Base Camp, Stordal, Hold-with-Hope, North-East Greenland

by Woolmore, Ray

Camping area with three men and several tents. The artist noted "I completed this sketch on our penultimate day at Stordal Base Camp, resting after our long trek back from Bunnhuset. Musk-oxen were around all day, as though they were awaiting the expedition’s departure the next day when they could reclaim their favourite grazing pastures. The fresh water stream just below the tents shown in the sketch had several relatively warm water pools, as the stream had its source on gravel terraces rather than the ice of glaciers."

A.P. Olsen Land peaks across Tyroler Fjord from Clavering Island airstrip, N.E. Greenland, August '99.

by Woolmore, Ray

This sketch was drawn looking N from the airstrip, on the last day of the expedition, waiting for the Twin Otter to pick the group up. The sketch has a style which reflects that it was a perfect sketching day, with neither mosquitos nor cold winds, which enabled the artist to take much longer over its completion. It lacks the "quickfire" style of sketch undertaken in the normal 1/2-3/4 hour time.

Juluis Dal Camp and Angelins Bjerg - Ymers Ø Expedition, North-East Greenland, July 00.

by Woolmore, Ray

The Arcturus Ymers Ø Base Camp was established by the two leaders, Lorraine Craig and Kathleen Cartwright on 20 July after the twin Otter landed on a terrace above the Juluts River at 7pm. Late snows covered the mountains. Long-tailed skuas flew around, though often chased by scores of waders including knots.

Trappers Hut by Konglomeratnoes, Karl Jakobsens Bugt - Ymers Ø Expedition, North-East Greenland, July 00.

by Woolmore, Ray

Like other members of the Arcturus Ymers Ø Expedition, led by Lorraine Craig and Kathleen Cartwright, the artist walked down to the bay to visit this hut. The high cliffs and mountains of Suess Land dominated the view south across Antarctics Sund.

Juluis Dal Camp with Geographical Society Ø peaks - Ymers Ø Expedition, N.E. Greenland, July 00.

by Woolmore, Ray

Looking south to the peaks of Geographical Society Ø from the Arcturus Ymers Ø Expedition Base Camp, established by the two leaders, Lorraine Craig and Kathleen Cartwright.

Diver on Munotbjerg lake - Ymers Ø Expedition, North-East Greenland, July 00.

by Woolmore, Ray

The Arcturus Ymers Ø Expedition climbed up to this lake from its subsidiary camp in Fladedal. The red-throated diver pictured on the lake did not move from the lake for two hours. Other birds around the lake and its surrounding low rocky crags were ringed plovers and a single wheatear.

Upper Juluis Dal and eastern peaks of Ymers Ø - Ymers Ø Expedition, North-East Greenland, July 00.

by Woolmore, Ray

The artist completed this sketch on a fine evening looking east up to the watershed between Juluts Dal and Barnabas Dal, from near the Juluts Dal Base Camp which had been established by the two Arcturus leaders, Lorraine Craig and Kathleen Cartwright. Near to my sketching point he photographed a single example of potentilla nivea, next to melandrium apetalum.

Angelins Bjerg across Juluis Dal from Rodebjerg pinnacles - Ymers Ø Expedition, North-East Greenland, July 00.

by Woolmore, Ray

Like others on the Arcturus Ymers Ø Expedition, led by Lorraine Craig and Kathleen Cartwright, the artist climbed up to the narrow ridge of Rodebjerg to some shattered red-layered pinnacles. The views all round were dramatic, but he chose the immediate view of Angelins Bjerg (1900m) for his sketch, with some more distant mountains in the east of Ymers Ø.

Karl Jacobsens Bugt - Ruths Ø and suess Land - Ymers Ø Expedition, North-East Greenland, July 00.

by Woolmore, Ray

Lorraine Craig and Kathleen Cartwright moved the expedition to its subsidiary camp in Fladedal, only a few kilometres westwards from our Juluts Dal Base Camp, but much closer to the Bay. Rod Corner and the artist walked down to the Bay. Seeing 4 adult barnacle geese with 4 goslings, as well as a glaucous gull. They also found a possible tent ring under the Munotbjerg cliffs.

Munotbjerg cliffs waterfall - Ymers Ø Expedition, North-East Greenland, July 00.

by Woolmore, Ray

Most expedition members climbed up to the botanically rich area beneath the waterfall, and discovered a gyr falcon eyrie in the cliffs by the waterfall.

From Konglomeratnoes to iceberg spires, Geographical society Ø and Traill Ø - Ymers Ø Expedition, North-East Greenland, July 00.

by Woolmore, Ray

After surveying the ancient Inuit settlement on the eastern side of Konglomeratnoes, the artist sketched this view southwards down Kong Oscars' Fjord. The settlement contains many caches, Ten-rings and graves.

Berzelius Bjerg & Staunings Alps from Holm Bugt

by Woolmore, Ray

Drawn during the last Erskine Expeditions trip, Traill Island 1991, lasting nearly three weeks, and led by Robert Burton. The sketch shows the pack ice strewn Bay, and a distant view of Lyell Land, which the artist was to visit in 2008. The base camp was in a sandy gully just to the north of the Holm Bugt Hytten (222 in Peter Schmidt Mikkelsen’s Book).

