Into the Great Emptiness: Peril and Survival on the Greenland Ice Cap

In August 1930, Henry George Watkins (nicknamed Gino) led thirteen scientists and explorers on an ambitious journey to the east coast of Greenland and its vast and forbidding interior. Their mission was to chart and survey the region and establish a permanent meteorological base 8,000 feet high on the ice cap. However, August Courtauld became entombed by drifting snow, turning the expedition into an epic survival ordeal.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 17 February 2023
Publisher: WW Norton & Co

By 1930, the world had yet to fully explore Greenland. The native Inuit had settled on the relatively accessible west coast for centuries. However, the east coast remained a mystery, shrouded in mystery and danger. In August of that year, a 23-year-old explorer named Henry George Watkins, known as Gino, embarked on an ambitious journey to the east coast of Greenland and its vast and forbidding interior. Accompanied by thirteen scientists and explorers, their mission was to chart and survey the region, as well as establish a permanent meteorological base 8,000 feet high on the ice cap.

However, their plan quickly turned into an epic survival ordeal. While August Courtauld, manning the station solo through the winter, became trapped by drifting snow. In this dire situation, David Roberts, a veteran mountain climber and chronicler of adventures, delves into firsthand accounts and rich archival materials to recount the story of this daring expedition and the remarkable young explorer at its helm.

The team faced numerous challenges as they ventured into the unknown. They encountered treacherous terrain, harsh weather conditions, and the threat of polar bears. But Gino's determination and leadership kept them going, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the expedition was the innovative technology they employed. Gino and his team used a specially designed sled called a "dog sled" to traverse the ice cap. These sleds were equipped with a metal frame and rubber tires, allowing them to move quickly and efficiently across the frozen landscape.

Despite the many obstacles they faced, the team managed to make significant discoveries. They charted new territories, collected valuable meteorological data, and even encountered ancient Inuit artifacts. Their success in establishing the meteorological base on the ice cap was a testament to their resilience and ingenuity.

The expedition also had a profound impact on Gino's personal life. He became deeply immersed in the culture and traditions of the Inuit, and his experiences in Greenland shaped his perspective on the world. He returned home with a newfound appreciation for the beauty and fragility of the natural world and a commitment to conservation and exploration.

In conclusion, the Greenland East Coast Expedition of 1930 was a remarkable adventure that pushed the boundaries of human exploration. Led by the young and daring Gino Watkins, the team faced countless challenges and overcame them with ingenuity and determination. Their discoveries and achievements not only shed light on the unknown regions of the world but also had a lasting impact on the lives of those involved.

Weight: 566g
Dimension: 236 x 163 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780393868111