Paddling to the end of the Earth
When Dorset local Jonny Mutch first crossed frozen Lake Baikal in 2017, Firepot was still in its infancy. His expedition was one of the first we ever supported, and we were excited by the prospect of our food being taken on such a far-flung adventure.
Fast-forward six years and Jonny ― a helicopter pilot who flies people in and out of the world's polar regions ― got back in touch.
"I’m en route home from a remote Emperor Penguin colony", he wrote. "I’m headed back South twice in the forthcoming months and have hatched a cunning plan: I’m going to check out the North Coast of the Beagle Channel in Tierra del Fuego by trail bike, then will head out early before the next trip South to kayak from Ushuaia to the Pilot Station out East where the trail stops. I’ll be camping on beaches and look forward to feasting over your new offerings".
We were intrigued. The Beagle channel, is a stretch of water in the Tierra del Fuego archipelago between Chile and Argentina, connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
Jonny's expedition was a trip of two parts. Stage one involved a reconnaissance trip by trail bike to investigate access and suitable landing sites in the Channel for his return by kayak.
Some months later, he began at Ushuaia, the southernmost city on earth. Paddling 60 nautical miles (about 100km) to Estancia Haberton, Jonny wild camped on beaches for five, wet days.
I’ve just hauled the kayak up the beach having completed my solo paddle 100km from Ushuaia to Estancia Harberton over 5 days. Well fed as ever! It’s great motivation pondering what meal you’re going to tuck into after a cold wet day of paddling. Thanks for the proper meals from Dorset.
In the six years since we first met Jonny, Firepot has outgrown three kitchens, and launched 12 new recipes, expanding the possibilities on his expedition menu considerably. We were pleased to provide Jonny's fuel at the end of a long day on the water.
