A remarkable feat of endurance and meticulous preparation recently culminated in a successful solo kayak expedition spanning over 2,200 kilometers from the Canadian coast to the Alaskan wilderness. This epic journey, undertaken by an experienced paddler, saw the navigation of the intricate and often formidable waterways known as the Inside Passage. The voyager meticulously planned every aspect, from adapting their vessel with innovative sailing technology to pre-preparing all provisions, underscoring the dedication required for such a challenging endeavor. This adventure not only tested physical limits but also offered unparalleled immersion in the region's breathtaking natural splendor and rich historical tapestry.
Pascal Smyth, a 35-year-old resident of British Columbia, commenced his incredible 2,202-kilometer kayaking trek from Vancouver on May 1st, arriving in the coastal Alaskan city of Skagway on July 18th. This demanding wilderness passage spanned 72 days, including 15 days spent on shore for rest or due to adverse weather. Averaging 38 kilometers daily while on the water, Smyth followed the Inside Passage, a complex network of primarily sheltered marine routes extending along the Pacific Northwest coastline. Smyth noted that while the Inside Passage generally offers protection, there are unavoidable sections with significant exposure to the formidable Pacific Ocean.
For Smyth, the initial phase involved transitioning from the placid waters behind Vancouver Island to the more exposed open coast around Cape Caution, where he was directly vulnerable to the Pacific's power. However, once he had navigated beyond this perilous stretch, he regained some refuge from the vast open ocean. Despite his extensive background in hiking and camping, Smyth's kayaking proficiency was relatively recent. He began paddling in 2018 and rapidly dedicated himself to mastering the sport. He became a certified guide with the Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequently attained his Paddle Canada Level 3 certification, demonstrating his swift and profound engagement with the activity.
Throughout the expedition, the capricious weather presented a significant challenge. Fortunately, for much of his journey, Smyth benefited from sunny conditions and propitious southeast winds. To capitalize on these favorable gusts, he equipped his kayak with a lightweight Falcon Sail, which could be easily stowed when not in use. He found numerous opportunities to deploy the sail, providing substantial assistance on extended paddling days. Nevertheless, certain segments of the route proved more arduous than others. Smyth recounted having to endure several days of severe winds just outside Port Hardy before making a swift crossing of Queen Charlotte Strait. Upon reaching Burnett Bay, he spent additional days awaiting a suitable weather window, during which he witnessed a gale force storm generating colossal swells that crashed onto the beach. He expressed gratitude for observing these imposing waves from the safety of the shore, appreciating that both his landing and launch occurred in waves no higher than one meter.
Even during periods when he was not actively paddling, Smyth was deeply immersed in the coastal environment's magnificence. He described Southeast Alaska, particularly Glacier Bay, as exceptionally beautiful. He found the experience of kayaking among icebergs to observe glaciers, while simultaneously hearing the sounds of feeding humpback whales, to be truly unparalleled. Additionally, Smyth encountered a pod of orcas along the central coast. Beyond the stunning natural vistas, the journey was also a traverse through a rich historical landscape. The coast is imbued with a storied past, ranging from Tlingit petroglyphs etched into stones near Wrangell to the remnants of bygone industrial sites scattered along the British Columbia coastline.
Smyth fondly recalled the cabin at Burnett Bay, a structure crafted from driftwood by a fellow paddler many decades ago. This cabin has been maintained by successive visitors throughout the years, and a perusal of its logbooks revealed numerous familiar names from the paddling community. As his expedition progressed, the historical narrative of the land continued to unfold. A particularly memorable encounter occurred on Admiralty Island, an area renowned for its dense population of brown bears. Smyth vividly recounted seeing a massive male grizzly and two distinct groups of mothers each with two cubs, all within approximately an hour of setting up camp. To ensure his safety amidst the local wildlife, Smyth deployed a portable electric fence, which he confirmed was a welcome precaution on that particular night.
This extensive kayaking endeavor was the culmination of years of meticulous preparation. Smyth custom-modified his kayak, integrating the Falcon Sail and installing waterproof, deck-mounted solar panels to ensure a continuous power supply during the prolonged intervals between resupply points. Furthermore, he dehydrated all of his meals in advance, shipping them to post offices along his predetermined route for later collection. Now back in British Columbia, Smyth is already contemplating future expeditions, considering destinations such as the south coast of Newfoundland, Haida Gwaii, or a classic circumnavigation of Vancouver Island, with numerous other possibilities to explore.
In a significant development within the luxury tourism sector, the Wilderness Group has officially announced its acquisition of MV Luxury Travel (MVLT), a distinguished inbound luxury tour operator. This strategic move is set to enhance Wilderness Group's premium offerings across the United Kingdom and Ireland, particularly targeting affluent travelers from the United States seeking bespoke holiday experiences.
