The Arctic Circle Trail - Above the Arctic Circle for 100 Miles in Greenland
When I first heard we were going to hike 100 miles across Greenland, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew it would be hard, but I didn’t realize just how much it would test me, or how much I’d grow from it.
The first half of the trip, I was mostly following. I watched and learned, figuring out how to manage my pack, how to keep a steady pace, and how to deal with the constant changes in the trail. By the second half, though, I started to lead. I walked out in front, setting the rhythm, and I realized how much responsibility comes with being the one others look to. It was scary at first, but also empowering.
The highs of the trip were incredible. On sunny days, the Arctic didn’t feel harsh at all, it felt wide and endless and beautiful. The lakes shimmered, the mossy ground glowed green, and the air was so clear it felt like I could see forever. Those were the days when walking felt easy, when I could actually enjoy the trail and forget about the weight on my shoulders.
But there were lows too. The weather didn’t always cooperate. Some days the wind cut right through me, or the rain soaked everything and made the trail slippery. My shoulders ached, my feet hurt, and there were times when I just wanted to be done. The canoeing was another challenge. It looked fun at first, but it was way harder than I imagined. Steering across the lakes took strength and focus, and when the wind pushed against us, it felt like we weren’t moving at all. By the end, though, even the canoeing became part of the adventure, another obstacle that made the finish line feel even more earned.
What I’ll always remember is the balance of it all: the struggle and the reward, the exhaustion and the beauty. Leading during the second half showed me I could handle more than I thought. Crossing the Arctic Circle Trail wasn’t easy, but standing at the end of 100 miles, I knew every tough moment had been worth it.
