Bear spray and flares
to A 3000km solo kayak for climate journey through Greenland
by Mike Keen
Sorry, more bear deterrent kit; making as much noise and general commotion when a bear approaches is fairly important. Spray is seen as one of the most effective methods of moving the bear along and the spray shoots out around 40 ft - combined with a flare it 'should' be effective and will keep Mikey safe..
So I'll only be eating what I can catch or forage as I go (there isn't much to forage...) so a fishing rod is pretty key to the exercise. With a rod holder behind the cockpit of the kayak, I'll launch the line and keep paddling, hoping I'll get enough for that day and maybe the next.
Having spent some time in the cold, I know that a good quality bag maybe the most important bit of kit - when I get to the northern stretches there will be a fair bit of ice around so a bag that'll keep me warm is crucial after a day of paddling - especially when there's a good chance I'll be damp and cold and maintaining my body temp is super important.
Polar bear deterrents are up there on my list of Thing's I Don't Want To Cut Corners On. This is a double wire that I set up around my tent with blank cartridges fixed to the poles. Should a bear trigger it, the resulting blank shot will hopefully scare the bear away and also frighten the life out of me as I scramble to make sure the bear actually goes away.
Sorry, more bear deterrent kit; making as much noise and general commotion when a bear approaches is fairly important. Spray is seen as one of the most effective methods of moving the bear along and the spray shoots out around 40 ft - combined with a flare it 'should' be effective and will keep Mikey safe..
Eating the diet that humans would've eaten in the arctic for thousands of years is a massive part of this trip. The more we connect with and become aware of what's available in the environment around us, the more we can pull away from the hugely damaging global food system. I'll be fishing most of the way but there will be times when I need local food that I haven't been able to or just plain can't get. This is where I'll be tapping into the local economy and buying food from hunters in settlements as I travel north.
Did I mention I have an amazing Norwegian film company turning it into a documentary?! Well, I do - which not only is super exciting but will also help spread the climate change message and inform people about this absolutely beautiful part of the world. For £50 you will not only get my gratitude but also your name on the credits of the documentary!
The documentary will have it's Premiere in Nuuk in 2024 - For this you'll get an exclusive link to a live stream of it (and free tickets if you want to attend in person, but you'll have to make your own way there). PLUs a credit on the film PLUS the personalised video (and my sincere thanks!)
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