Day 3 - Hike Out of the Jago River Valley and Around the Corner Onto the North Slope into Swamp Camp
We leave the Jago River Valley and begin our excursion across the foothills on the edge of the North Slope, gaining beautiful views of the pristine, wide open arctic tundra, and we can see the thin line of arctic sea ice on the horizon.
16 Photographs
1
Time to take down those tents and get underway on this cool, clear morning . Margaret and Heide work on their tent as Cherie zips up her parka.
2
Leaders Drew and Carol show us the way as we start a gentle climb away from the Jago River to turn the corner onto the foothills adjoining the North Slope.
3
With the North Slope coming into view ahead of us, we find a sheltered, dry spot to stop for lunch.
4
Heide seems comfortable as she enjoys a satisfying lunch.
5
Cherie nibbles on the last bit of her lunch...
6
...while Gary stretches out for a short siesta.
7
Rosel and Perry flash their winning smiles...
8
...as a full stomach and warm sun lure Drew into a light snooze.
9
A group of Glacial Avens are nicely positioned in front of the view over the vast northern plains. In the larger image, the sea ice is visible as a thin line on the horizon.
10
The view to the west shows the Mt. Michelson spur of the Romanzof Mountains near the center, and the Shublik Mountains off in the distance.
11
Karen looks back at the Jago River while Perry and Drew peer through their lenses at the view over the North Slope.
12
Rosel and Perry take in the view standing up, as Margaret gets down low to bring the Glacial Avens into her frame as well.
13
A point of river ice stretches over the wet tussocks for a dramatic photo.
14
Since the ice is covering the only flat spot in the area, we end up pitching camp on a slightly damp, lumpy site - the dryest we can find for miles around!
15
Margaret, Perry and Rosel take the time to appreciate the beautiful views.
16
The sun’s shining out of the North now, so it must be nearly time for bed! This is about as dark as it gets all night long!