awoke this morning to the news of a volcano erupting in the southern part of Iceland. It's about 100 miles from my boat, so I'm not to worried. The bigger problem is all air traffic to and from Iceland has been stopped. Hopefully it will resume in the next month. I will be returning the end of April.

Interview With 48 North

2010-03-12T13:16:00.000-08:00

I just came from 48 North Magazine. I was interviewed by the managing editor Richard Hazelton.
They are going to put the interview and a picture or two in Aprils issue. Keep an eye out for it. Tonight I'm attending a function at the Swedish Cultural Center in Seattle. It's a program on the Viking expansion to Greenland. This summer I sailed to Eric the Reds Farm (Brattahlid) in Southern Greenland, and spent two days exploring and photographing the area and ruins. I will also be giving a slide show and talk on my expedition and the Vikings on the evening of April 9, at the Swedish Culture Center.

Thank You Alki Mail & Fedex.

2010-02-26T07:37:00.000-08:00

After a few phone calls from Alki Mail and myself Fedex was able to deliver the application this morning to the Russian Tourist Agency in Moscow. Now it's a waiting game as the four copies get sent to various other agency's. ( Federal Security Services, Ministry of Defense, Northern Sea Route Administration )
This could take a few months.

Progress of Sorts

2010-02-25T07:49:00.000-08:00

The application arrived in Moscow yesterday and the building that I addressed it to is under construction, So I found what hopefully is the right address on the internet, which was sent along with a couple of phone numbers. I just got off the phone with Fedex and was told they did phone and got the right address and it will be delivered tomorrow. Yes

Let's try it again.

2010-02-20T12:03:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I mailed the application back to Russia, Uninsured this time. Hopefully it will make it through customs. Today is my fathers 95th birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD.

The Application Returns

2010-02-18T07:36:00.000-08:00

I found out yesterday the application is coming back to Seattle. After looking into the problem, the Russians won't accept a package insured over $75. I insured it for $2500. The question I will be asking Fedex the shipper is, why didn't flags go up when I sent it? You would think they should have known this. Well it will be back in Seattle on Friday.

It's In The Mail

2010-02-10T12:23:00.000-08:00

Finally after months of work I've mailed the application asking for permission to sail across Russia's Northern Sea route this summer. I started on this last October and $2,000 dollars latter I'm mailing four copies in English and Russian. Three pounds was the weight. Now comes the waiting, and waiting. I don't expect to hear back for months. Now I need to work on getting some income as the money has been flowing out with no income.

2010-02-04T15:12:00.000-08:00

I've posted the interview of me by Icelandic TV last Augest. To view it go to YouTube and search for The Arctic Wanderer. Then click on the video.

2010-02-02T11:05:00.000-08:00

I took the Russian copy of the application to the Russian Consulate this morning. After alot of paper shuffling and figureing the Vice Consul said they could certify the appllication. For the small sum of $880 and it might be done by Friday. So off I went to get a cashers check, and I will return tommorow morning to pay them.

2010-01-29T14:25:00.000-08:00

I picked up the Transulated application this afternoon. After adding copies of my passport and Coast Guard License it's ready to take to the Russian Consulate on Monday.

2010-01-27T10:11:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Arctic Wanderer Expedition's new blog site. As I am learning the in's and out's of blogging this might be sporadic until I get the hang of it. Also things are slow so the posts might be weekly or longer. The application for Russia is still being translated, hopefully it will be completed this week. I'm keeping busy redoing the web site (www.arcticwandering.com) with my son Ian as he has the job of maintaining it. I am earnestly looking for work and last night I got a call from a martime recruiter. The job would fit into my schedule perfectly. Well thats all for now. Calm seas to all sailing the seven seas.