Tent ring on edge of cliff on eastern side of Konglomeratnoes, Botanikerbugt.

by Woolmore, Ray

This was one of the tent rings the artist recorded at this previously survyed ancient settlement site at Konglomeratnoes. Erosion of the cliff will mean that much of the site will disappear.

Fladedal Camp with Geographical Society Ø peaks - Ymers Ø Expedition, N.E. Greenland, July 00

by Woolmore, Ray

This was the site of the subsidiary Fladedal Camp established by the leaders of the Arcturus Ymers Ø Expedition, Lorraine Craig and Kathleen Cartwright.

Trappers Hut, Karl Jacobsens Bugt looking north up Fladedal - Ymers Ø Expedition, North-East Greenland.

by Woolmore, Ray

After walking from the Fladedal subsidiary camp the artist completed this sketch in rather cold conditions. He then went on to map the Konglomeratnoes ancient settlement nearby. Three glaucous gulls and a single arctic skua buzzed the Hut.

Rodjebjerg and its pinnacles from Juluis Dal camp - Ymers Ø Expedition, North-East Greenland, July 00.

by Woolmore, Ray

The artist sketched this mountain view in cold conditions on return to Base Camp from Fladedal camp. It shows the pinnacles (in black), the highest point he climbed to on 24 July. Peter roberts ascended to the summit of Rodebjerg on 29 July, another very cold day.

Divers Lake west of airstrip, Munotbjerg and Suess Land - Ymers Ø Expedition, North-East Greenland

by Woolmore, Ray

An easy day before packing up camp. The artist sauntered to the Lake to see the red-throated diver and two chicks, and also five barnacle geese. He walked with Rod Corner to a low ridge overlooking Fladedal where we discovered two trappers' fox traps and one iron gin trap.

Myggbukta Hut, Mackenzie Bay, North - East Greenland, August 01

by Woolmore, Ray

The Arcturus Myggbukta Expedition 2001, led by Kathleen and Neville Cartwright, used the famous Trappers' Station (built 1922) for cooking and meals, but slept in tents to the north of the Station. The general location was rich in wildlife, eg 300 long-tailed duck in the bay overlooked by the Station, musk-oxen galore, and a fox's lair, with playful cubs on 1-2 miles away.

Myggbukta Hut, Mackenzie Bay, North-East Greenland, August 01.

by Woolmore, Ray

This sketch had the same subject, the entrance to the Station, of the sketch (in charcoal) drawn by the artist on his first visit to Myggbukta in 1989. A comparison of the two sketches shows how the Nanok company have repaired and renovated the Myggbukta Fangstation.

Upper valley of first river east of Myggbukta in Ravnebjerg foothills, North-East Greenland, August 01.

by Woolmore, Ray

Members of the 2001 Arcturus expedition to Myggbukta (led by Kathleen and Neville Cartwright) walked to this viewpoint to the north of the Station, with Badland Dal to the west. Musk oxen and arctic hare were seen.

Myggbukta boat, Mackenzie Bay, and Giesecke Bjerge, North-East Greenland, August 2001.

by Woolmore, Ray

This view of the Bay and Giesecke Bjerge beyond became very familiar to the members of the Arcturus 2001 Myggbukta expedition, led by Kathleen and Neville Cartwright. The boat and other features clustered round the Station reflected the fact that Myggbukta was once the "capital" of "Eirik Raudes Land", the area of NE Greenland claimed by Norway from 1931-33. Only one member, Peter Roberts, of the Arcturus expedition ventured to the Giesecke Bjerge, camping there for two nights, and climbing in the mountains.

Myggbukta Hut interior, North-East Greenland, August 2001.

by Woolmore, Ray

Though the Arcturus Myggbukta expedition 2001 did not sleep in this large hut, they did cook at the stove, and ate their meals at the large table. With the building so well renovated by nanok, no rain water came through the ceiling, as it did in 1989.

Shelterpoint Camp, Holm Bugt

by Woolmore, Ray

The Erskine Expedition, Traill Island 1991, used this Camp on the outward to and return journey from, the Camp at Kongeborgen. An idyllic camp with extensive views, and nearby, Shelter Point, with its Inuit archaeological remains.

Myggbukta Hut, "winch" and radio-mast, August 2001

by Woolmore, Ray

The Myggbukta Fangststation was the base-camp of the Arcturus Myggbukta Expedition 2001, led by Kathleen and Neville Cartwright. The high radio-mast and its supporting cables reflected the importance of Myggbukta as one of the main Norwegian staions for trapping in the period 1922-59; a telegraphic radio weather station for the International Geophysical Year in 1922, and as the "capital" of the short-lived "Eirik Raudes Land" claimed by Norway 1931-33.

Myggbukta outbuildings, Mackenzie Bay shoreline and Giesecke Bjerge, North East Greenland, August 2001

by Woolmore, Ray

Unusually, the artist drew this sketch from the upper floor of Myggbukta, in the comfortable evening warmth of the inside of the Station. The pack-ice was constantly being moved by the wind and tide.

