Adventure historian Peter Stark and a diverse panel discuss topics like Washington's youthful mishaps, narwhal hunting with Inuit, and lost Pacific Empires. They explore land scenarios, old waterways, and Arctic ecosystems, touching on dinosaurs, box jellies, and Jefferson's empire dreams.
Exploring historic waterway importance in Wisconsin's portage, stream access in Indiana, grassland conservation efforts, and Arctic expeditions.
Delving into conservation strategies, public access laws, unique travel adventures, and encounters with traditional Inuit practices.
Reflecting on historic travel routes, wildlife protection laws, Arctic navigation challenges, and immersive survival writing inspirations.
Discussing adventures from Missoula to Greenland, conservation organizations, Arctic survival experiences, and the allure of extreme environments.
Deep dives
Exploring Historical Portages and Waterways in the Midwest
Discovering the historic significance of a portage between the Great Lakes and Mississippi Gulf of Mexico systems in Wisconsin. Investigating if public access is permitted for this crucial waterway crossing that was vital for pre-contact travel and trade.
Implications of Stream Access Law and Indiana Waterways
Delving into the complexities of stream access laws in Indiana and the underutilized waterways in the state. Exploring the historical significance of regional rivers and the potential for public access and utilization.
Insights from Grasslands Conservation
Examining the strategies of organizations like Pheasants Forever in conservation efforts for grasslands and migratory bird habitats. Discussing the national Grasslands Act and its impact on protecting grasslands and wildlife in various regions.
Traveling North with Last Breath: A Journey Exploring Northern Highways
Recounting a unique journey from Missoula to the Northwest Territories via Highway 93, showcasing the allure of continuous travel north and the discovery of the highway's endpoint in Yellowknife. Highlighting the expedition's quest to pursue further travel options towards Greenland.
Travels and Adventures in the Arctic Wilderness
A group travels from Baffin Island to Ellesmere Island, using a small bush plane piloted by a retired Montreal Stock Exchange worker. They embark on a daring 200-mile journey to Greenland over open water, experiencing dramatic northern scenery without GPS. Landing in Greenland, they encounter Inuit hunters still practicing traditional methods like kayaking and harpooning on sea ice.
Surviving the Arctic Terrain
Amidst stunning landscapes and the dangerous Arctic elements, they face challenges, including navigating without modern technology like GPS, getting caught in stormy weather, and landing on precarious airstrips. The pilot's skill and adaptability lead them through holes in the clouds to discover remote Inuit villages and witness dog sleds traversing sea ice.
Unexpected Encounters and Risks
The group experiences nervous landings and encounters with native Inuit hunters on dog sleds hunting narwhals, emphasizing the risks and thrills of these Arctic expeditions. Their willingness to engage with the traditional practices and adapt to extreme Arctic conditions enhances their overall experience in this remote wilderness.
Inspiration For Writing and Adventure
The journey sparks reflections on the physiology of cold, leading to the idea for an article exploring extreme cold conditions. This experience inspires writing ventures into immersive survival narratives, culminating in stories like 'Frozen Alive' and the book 'Last Breath.' These Arctic adventures serve as sources of inspiration for future writing projects and deep explorations into human's interactions with extreme environments.
Topics discussed: Being an adventurer and then an adventure historian; Peter's many books; the beaver in the tile work of Astor Place; how young Washington was a screw up; how exasperated Steve gets listening to Attenborough, God bless him; dinosaurs in the snow; land back scenarios; mapping out old water ways; checking out narwhals with Inuit hunters; how far north can you go?; different ways to die; box jellies and black mambas; the lost Pacific Empire of Astor and Jefferson; young Washington; Tecumseh; and more.
