1982 American Northern Ellesmere Island Expedition
Team: Steve Trafton, Al Errington,
Brad Albro, Rick Piercy, Paul Williams, John Petrie, Jim Shedd, Bill Robinson
In late May and early June, the 1982 American Northern Ellesmere Island Expedition climbed and toured in the British Empire Range of northern Ellesmere Island. We flew from Resolute Bay on Cornwallis Island to our first camp at 82° N. near Mount Whistler. From that camp and four consecutive camps, we climbed a total of 16 peaks. Our ascents included the third ascent of Mount Whistler and the second ascent of Barbeau Peak, which at 8583 feet is the highest mountain in North America east of the Mississippi River. The remaining climbs were all first ascents. We named our first ascent peaks after ships which were sent out by the Royal Navy, in the mid-1800s, in search of the lost expedition under the command of Sir John Franklin. From Camp 1 we climbed Enterprise Peak, Mount Whistler, Felix Peak, Investigator Peak, and North Star Peak. From Camp 2: Hecla Peak, Fury Peak, Griper Peak, and Victory Peak. From Camp 3; Barbeau Peak and Resolute Peak. From Camp 4; Lady Franklin Peak, Pioneer Peak, Intrepid Peak, and Rescue Peak. From Camp 5, at the head of the Air Force Glacier; Blossom Peak. On June 9th our team was picked up by a ski-equipped Twin Otter and flown back to Resolute Bay.
Unloading the Twin Otter at Camp 1. 82° N. British Empire Range, Ellesmere Island, 1982
A cold midnight first ascent of Enterprise Peak. -30° wind chill. British Empire Range, Ellesmere Island, 1982
Breakfast is served at 82°N. British Empire Range, Ellesmere Island, 1982
On the summit ridge of Hecla Peak. British Empire Range, Ellesmere Island, 1982
Taking in the view after the first ascent of Hecla Peak. British Empire Range, Ellesmere Island, 1982
Down, down, down to the col between Fury and Hecla Peaks. British Empire Range, Ellesmere Island, 1982
Surveying the view from the summit of Fury Peak. British Empire Range, Ellesmere Island, 1982
Camp 3, Barbeau Peak on the left, Resolute Peak on the right. British Empire Range, Ellesmere Island, 1982
Al’s shaving day. British Empire Range, Ellesmere Island, 1982
Second ascent of Mount Barbeau. 82°N. British Empire Range, Ellesmere Island, 1982
Jim Shedd on the summit of Barbeau Peak (8583 feet). British Empire Range, Ellesmere Island, 1982
Climbers in the distance on the first ascent of Resolute Peak. British Empire Range, Ellesmere Island, 1982
Moving camp. British Empire Range, Ellesmere Island, 1982
Afternoon clouds gathering. British Empire Range, Ellesmere Island, 1982
View from high in the British Empire Range. Ellesmere Island, 1982
Perfect climbing conditions at 82° N. British Empire Range, Ellesmere Island, 1982
On steep snow at 82°N. British Empire Range, Ellesmere Island, 1982
Nearing the summit. British Empire Range, Ellesmere Island, 1982
A cold summit. Blossom Peak, British Empire Range, Ellesmere Island, 1982
The team heading back to camp after the first ascent of Blossom Peak. British Empire Range, Ellesmere Island, 1982
Twin Otter landing at Air Force Pass. Coming for to carry us home. British Empire Range, Ellesmere Island, 1982