Myggbukta Hut, Mackenzie Bay, North-East Greenland, August 2001.

by Woolmore, Ray

This sketch shows the elaborate features and size of the Trappers' Station built by the Norwegian, Johan A. Olsen in 1922, and how well it has been renovated by Nanok. The Arcturus Myggbukta Expedition, led by Kathleen and Neville Cartwright, used the Station for cooking and meals (with the prior permission of Nanok and the Danish Sirius Patrol) and slept in tents on the flat musk-ox pasturelands to the north of the Station.

"Proto-glacier" in Tree-elv, and distant Ravnebjerg, North East Greenland, August 01.

by Woolmore, Ray

Most members of the Arcturus Myggbukta 2001 Expedition, led by Kathleen and Neville Cartwright, walked cross-coountry to the fossil forest in Tree-elv. The artist remained above the Tree-elv gorge to sketch the "proto-glacier" snow field on the eastern side of the gorge. There were 4 musk oxen wandering above the proto-glacier

Myggbukta fox cages, NE Greenland, August 2001

by Woolmore, Ray

Most of the Arcturus Myggbukta 2001 Expedition, led by Kathleen and Neville Cartwright members camped on the flat vegetated land to the north of the Station, which they discovered after visits by annoyed bulls, was also prime musk-oxen pasture. The artist drew the rmenants of the fox cages because they reminded him of Andy Goldsworthy's modern "sculptures".

Polar pack-ice in Mackenzie Bay, Kap Bennet (sic) Giesecke Bjerge and distant Geographical society Ø, NE Greenland, August 01.

by Woolmore, Ray

Most members of the Arcturus Myggbukta 2001 expedition, led by Kathleen and Neville Cartwright, walked eastward along the coast to the Myggbukta "C" archaeological site, which Robert Burton and the artist had surveyed in 1989. The artist resurveyed the site with Jean Stenico and David Shaw, and afterwards sketched the extensive view southwards across the ice-strewn Mackenzie Bay. They saw arctic hare, and mats of Honkenya peploides on the beach.

"Thule" culture sunken dwellings, Myggbukta "A" archaeological site, North East Greenland, August 2001.

by Woolmore, Ray

This site was immediately accessible from the Myggbukta Fangststation, the base camp of the 2001 Arcturus Myggbukta expedition. The sunken dwellings had obviously been excavated over the years since 1922. Jean Stenico re-mapped the whole of the site, including the caches and possible graves on the eastern bank of the 1st river.

Iceberg below Lindeman Fjord Base Camp with Kuhn Ø mountains, North-East Greenland, July 02

by Woolmore, Ray

After finishing this sketch of the single iceberg in Lindeman Fjord below the Base Camp, the artist saw several species of birds on the beach, arctic skuas, ringed plovers, snow buntings and a sanderling with chick. The terrace above the beach had no arachaeological features apart from a wooden box of geological specimens dated 1976!

Tarn above Lindeman Fjord Base Camp with background of Th. Thomsen Land and Kuhn Ø, North-East Greenland, July 02.

by Woolmore, Ray

This tarn was a short climb above the Lindeman Fjord Base Camp established by the two Arcturus leaders, Kathleen Cartwright and Robert Burton. The artist completed this sketch on the way down from the overlooking hill, where he had completed a sketch of the snow dome of the Hohe Kugel, across the Lindeman Fjord. Ringed plovers were the only birds seen on this walk.

Hohe Kugel (1337m) from high above Lindeman Fjord Base Camp, NE Greenland, July 02

by Woolmore, Ray

The artist climbed to this hill view point (approx. 300m) above the Lindeman Fjord Base Camp, and sketched the snow dome of Hohe Kugel (1337m), to the north across the Fjord. Ringed plovers were around most of the time. I completed another sketch of the lake below returning to Base Camp.

Point 1716 Traill Island and Jeannets Bjerg from Palisaderne Bay

by Woolmore, Ray

This sketch was drawn from near Shelter Point, Holm Bugt, where Robert Burton, the Erskine Traill Island 1991 Expedition leader had established one of the expedition’s subsidiary camps. The sketch include the small ice-cap on Jeannet’s Bjerg, Lyell Land, on the opposite side of Kong Oscar’s Fjord.

Lindeman Fjord Base Camp looking north to Th. Thomsen Land, North-East Greenland, July 2002.

by Woolmore, Ray

The artist completed this sketch after return to Base Camp after a long day on the Western side of the valley, ascending Porten 480m, from where Clavering Island could be seen to the south. An arctic stoat was seen on Porten by other members of the expedition.

Lindeman Fjord Base Camp looking south to Dombkerg, North-East Greenland, August 02.

by Woolmore, Ray

This sketch of Lindeman fjord Base Camp was completed after a long return trudge from their subsidiary camp. During this walk back several arctic skua and glaucous gulls were seen.

Looking west from Lindeman Fjord Trapper's hut to Porten Cliff-fall and A.P. Olsen Land, July 02.

by Woolmore, Ray

This sketch was drawn in the ruined trapper's hut, Svendsby. Because of light rain, even the roof leaked, and the artist had to cover the roof with his Gortex cagoule to prevent raindrops coming on to the ingres paper. While returning to the base camp he saw five members of the expedition reurning from their depot laying trip to the subsidiary camp which Kathleen Cartwright and Robert Burton, the leaders of the Lindeman Fjord Expedition, proposed to set up.

