Hello, this is Toby calling in. It is today the 56th day of our expedition, and we had a very good day from over 14 nautical miles down Flat Sound. And we are now in the next couple of days going to broach these very interesting 14 million years old fossilized forests, excuse me, petrified forests on Axel Heiberg Island.

It’s an overland trip and we are very hopeful that there is going to be enough snow for us to make it in there. But today I want talk about my nearest colleague on this trip.

Ever since the start I have been skijoring with Napu and Napu is a big, big dog. He is the oldest dog on the team, he’s seven years old, and he is also a very strong dog. In the first few weeks Elle was in heat and Napu had nothing else on his mind but to get to Elle. So this obviously created a bit of discussion between me and him and also a few arguments about, “Back,” as he would thrust forward at any given moment in order to get to her. But throughout the expedition he has become a very good friend and he’s a very loving and caring dog. He’s not the greatest intellectual, I’ll admit, but he’s always, always there and works hard every single day.

All the Inuit dogs are really aware at all times about the directions they want to go. Napu wants to pull, but he’s not always sure in what direction that is going to be, which has led to some comical situations where you’ve got to go, most of the time, left of where everyone else is going. So we always say on trip, there is the main trail and then there is Napu’s trail. I have to follow Napu’s trail, and that’s OK. I’m really looking forward to working with Napu on the next little while here towards the end and I’m sure he’s looking forward to the summer of rest in Iqaluit when he gets home in not too long. And I have to say, not only am I proud of Napu, but I’m also happy to say that John’s beard is continuing to grow and those who are waiting for him in Chicago have something to look forward to. OK, that’s all from me now, over and out, Toby.

Daily Expedition Data
Date: 5/26/13, Day 57
Location: 79°59'N, 88°30'W
Traveled: 7.25 hours, 7 miles
Temperatures: 20°F am, 34°F pm

TOBY AND NAPU