Blokes Up North

Two Royal Marines embark on a daring adventure through the Northwest Passage, battling storms and sea ice in a tiny open boat. Their story is enriched by the Inuit people and wildlife they encounter, and the isolation and stresses of the high Arctic shape the bond between them.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 05 August 2022
Publisher: Lodestar Books

In a world transformed by exploration, two ordinary Royal Marines set out on an extraordinary adventure of the 21st century. Armed with determination and a thirst for adventure, they embarked on a daring journey through one of the most iconic wilderness waterways on the planet: the Northwest Passage across the top of Canada.

Their tale unfolds in a refreshingly honest manner, reliving the exhilarating highs and challenging lows of sailing and rowing a tiny open boat, completely unsupported, through treacherous waters. They describe braving an Arctic storm miles away from land, enduring the worst sea ice conditions for over a decade, and facing the daunting task of dragging their seventeen-foot boat across ten miles of broken pack ice to reach open water.

The journey is enriched by the encounters they have with the Inuit people, who share their knowledge and culture with the sailors. The men also witness the incredible wildlife that inhabits the Arctic, including all-too-close encounters with both grizzly and polar bears. They candidly discuss how the isolation and stresses of the high Arctic shaped the unique bond between their two very different personalities.

This book is not a comprehensive exploration of global warming or a detailed study of Inuit culture. Rather, it is a simple, captivating tale of two blokes, up north. It includes black-and-white photographs, maps, and drawings that enhance the reader's experience and provide a visual context to the unfolding adventure.

In conclusion, "Two Blokes, Up North: Sailing and Rowing the Northwest Passage" is a remarkable account of two ordinary men who embark on an extraordinary journey through one of the most challenging environments on Earth. Through their honest storytelling and vivid descriptions, the authors transport readers to the heart of the Arctic and offer a glimpse into the lives of the Inuit people and the incredible wildlife that inhabit this remote region. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves adventure, exploration, and the wonders of nature.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781907206610