Hohe Kugel and Fligelys Fjord, North-East Greenland, August 02.

by Woolmore, Ray

This sketch was completed after dinner at the subsidiary camp on the southern side of Fligelys Fjord, after a long walk eastwards to Kap Schumacher. It was on this walk that they first saw the previously "undiscoverd" Inuit winter settlement on Kap Schumacher.

Kap Hamburg, Fligelys Fjord Entrance and Kap Schumacher, North-East Greenland, August 02.

by Woolmore, Ray

The views east and west from the subsidiary camp established by the Arcturus leaders, Kathleen Cartwright and Robert Burton, were equally impressive. This sketch shows the relatively easy beach walk which they had taken on their first day's walk to Kap Schumacher. Long-tailed skua dived on them on several sections of the route to Kap Schumacher

The mountains of Kuhn Ø from camp on southern side of Figelys Fjord, North-East Greenland, August 02.

by Woolmore, Ray

The artist did this sketch after dinner, recovering from a long but easy climb to the summit of Niesen (618m), behind the camp, with David Shaw, Kathleen Cartwright and Gill Hinshelwood. Rod Corner, the senior botanist and doctor looked across at Kuhn Island with nostalgia, as he had been there in 1900, on a NE Greenland Project expedition.

Clouds covering Hohe Kugel from southern side of Fligeleys Fjord, North-East Greenland, August 02.

by Woolmore, Ray

As the day was cloudy and wet, Jean Stenico and the artist spent the morning in the mess tent preparing maps and writing notes on their survey of a new Inuit archaeological side on Kap Schumacher the previous day. He took advantage of the shelter of the tent to draw this picture from the entrance.

Ruins of trapper's hut on Lindeman Fjord, North-East Greenland, August 02.

by Woolmore, Ray

The artist did this sketch, penultimate day of the expedition, and had nearly completed it, apart from the darker shading in the foreground, when he heard a noise behind him. Robert Burton, armed with a rifle, quickly descended the slope above the hut and told him to come quickly with him back to camp. A young polar bear had been seen in the Fjord below. They took the most direct route back across the river, up to their knees, and were back in half an hour. Needless to say the bear was not seen again, and the artist finished the sketch by adding the dark shading at Base Camp.

Trapper's hut, Kap Schumacher, North-East Greenland, August 2002.

by Woolmore, Ray

One of only two sketches in artist's Arctic collection not completed on site. The time spent in surveying the Inuit archaeological site on Kap Schumacher precluded him sitting down and doing this sketch, which was, in fact, done in his flat in Cheltenham from one of the B&W photographs he had taken of this historic hut, built by Norwegian trappers in 1932.

The Shelter Stone, rudi Bugt, Clavering Ø, Ehrenberg Fjeld and Tyroler Fjord

by Woolmore, Ray

The artist did this sketch on a cold day before the Arcturus Eskimonaes and Clavering Ø leaders, Robert Burton and Kathleen Cartwright, led the expedition south in stages to Eskimonaes. Robert and Ian Blisland took supplies by Zodiac to the first intermediate camp. On the Rudi Bugt side of the Shelter Stone was an ancient Inuit shelter, which he had first surveyed in 1999, on the first Arcturus expedition to Clavering Ø.

Svinhufvuds Bjerge and Holm Bugt

by Woolmore, Ray

This sketch was drawn from just above Shelter Point, where Robert Burton, the Erskine Traill Island 1991 Expedition leader had established one of the expedition’s subsidiary camps. It takes in the view south-eastwards along Kong Oscar’s Fjord.

Nes-Odden Trappers' hut, mnear Kap Oekter, Clavering Ø, with Godthab Gulf and Kap Stosch, NE Greenland, July 03.

by Woolmore, Ray

The artist did this sketch at the end of the first day's trek south to the southern tip of Clavering Ø, Eskimonaes. The trek passed a natural flower garden of drabas, purple saxifrage and erigeron before reaching the intermediate camp at Nes-Odden at 7.30pm. There were several flocks of eider in Godthab Gulf.

by Woolmore, Ray

Robert Burton and Kathleen Cartwright established this intermediate camp by the Sorholts-Hus, built by a Norwegain Trapping Company in 1954. To the west of the huts they had passed by a sandy cliff colonised by arnica and willow herb. Bobert and Ian Blisland took the Zodiac back to Revet after tea to collect fuel from the depot, but did not return, having experienced low tides preventing them from launching the boat for the return journey.

Sandvik trappers' hut, Granatdal, Clavering Ø, with Jordanhill, N.E. Greenland, July 03.

by Woolmore, Ray

An easy day at their Storholts-Hus intermediate camp as they were waiting for Robert and Ian to return from the previous day with fuel. They eventually returned at 5pm. The sketch looks past Sandvik west to Jordanhill, named by J.M. Wordie on his Cambridge University Expedition in the late 1920s. Rod corner climbed in the foothills of Granatdal behind the Storholts-Hus and found Carex vaginata, not recorded since 1931 in the area.

