T&T: Northwest passage

[LRZeitlin at aol.com]

In a message dated 6/2/08 12:02:36 AM, Sven asks:


> Is the Northwest passage really open?  I know the ice coverage maps 
> shows the area north of Canada open during the summer months,  but 
> does that really mean that one could motor or sail from the Pacific 
> to the Atlantic above Canada ?
>
Roald Amundsen did it in 1904/6 in the converted fishing boat Gjoa. The boat
is about the same size as many of the trawlers on this list. Amundsen chose a
relatively shallow draft boat in order to pick his way through ice free
passages neat shore. He wintered over during the voyage, spending his time
amount
the Esquimos and learning their winter survival techniques. These came in
handy
during his trek to the South Pole. The Gjoa is on display in front of the Fram
museum in Oslo. I also recall that the cargo ship Manhattan did it about 40
years ago.

According to recent reports the polar ice is melting to the extent that a
direct passage over the North Pole might be feasible during the summer. But I
would check the weather reports before you go. ;-)

Larry Z



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