Am I Too Old For This Yet?

At the end of this month, I leave for an adventurer's adventure. It's one that's got me thinking, can I still do this? When will I know if I can't? I've guided enough tours with clients who are standing at that precipice, looking down, and teetering to know that you don't really know, until it's almost too late. Meaning, there will be a "last" big trip, and you won't know it until you're in the middle of it. I don't say this to be maudlin. I say it to commiserate. Also because I possess the same indomitable spirit (or denial) as most of my fellow travelers do (ie. You can pry my passport from my cold, dead hands). I'm not done yet.

So this is for all of you who are peering over that edge. On March 31, I'll start a journey requiring four flights to get to an Inuit arctic village and then to an island in remote Canada, where I'll sleep in a tent on the ice for six nights. During the day, I'll be pulled on a sledge by a snowmachine driven by an Inuit guide toward the pressure ridges and bergs of ice coming in from Greenland. The blue pinnacles of those formations create a coveted backdrop for images of polar bears and their new cubs. Though I've photographed polar bears before, I've never done so in an environment as pristine and wild as this. It's exciting and definitely pushing the limits of my work in wildlife photography. I like the idea that I can challenge my skills and body, instead of letting myself get depressed about a digital age that's making what I do all but obsolete.

At night, I'll watch for northern lights and try not to freeze my tushy off. I'll have a tent-mate. In these situations, I'm altogether certain it will be a kindred soul, because the people who spend the time, money, and discomfort to do this kind of thing are typically well traveled and tend to have similar goals and interests. The only drawback is that you leave their company with ten more destinations and experiences added to your bucket list that you hadn't even considered, can't afford, and will do anyway.

My gear (cameras, lenses, tripod) will weigh upwards of 70 pounds. I won't have room to pack much else. To save room in my luggage, I'll rent a parka, boots, pants, and gloves instead of bringing my own. Baggage size and weight restrictions on the smaller flights will mean that I'll likely wear my heaviest lens like an extra appendage, which to be honest, it often feels like at this point anyway. I will slump-shoulder my way through the Arctic, and I absolutely believe it will be worth it.

All this to say, wish me luck. And, if you want, follow me on Facebook @michelletheall where I'll try to post when I can.

See you in the wild!

Michelle