Eskimonaes Sirius Station, Clavering Ø, N.E. Greenland 2003.

by Woolmore, Ray

This was the first sketch the artist did on a disappointing misty day at the historic site of Eskimonaes, the scene of 2nd World War hotilities when one of the German Navy meteorological expeditions which established itself in Greenland in 1943, encountered the Danish sledge patrol. The ruins of the hut burnt down by the Germans still retain plates and cutlery.

View on a foggy day from Eskimonaes Sirius Station, Clavering Ø, N.E. Greenland, July 93.

by Woolmore, Ray

This was the second sketch the artist did on this disappointing misty day at the historic site of Eskimonaes. Robert Burton and Peter Roberts wandered along the shore eastwards, and in an excavated Inuit winter house found a harpoon/toggle. They left this in situ, but not before Peter carved a wooden replica

1st Camp above river delta, Clavering Ø, with northern snow-capped mountains, N.E. Greenland, July 03.

by Woolmore, Ray

Drawn after dinner on the day of arrival by Twin Otter (17 July 03). Robert Burton and Kathleen Cartwright established the Base Camp on the same site we had used in 1999, just to the north of the delta of the Eigil Elv

by Woolmore, Ray

This site was the first intermediate camp on the return from Eskimonaes. Peter and Brigitte Grossman and the artist had waded through the fast-flowing Granatdal river, rather than taking a lift in the Zodiac. This sketch shows Wordie glacier and Jordanhill, which a year later most of the Kromme Langso. Arcturus Expedition, would see from the west.

Revet boat, Payer Land, Copeland Fjord, and Blosseville Bjerg, N.E. Greenland

by Woolmore, Ray

The artist completed this sketch of one of the two derelict (but picturesque) boats at Revet, with Copeland Fjord in the background, on the first evening (28 July 2003) after returning from the long trek to Eskimonaes. The hut had changed inside since the 1999 Expedition had used it - what was the store room in 1999 had become the kitchen and mess room, and vice versa.

The snow and ice-capped mountains of Northern Clavering Ø, seen across Rudi Bugt from Revet, N.E. Greenland July 03.

by Woolmore, Ray

This sketch was completed after the end of a marvellous day walking in the meadows and low ridges around Revet, photographing musk-oxen galore and huge expanses of cotton grass. The weather was fine and clear all day.

Moskusheimem, Revet, Payer Land, N.E. Greenland, July 2003.

by Woolmore, Ray

Their third day after return from the Arcturus Clavering Ø Expedition's long trek to Eskimonaaes on the southern tip of Clavering Ø. On walks along the coast on this day the artist encountered two herds of musk-oxen and several single bulls. This particular sketch was interrupted by a happy hour of red-wine, and a dinner of Beef Strogonoff (dehydrated of course).

Fangsthytte under Point 1716, Traill Island, Greenland

by Woolmore, Ray

The intact square-shaped trappers’ hut, built 1950 and 224-2 in Mikkelsen’s 1994 book, was used for cooking by Robert Burton, leader of the Erskine Expedition to Traill Island in 1991. Robert set up the Expedition’s most northerly camp outside these two huts.

Krumme LangsØ and the distant ice-cap, looking west from near sirius Hut, N.E. Greenland, July 04.

by Woolmore, Ray

The artist's viewpoint was on a low rocky hill just above the SØdal Base Camp set up by Robert Burton and Kathleen Cartwright, the leaders of the 2004 Arcturus Expedition to Krumme LangsØ. Their arrival had been delayed a day by fog at Mestersvig, and with the arrival of the second plane (the artist was in the first Twin Otter) he felt relaxed enough to complete his first sketch.

Vibekeso and the snowfield above Reidt, with SØdal eastern lakes, NE Greenland, July 04.

by Woolmore, Ray

On the first full day at Base Camp the artist climbed the hill immediately above which offered fine views all round inlcuding the eastern end of SØdal and the extensive freshwater lake (like Krumme LangsØ) of Vibekes SØ. Later in the day he encountered a bull musk-oxen behind the camp and also an arctic hare. Arnica, bellflower and the two gentiana, detonsa and tenella were also found.

Snout of Vibekes Gletscher from bay of VibeskessØ beneath SØdal, NE Greenland, July 04.

by Woolmore, Ray

Bill Corner, David Shaw and the artist walked down SØdal to Vibekes SØ, passing 6 arctic hare, and arctic terns on a small lake. They walked out on the southern side of the small bay which eventually gave them this fine view of the snout of the Vibekes Glacier. Several fossils were found in the rocks by the side of the bay, and a gyr falcon flew over.

SØdal western lake, with hills of Ole RØmers Land, with distant ice-cap, NE Greenland, July 04

by Woolmore, Ray

On this day we explored the western end of SØdal, and the artist completed this sketch of the lake at its western end. There were musk-oxen galore in this area, and arctic terns on the lake.

