Today we are taking a journey to the arctic circle, in  the far north of the American continent. This is a story about climbing, and surviving, one of the tallest mountains on Earth. It’s about paddling through the most remote national park in America, the Gates of the Arctic; and it’s about finding wonder and hope in places where that hope is nearly lost. 

Taking us on this journey is mountaineer, writer and arctic explorer Jon Waterman. From his winter ascent of the Denali’s Cassin Ridge, the first person to do this extremely dangerous climb, to his expedition on the Noatak River, in Alaska, which sparked a lifelong love affair with Arctic, Jon’s poetic descriptions, and nail-biting storytelling, will immerse you in the beauty and danger of the far north, and what it might take to save it.

Highlights of Shadow of Denali Into the Thaw:

Feeling what it’s like to stand on the top of America’s tallest mountain in winter, and the cost it took to get there.

Exploring the ‘hallucinogenic’  beauty of Gates of the Arctic National Park, in Alaska - America’s most remote national park.

Discovering what it takes to paddle the Northwest Passage solo, a 2,200-mile journey across the roof of the American continent.

Hearing the story of Maniilaq, the innuit prophet of the 1800s, who predicted the missionaries, mining and famine that would come to his people. 

Listening to Jon’s final journey Into the Thaw to document the changes of the last 40yrs, and how he found hope among the people who have lived there since time immemorial.

FIND OUT MORE

Jon’s latest book is called Into the Thaw: Discovering Wonder Amid the Arctic Climate Crisis, published by Patagonia Books. This collection of short stories, and essays, is beautifully written and photographed. It’s a book for your collection, or a coffee table, and a joy to dip into when you’re dreaming of your next adventure. 

Find out more about this book, as well as his other books, including In the Shadow of Denali, at: jonathanwaterman.com, or search it up on Patagonia.com.

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Armchair Explorer is produced by Armchair Productions. Aaron Millar wrote and presented the show, Charles Tyrie did the audio editing and sound design. Jason Paton is our lead producer and our theme music is by the artist Sweet Chap.

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