\nFounded in 2019 by Struan Baird and Ruaridh Norton, MVLT, based in Edinburgh, has experienced remarkable growth, establishing itself as a key player in customized luxury travel. The integration of MVLT into the Wilderness Group family is poised to expand operational capabilities and scale in the experiential travel market. According to Paul Easto, Founder of Wilderness Group, this partnership promises exciting collaborative opportunities for learning, development, and sustained growth, positioning the combined entity as the foremost luxury and experiential inbound tour operator in the UK and Ireland. The co-founders of MVLT, Struan Baird and Ruaridh Norton, echoed this sentiment, expressing their enthusiasm for finding a new home within a highly regarded travel group, foreseeing a flourishing future for their highly complementary businesses.
\nThis acquisition underscores a broader trend of consolidation and expansion within the high-end travel industry, aimed at delivering unparalleled services and experiences to discerning clientele. The Wilderness Group, known for its active and experiential small group and custom travel offerings through brands like Wilderness Scotland, Wilderness England, and Wilderness Ireland, will undoubtedly leverage MVLT's expertise to solidify its leadership. This strategic alignment not only promises enhanced travel options for consumers but also signifies a robust future for both entities in the dynamic global tourism landscape.
Zdenek Hruby, an eminent Czech mountaineer, left an indelible mark on the world of alpinism through his unwavering dedication to exploration, ethical climbing practices, and a profound sense of camaraderie. His remarkable career was characterized by demanding ascents and selfless actions, all fueled by a relentless pursuit of new routes. Tragically, his life concluded with a fatal fall on Gasherbrum I in 2013, a poignant event that occurred precisely 12 years ago, coinciding with what would have been his 69th birthday.
\nBorn in Czechoslovakia in 1956, Hruby's diverse background as an engineer, economist, and later, a lecturer at Charles University in Prague, informed his meticulous approach to climbing. Despite his demanding professional and academic life, this devoted father of two found his true calling in the world's most formidable peaks, particularly those in the Himalaya and Karakoram. His mountaineering journey spanned two decades, during which he conquered eight of the 14 highest summits, including Cho Oyu, both Gasherbrums, Lhotse, Shisha Pangma, Broad Peak, Dhaulagiri I, and Nanga Parbat. A staunch proponent of alpine-style ascents, Hruby championed light, self-sufficient climbs without supplemental oxygen or extensive logistical support. His 2004 ascent of Shisha Pangma via the challenging MacIntyre route, undertaken with a skilled team, earned him the Czech Mountaineering Association's prestigious Ascent of the Year award. Furthermore, his commitment to the climbing community extended beyond personal achievements; he was elected president of the Czech Mountaineering Federation and served on the executive committee of a major sports organization in the Czech Republic, where he actively promoted the sport and its core values.
\nHruby's legacy is further defined by his acts of courage and resilience. In 2008, during a successful Dhaulagiri I expedition, he and his climbing partner, Radek Jaros, rescued three fellow climbers, a heroic deed that earned them the Czech Club Fair Play Prize and a diploma from the European Fair Play Movement. His partnership with Marek Holecek led to several significant endeavors, including a challenging attempt on Gasherbrum I in 2009, which was cut short by Hruby's medical emergency. Their determination shone through when they returned to Nanga Parbat in 2012, successfully summiting via the Kinshofer route under arduous conditions, a feat that received honorable mention from the Czech Mountaineering Association. In the spring of 2013, Hruby and Holecek achieved the first ascent of the northwest wall of Talung, a formidable 7,349m peak in Nepal, showcasing their technical prowess and adventurous spirit. This last triumphant ascent together foreshadowed the tragic events on Gasherbrum I, where Hruby's life ended during a descent. His passing sent shockwaves through the climbing world, leading to memorials and heartfelt tributes. In a poignant continuation of their shared dream, Marek Holecek, in 2017, completed the Southwest Face of Gasherbrum I with Zdenek Hak, naming the route 'Satisfaction' in Hruby's honor, a testament to an enduring partnership and an inspirational life.
\nZdenek Hruby's life story is a testament to the human spirit's boundless potential, reminding us that dedication, courage, and a commitment to helping others can elevate not only individual achievements but also inspire an entire community. His journey exemplifies the power of pursuing one's passions with integrity, demonstrating that true fulfillment lies not just in conquering mountains, but in embodying the noble qualities of sportsmanship and leadership. His enduring legacy encourages us all to embrace challenges, act with compassion, and contribute positively to the world around us, leaving a lasting impact that transcends personal boundaries.