The next article to be Posted in this series of ‘Classic RCJ Articles’ was written by Ted Courtenay after a successful crossing of Greenland by the team he led. I am very grateful to John Beatty [a member of that team] for his short afterword, that follows, and also the stunning colour images he took on the expedition, which I have added below. For more of John’s incredible photographs, please visit: johnbeatty.co.uk.
Ice cap sunrise
Afterword
Thirty eight years ago is half a lifetime behind me now, and I still think about sledging those four hundred miles across Greenland nearly every day. Forty-four days of struggle out on the ice, gifted innumerable insights that have served me well physically and emotionally throughout life. But it granted me one other unexpected gift, that of experiencing deepest respect, camaraderie and a lifetime of friendship with my companions on the ice; Rob Ferguson, Robin Illingworth, Ian Campbell, Stan Woolly and especially Ted Courtenay, whose love of the Arctic and whose wisdom and grace through the hardships, helped us all to stay strong.
John Beatty – June 2020
100 miles in from the east coast
A typical ice cap camp
The team on the ice cap
Gales at camp 2
Sun-dogs spectacular
Click here to access the Journal article The Crossing of Greenland [1982]
Superb photographs, I’ve seen them before but great to see them again and be reminded what a memorable expedition you all had.