Jerry Kobalenko's Arctic wonders
The writer, explorer and photographer's photos from his recent travels show a colourful, wild, changing High Arctic.
Despite its reputation as a barren wilderness, the north is a "kind of Arctic Galapagos" in July and August, says Jerry Kobalenko.Jerry Kobalenko
Peary caribou, Axel Heiberg Island, Nunavut.Jerry Kobalenko/Jerry Kobalenko
Jerry Kobalenko photo: A herd of arctic hare from the air, Hazen Plateau, Quttinirpaaq National Park, Ellesmere Island.Jerry Kobalenko
A muskox from a trip to the Arctic by Jerry Kobalenko. Freezing rain in the fall months, when it occurs, can leave a frozen glaze on the land all winter, which is devastating to the muskox and caribou.Jerry Kobalenko/Jerry Kobalenko
Polar bears are "cute and cuddly" to many people who have never been to the Arctic. But, says Jerry Kobalenko, a small proportion -- adolescent males -- are especially curious, and they may approach a traveler.Jerry Kobalenko
In the late spring in the High Arctic, cracks in the sea ice called "leads" can form. At first the leads are narrow and may be vaulted across ...Jerry Kobalenko/Jerry Kobalenko
... but soon the leads become too wide. This photo, of kayaking in the High Arctic, can take a lot of advance planning.Jerry Kobalenko/Jerry Kobalenko
When colder air near the ground encounters warmer air above it, a "polar mirage" can form: Ice pieces appear to be floating in the air.Jerry Kobalenko
Grise Fiord, Nunavut; The northernmost village in North America, Grise Fiord's population at the 2006 census was 149.Jerry Kobalenko
Two Inuit throatsingers, Pond Inlet, NunavutJerry Kobalenko/Jerry Kobalenko
The Inuit explorer Nukapinguaq, who was involved in many expeditions in the first half of the 20th century. Photo courtesy of Jerry KobalenkoJerry Kobalenko
A pair of Inuit partners of the American explorer Robert Peary. Photo courtesy of Jerry Kobalenko
Back on the polar ice in the 21st century, the equipment may have changed, but the struggles haven't.