Looking east alpong Krumme LangsØ to Snehvide and Hjornebjerget, NE Greeland, July 04

by Woolmore, Ray

After loading Bob's Zodiac for taking supp;lies to our planned subsidiary camp towards the eastern end of Krumme LangsØ, the artist spent a lazy day with David shaw walking eastwards along the Lake shore, and looking for possible Inuit archaeological features, but found none. He also completed this sketch of the snow mountains at the eastern end of Krumme LangsØ

Camp Mess Tent, Hjornbjerget, NE Greenland, July 04.

by Woolmore, Ray

Alternating shore walking with Zodiac rides, we reached the subidiary camp established by Rob Burton and Kathleen Cartwright, our Arcturus expedition leaders, on the eastern shore of Krumme LangsØ, overlooked from its western side by the almost sheer rocky bastion of Hjornebjerget (1137m). We soon became aware of the lemmings at the campsite, the first we had seen for several years.

Bob's Zodiac moored on Krumme LangsØ at subsidiary camp below Hjornebjerget, NE Greenland, July 04.

by Woolmore, Ray

although this day started with light rain, the artist was soon able to complete this sketch of the Zodiac. He then went botanising with David Shaw and Rob Burton, seeing Pyrola grandiflora, and saxifraga cernua on the grassy areas above the camp.

Snehvide from Krumme LangsØ / Promenadedal pass, NE Greenland, July 04.

by Woolmore, Ray

After walking to the delta of the Red River just to the south of their subsidiary camp, the artist walked eastward along the river to the low pass between Krumme LangsØ and Promenadedal, disturbing several musk-oxedn, including a bull which ran away from him. After completing this sketch of Snehvide from the pass, he continued over the watershed to obtain fine views of the Wordie Glacier and the snow dome of Jordanhill, a mountain seen from the east on the 2003 Expedition to Eskimonaes.

Krumme LangsØ Sirius Hut, SØdal, with Fribjergene and distant ice-cap, NE Greenland, July 04.

by Woolmore, Ray

After returning from the subsidiary camp the previous day, the artist completed this sketch of the Sirius Hut in clearing weather. In the afternoon, Bob Burton took a number of members in Zodiac trips to the western end of Krumme LangsØ, where after a short climb there were superb views of the ice-cap and nearby glaciers.

Snehvide from low hill to east of SØdal Base Camp, NE Greenland, July 04.

by Woolmore, Ray

On the penultimate day of the expedition, the artist climbed the hill on the eastern side of the SØdal Camp, where he visited two high tarns, saw several arctic hare, and completed this sketch of Snehvide. Two large hers of musk-oxen had congregated just to the north of a Camp, obviously looking forward to the impending departure of the expedition from their favourite pastures

Inuit shelter stone on point overlooking Palisadernen

by Woolmore, Ray

This Inuit shelter stone and some other features were situated close to a subsidiary camp set up by Robert Burton, leader of the Erskine Expedition to Traill Island in 1991.

Scott Keltie Øer, Vegasund and Geographical Society Ø, NE Greenland, July 2005.

by Woolmore, Ray

The artist did this sketch on the first full day at the Arcturus Vegasun Expedition's Base Camp, established by Robert Burton and Kathleen Cartwright, on the low coastal ridge facing GasØen Ø in vegasund. After finishing this sketch he went with Jean Stenico down to the bay, where they surveyed an Inuit Mixed Culture cummer settlement, with tent rings, fox-traps, caches and one possible sunken winter-house.

Inuit fox-trap on promentory east of Base Camp, Vegasund, NE Greenland, July 05.

by Woolmore, Ray

Sketch of one of the 15 Inuit archaeolgical features at the site surveyed to the east of the Arcturus Vegasund Base Camp. The artist noted many whalebones around this summer settlement, and much Honkenya peploides on the beach below the settlement.

Base Camp and Juliakagen mountains, Vegasund, NE Greenland, July 2005.

by Woolmore, Ray

A sketch completed on the evening of the arrival by Twin Otter at the Arcturus Vegasund Expedition Base Camp on the southern coast of Geographical Society Ø. The wide views from the camp included the Julekagen mountains further west, an area which would later be explored.

Traill Ø mountains (Rebild), Vegasund, Suess Land, and Geographical Society Ø mountains, NE Greenland, July 05.

by Woolmore, Ray

The artist completed this sketch on the first evening at the western subsidiary camp established by Robert Burton and Kathleen Cartwright, the Arcturus leaders, under the Julekagen Mountains. The sketch shows the mountains on either side of Vegasund, and the mountains of Suess Land, at the Kong Oscars Fjord end of the Sund.

Western Camp waterfall and Julekagen mountains, Vegasund, NE Greenland, July 05.

by Woolmore, Ray

The picturesque waterfall and river, flowing down from the Julekagen mountains, was immediately to the west of the Arcturus Vegasund Expedition's Western Camp, established by Robert Burton and Kathleen Cartwright. After completing this sketch (17 July) the artist walked with Jean Stenico westwards along the coast, identifying five Inuit tent rings.

Sverresborg trapping station, Vegasund and Traill Ø mountains, NE Greenland, July 05.

by Woolmore, Ray

On this day the artist walked eastwards from the Western Camp with David Shaw, surveying an Inuit sunken dwelling on the way to the now derelict Sverresborg trapping station. En route they encountered two herds of musk-oxen (7-8 musk-oxen in each herd), one of which came very clase to the trapping station.

