Mark knew the local outfitter from a similar previous trip to Pond Inlet in the summer of 1996. They had kept up a friendship from a distance and had made arrangements for this trip to borrow either two double kayaks, or trekking gear. Mark, the driving force for the trip, was a little disappointed when the outfitter left to lead an expedition prior to making final lending arrangements, and the employee left in charge of the outfitter's operation informed Mark the next day that only single kayaks remained. Mark was a little reluctant to discuss his concerns with the employee, so he settled for borrowing four Current Designs Solstice single kayaks.
The other three paddlers also had been looking forward to double kayaks, according to Phil. It was an important consideration given the imbalance of strength between the women and the men. Rosemary and Phil in particular had understood they were supposed to be in a double if they had opted to go kayaking instead of hiking, and had even rented a double only a few weeks prior in order to train in Toronto Harbour.
The group also borrowed four one-piece exposure suits, the standard apparel used by many boaters in the north. The suits offer flotation, warmth, and protection from salt spray or light rain but are not designed as immersion apparel for cold water. Other than paddles and skirts, no other rescue gear or electronic communication equipment was requested or offered. No one felt that the trip was of a level that required charts for navigation: Mt. Herodier was within easy walking distance of town. According to Phil, for anything more difficult the group would have hired licensed guides or simply opted not to kayak.
The paddlers didn't ask to be apprised of any relevant weather information during this time and no forecast details were discussed or sought as the group took the kayaks.
Mark and Marilyn had paddled the exact same route on their previous trip, without incident, and would have shared with the group any route concerns they were aware of. |
