We are still in Wrigley.
There is a wildfire along the Mackenzie River on our intended route just outside of Tulita, which is the next village North. It is called the 12 Mile Creek Fire.
The Northwest Territories Wildfire authority has called the growth of this fire “Explosive,” over the last day due to extreme fire weather.
Unfortunately, the same weather conditions that created this potential monster are forecast for the next several days (strong East or Southeasterly winds and high, 90 degree F, temperatures.
The most recent reports put the fire at 14,000 Hectares (35,000 acres). The fire has caused elderly and young residents of Tulita to be evacuated due to air quality.
The fire is located on a tight bend in the Mackenzie that could make passage through the area by canoe extremely unsafe.
We will remain in Wrigley for the next two days and reassess the situation. At 3 am this morning, heavy smoke and haze from the Tulita fires arrived in Wrigley. It is amazing that even though the fires are over 150 miles away, we can barely see across the Mackenzie River here. The smell is like a thousand campfires going up your nostrils all at once.
After three years of planning and preparation, we are not giving up, but a canoe expedition is secondary to our health and safety.
Stay tuned for more!
Sad, but your safety is first! Hopefully, soon you’ll be able to move forward in your expedition to the Arctic Ocean!
Wow!
So amazing!
The McIntyre’s
Well hope all works out, post some picture. Beautiful for sure. I was up in Inuvik a few years ago, good luck
Matt,
It would be a shame to have to abort your expedition…but health and safety are major factors to consider. You’ve been gone for over a month, and that’s something that very few of us have ever had the opportunity to do! Your family are still “Rock Stars” for going the distance that they’ve done!