The Cavanagh's Tent, Western Camp, and the Julekagen Mountains, Vegasund, NE Greenland, July 2005.

by Woolmore, Ray

Mike and Diana Cavanagh have been on every Arcturus NE Greenland Expedition since 1998 (Syd Kap), and have spent long days climbing mountains near to the Expedition Camps. The sketch shows the river and gorge immediately to the west of the Western Camp, and the route up to the "notch" in the Julekagen Mountains, the highest point to which the artist climbed, with Peter and Brigitte Grossman. Kathleen Cartwright prepared a rota for polar bear watch duties; and after completing this sketch the artist retired to his tent, rising at 3am for his watch.

Western Camp, Vegasund and Traill Ø peaks, NE Greenland, July 2005.

by Woolmore, Ray

A marvellous clear day, with almost perfect reflections in the sund below the Western Camp. This was the day that, with Peter and Brigitte Grossmann, they climbed up to the 780m "notch" in the Julekagen mountains.

Sverresborg trapping station, Vegasund, NE Greenland, July 2005

by Woolmore, Ray

On the walk back to base camp the artist completed this simple pen and ink sketch of the Sverresborg trapping station. En route they saw red-throated divers; and a walrus was seen by Rob Burton and David Shaw whe ferrying the heavy kit back in the Zodiac.

Straumpollen bay, Scott Keltie Øer, Vegasund and Julekage, NE Greenland, July 2005

by Woolmore, Ray

On this day they walked from their one-night camp (at a cove just east of their Base Camp) in glorious weather to their last subsidiary camp at the eastern end of Straumpollen Bay. En route they saw long-tailed ducks and red-throated divers. The views from the pass above the camp were extensive and included the ice-covered eastern end of Vegasund.

Kongeborgen and Jeannets Bjerg from near Shelter Point

by Woolmore, Ray

The lakes above the Shelter Point subsidiary camp of the 1991 Erskine Traill Island expedition, led by Robert Burton, were idyllic locations with many birds and fine views all round.

The "butte"-shaped hill at the entrance to Straumpollen, Vegasund, NE Greenland, July 05.

by Woolmore, Ray

This "butte"-shaped hill was easily identified in views from all our camps further west; and the Expedition's subsidiary Camp at the eastern end of Straumpollen offered easy access to a close view of the hill. The artist did not climb it as its rockytop was abviously crumbling and unsafe. On the western side of the hill were two large, very clear water tarns, one of which accommodated 50-60 geese.

A sandy bay to the west of Malia Havn, Vegasund, NE Greenland, July 2005

by Woolmore, Ray

The artist foound this dandy-shored bay on his circular walk round the "butte"-shaped hill on the southern side of Straumpollen. On his return back to subsidiary camp he heard that one of the expedition members, Gordon Yates, had seen a peregrine falcon on the cliffs to the east of Malia Havn.

The Malia Havn "Sirius" Hut, NE Greenland, July 2005

by Woolmore, Ray

The artist walked, with Jean Stenico, over the pass to the rear of their Eastern subsidiary camp, to the Sirius Hut at Malia Havn. He did this sketch while Jean did a painting from above the Havn. After lunch they walked eastwards along the high cliffs, lookiing in vain for archaeological features.

Pack ice enclosing the Nordenskjolds Ø at the eastern entrance to Vegasund, NE Greenland, July 05

by Woolmore, Ray

After visiting the Sirius Hut at Malia Havn, the artist walked with Jean Stenico along the high red cliffs to the east of the Havn. The view eastwards along the southern coast of Geographical Society Ø was most impressive, taking in the ice-filled eastern end of Vegasund. Unfortunately they did not have the time to see the peregrine falcon eyrie on the cliffs further east, and returned to their Eastern Camp over the pass.

River cliffs above Base Camp and the mountains of Geographical Society Ø. Vegasund, NE Greenland, July 2005.

by Woolmore, Ray

On the penultimate day of the Expedition back at Base Camp, the artist spent a lazy day on short ambles round the Camp, walking to a good viewpoint on the meander bluff, to obtain this sketch. The previous day's walk from their eastern subsidiary camp had been made much longer as they had to travel well inland because of a polar bear sighting by Robert Burton and David shaw on their first Zodiac ferry trip along the coast.

Looking W up Ravnedalen to Rechnitzer Land ice cap, Dove Bugt, NE Greenland, August 06.

by Woolmore, Ray

This sketch shows the view westwards up the deep rocky valley of Ravnedalen, culminating in the Rechnitzer Land ice-cap, at the edge of the main Greenland Ice-cap. Ventures were made up both sides of the valley to reach the ice, but the steep rocky terrain thwarted these attempts. The southern side of the valley had two periods of sun, for the morning, till midday, and then again from 4 to 8pm, when the sun came back from behind the mountain, appearing above the ice-cap.

Ravnedalen Base Camp and Sirius Hut beneath Rechnitzer Land peaks, Dove Bugt, NE Greenland, August 06

by Woolmore, Ray

This sketch shows the Arcturus Dove Bugt Base Camp established by Kathleen Cartwright next to the Sirius Hut and airstrip. In the far background is the 1100m peak successfully climbed by one of the expedition members, Bill Corner.

