It has been years in the thinking but in the new year the long awaited Lake Winnipeg expedition will get off the ground.Ben Shillington, Marc Leblanc and Neil Watts will ski the full length of the lake 400km from North to south each hauling a sled weighing approx 140lbs. The trip should take anywhere from 14 to 21 days depending on weather conditions, gear and group dynamics. The sole objective of this freezing cold trek will be to test gear and systems to put us in position for our East to West Greenland crossing in May 2012.
We will be bringing a spot personal locator beacon so you can click on this link to see where we are every night our location will be plotted on a map.
The Team
Ben Shillington
Ben Shillington
Taking the lead on this trip in preparation for the Greenland crossing in May 2012, Ben is familiar with long expeditions lasting anywhere from one to four months. Ben has climbed in the United States, the Himalayas and in Africa, he has also mountain biked solo across Canada and led a four month mountain bike expedition from Istanbul Turkey to Beijing China. Ben has been on big trips with both Neal and Marc and knows that their skills, extensive adventure background, energy and motivation will be priceless on this expedition and in Greenland.
Favourite drink: Cliff hanger espresso by Kicking Horse
Favourite saying: Not bad N you
Most memorable expedition: Climbing on Mt Everest with Marc Leblanc
Neal Watts
Neal Watts
Fellow classmate and graduate with Ben in the first year of Algonquin College’s Outdoor Adventure Program. The two quickly realized their mutual lust for adventure, planning trips early on in the first semester, winter camping and hiking in the Adirondacks. They have since travelled to Cortina, Italy for a two week mountain bike touring expedition and the South-western US for a two week mountain biking trip. The two are now working together instructing for Algonquin College making as many mini epics a reality as possible.
Marc Leblanc
Marc Leblanc
Marc has climbed mountains all around the world including the Rockies, Andes, and the Himalayans. Being a trained paramedic, ski patroller, and white water expert, he brings a lot to any team. He also plays a mean cowbell.
Most memorable climb: Weeping Wall , ice field parkway, AB,
Most memorable drop: Colaico falls, Pucon, Chile
Most memorable swim: Hells Half Mile, Ottawa River, ON