Duo to attempt summer polar trek

Lonnie Dupre and Eric Larsen from Minnesota are about to start on a 1,500-kilometre trek across the Arctic Ocean to draw attention to Arctic warming.

The journey is to begin May 12 when the men paddle their boats away from Cape Arctichesky in Siberia. They hope to arrive at Ellesmere Island 98 days later. The North Pole will mark the expedition’s halfway point.

While dogsled and ski teams have crossed the frozen Arctic Ocean in the winter, a summer crossing by kayak and skis will be a first.

The two will collect snow and water samples, which will be analyzed for mercury, lead and other chemicals, and they will measure water pools that collect on top of sea ice.

Each will have a kayak stuffed with food, clothing and equipment. When they can’t paddle, they’ll ski and pull their boats behind them.

Follow the “One World Expedition” at: http://oneworldexpedition.com.