Sometimes the dream trip never actually materializes, or turns into something else. Sometimes the dream trip turns into a nightmare. But once in a while, if you dream big enough and the stars align, it’s beyond what you could have ever actually dreamed in the first place. Qikiqtaaluk (Baffin Island) was it. I shared the words below after coming home from the trip and look forward to sharing more down the road. Click here for the other shots on instagram that go along with this share and for a deep dive of photos and stories from ski adventure-extrodinaire Ryan Delana, check out his epic blog here.
Seconds before Ryan came off rappel and laughed his way down the exit couloir…Jeff and I hyper-present, smiling from the cave. Another moment to celebrate✨
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Dreams take a lot to go from theory to reality. No matter the amount of time allocated to prep and planning, nor sacrifices made, some logistics are simply unavailable to see through until they are being lived.
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Years ago, I listened to friend and ski legend @straightchuter share stories framed by otherworldly photos of some of the most jaw-dropping alpine terrain on Earth. Like so many of his other standout mountain adventures, Andrew’s offerings sparked something special in some of us who were paying close attention. Unable to put the puzzle pieces together for years, Qikiqtaaluk (Baffin Island) remained a longtime dream.
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It takes concerted time and effort to build partnerships with senses of community in the mountains. While several iterations of possible trips never seemed to align enough for a go, ultimately with the good ones, it is often best to wait. To be aware one is experiencing a dream in real time is hard to grasp. Teaming with @extreme_ryan_delena and Jeff @alpenglowsports on this one made it meant to be. Being able to join friends and ski heroes @codytownsend @bjarnesalen and @vivianbruchez pushed it beyond. And after more trials and tribulations than one could have ever expected, we found ourselves learning alongside @hainnuandy as he guided us through his home territory. As well-equipped as our two groups were to join together as one, Andy along with his friends and family made us a team.
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Traveling the sea ice, hunting, absorbing stories of climate change, we all took an individual chance to make this a collectively informed experience. In the end, we stayed safe, skied in good style, and got to share a once in a lifetime experience in one of the most spectacular places on the planet with some of the best mountain people imaginable. Much more to come from this experience, gratitude to all and beyond all that supported us for the #vibes . Some dreams are certainly worth the wait✨ #grateful
