What I wouldn’t do to have been born a century earlier! It seems as if no stone has been left unturned in man’s quest to know what exists on this planet. I yearn for a time when I could be out, exploring the unknown all with my trusty map, compass and team of explorers. If this sounds like you, Newfoundland and Labrador (the Canadian province, not the dogs) will be hosting a series of events, lectures, exhibitions and more in 2009, celebrating the great 20th century explorer, Captain Bob Bartlett.
As the birthplace of Bartlett, Newfoundland and Labrador have decided to honor their hometown hero; “Celebrating Barlett 2009” commemorates the 100-year anniversary of Barlett helping fellow explorer Robert Peary become the first person to reach the North Pole. The festivities kick off in May, when a series of Heritage Fairs and a traveling exhibition will tell the story of Arctic exploration. For five weeks starting in July, the Marine Institute in St. John will offer free tours and a simulation of the Captain’s historic Polar voyages, where visitors can actually feel the sensation of hitting and maneuvering around icebergs. Starting July 10, St. John’s picturesque port will offer three days of sailing, entertainment, theater and special events. For more information, visit www.bartlett2009.com.
If a simulation of Artic exploration just doesn’t cut it for you, spend two weeks aboard the expedition ship Wanderbird looking for polar bears and exploring the coast of Labrador and the Torngat Mountains National Park Reserve, Canada’s newest national park. For a cool $6,900 per person (based on double occupancy), you and 11 other passengers will board the ship on Aug. 10 in Nain, Labrador’s northernmost settlement, for 11 days of cruising. See www.wildlands.com for more information.
Still too tame? Tag along on a mountaineering and rock climbing expedition with Labrador Wild North Expeditions. From mid-July to mid-October, the outfitter will be offering trekking and wildlife tours. During the tours, participants will have a chance to meet local Inuit, who will teach survival skills classes. Tours range anywhere from $1,750 to $6,850. For more information, call 709-922-2333.
