Geoff Innes gave a fascinating history of the North West Passage to 43 enthralled members and friends at OFF’s August meeting. He spoke about his and his partner Ev’s cruise through this amazing and remote part of the world.
Geoff began by explaining some of the geology of the area which after several ice ages and retreating ice shelves revealed the many islands, archipelagos and passages which are blocked by sea ice during winter until the thaw of spring and summer. He followed this with a potted history of the settlement of these high latitude northern areas.
Geoff also spoke of early attempts to find the North West Passage, a means to travel from Greenland to through to Alaska and shorten the distance from Europe to China. However, most of these expeditions failed and had to turn back; some were never seen again, including Sir John Franklin.
The audience were then shown a map of the route of the cruise and fascinating photos of the small towns, settlements and Inuit communities on route to Nome Alaska, the end point of the voyage. These photos highlighted the stunning landscape consisting of dramatic mountains and cliffs, icebergs, tundra as well as the flora and fauna, such as polar bears, whales, narwhals and kittiwakes.
You can see the slide show of this special journey here.
PROMO
What is the Northwest Passage? Where is it and why would you want to go there? Come and hear Geoff Innes tell the fascinating story of this rarely visited, and unique part of the world, and look into why it was, and still is important.
Geoff is a veteran of polar travels to both hemispheres, and has a long history of exploration in “out of the way” places. An avid bushwalker, bush-care volunteer, cyclist and keen photographer, he has a keen interest in all aspects of nature, geography and the geological forces that form our world.
This meeting will be held in the Oatley Uniting Church Hall at 7.30pm and on-line by ZOOM. The ZOOM link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3742141020?omn=86110187560 or open ZOOM & enter meeting ID: 374 214 1020.
The meeting will be followed by a social supper. Members are asked to bring a plate. The 2027 calendar will also be available at this meeting