Ravnedalen Base harbour, across Inderbredningen to Godfred Hansen Ø, Dove Bugt, NE Greenland, August 06.

by Woolmore, Ray

This sketch shows the 15-20km width of Inderbredningen, and the relatively ice-free conditions which enabled them to cross to their Fangersund subsidiary camp late on the following day. The picture also shows their Zodiac safely moored on the sandy shore beneath the morainic cliffs.

From Ravnedalen Base Camp to Inderbredningen islands and Adolf S. Jensen Land, Dove Bugt, NE Greenland, August 06

by Woolmore, Ray

The sketch shows the canyon track from the Ravnedalen Base Camp down to the sandy beach. On this day 10 August we were taken by Zodiac to the northern side of Ravnedalen, which because it enjoyed sun all throught the day, contained many more flowering species. This was also the day that Bill Corner climbed the 1100m peak to the north; Peter Roberts accompanied him to the icy snowfield just below the peak.

Ravnedalen Sirius Hut and Peak, Dove Bugt, NE Greenland, August 2006

by Woolmore, Ray

This sketch was completed while the expedition waited for the wind to drop before the Zodiac could venture across Inderbredningen to our subsidiary camp at Fangersund. It shows Peak 1100, climbed by Bill corner, in more detail. Sadly we believe that this is the peak, overlooking Kap Niels, from which Captain Hans Jensen of the Royal Danish Navy fell to his death in early 1953. Hans Jensen was the only Danish member of the British NE Greenland expedition to Dronning Louise Land 1952-54.

Palisaderne and Staunings Alps from Shelter Point

by Woolmore, Ray

This sketch, like Y: 2012/20/17 with which it is mounted demonstrates what an idyllic place Shelter Point was. the artist noted that "We were later to traverse the whole length of the Palisaderne, led by Robert Burton. While we found only a few archaeological remains, potentially, the peninsula should offer more."

Soranerbraen and southern end of Inderbredningen from Fangersund camp, Dove Bugt, NE Greenland, August 06.

by Woolmore, Ray

The artist completed this sketch of Soranerbraen after dinner to avoid being plagued by mosquitos, his first sketch at the Fangersund subsidiary camp established by the leader Kathleen Cartwright.

Brigitte's and Peter's Tent, Fangersund, looking across Fangersund to Fritz Johansen Ø, Dove Bugt, NE Greenland, August 06.

by Woolmore, Ray

The artist completed this sketch of Brigitte and Peter Grossmann's tent after dinner on the second day of their stay at the Fangersund subsidiary camp. It shows the view north-eastwards along Inderbredningen. This camp site was on much lusher vegetation than the hard moraine of the Base Camp; and an isolated clump of betula nana was even found, probably one of its northernmost locations on Greenland's eastern coast. The artist has included the moon in this sketch as it was prominent in the late evening sky.

Ravnedalen and bergstrewn Inderbredningen from Fangersund island, Dove Bugt, NE Greenland, August 2006

by Woolmore, Ray

The expedition members were ferried by Zodiac to the Fangersund Island to the north of their subsidiary camp. the sketch title wrongly names the valley shown as Ravnedalen; it is, in fact, the parallel valley to Ravnedalen to the south. The only Inuit archaeological feature found by the expedition was a fox trap. They did, however, see snow hare and ptarmigan, and even a polar bear swimming offshore.

Ravnedalen and Inderbredningen bergs from Fangersund Camp, Dove Bugt, NE Greenland, August 06.

by Woolmore, Ray

The original chalk and charcoal sketch on ingres paper was given to Judith Withers. The artist completed this sketch while on a lazy amble in the vicinity of the subsidiary camp, searching in vain for arachaeological features. However, campanul uniflora and Koenigia islandica were found and a playful Arctic ermine observed later on

Majhytten trappers' hut (Nanok 1938), Inderbredningen, and Rechnitzer Land peaks, Dove Bugt, NE Greenland, August 06.

by Woolmore, Ray

The expedition visited this hut on the penultimate day of their stay at their subsidiary camp at Fangersund. While sketching the artist saw skeins of Barnacle geese and several snow buntings. Peak 1100 on the western side of Inderbredningen is shown on the sketch immediately above the hut.

Near Kap Niels, looking across Inderbedningen to Godfred Hansen Ø, Dove Bugt, NE Greenland, August 06.

by Woolmore, Ray

On the penultimate day of the expedition, members travelled by Zodiac north to the peninsula overlooking Braefjorden. This offered extensive views, including eastwards to Godfred Hansen Ø.

Fangersund Camp looking SE to Manniche SØ col, Dove Bugt, NE Greenland, August 06.

by Woolmore, Ray

The artist nearly threw this sketch away, but it does show the Fangersund camp, and the Manniche SØpass to the north, which he and David Shaw had reached on 14 August. An arctic ermine was very fond of popping out from the rocks at the rear of the mess tent shown in this sketch.

Liverpool Land snow peaks from Constable Pynt, North-East Greenland

by Woolmore, Ray

This sketch, of course, is not a Lyell Land sketch, and was completed at Constable Pynt during a delay in the prpogress to Lyell Land. The delay was such that they did not fly out on 22 July till 8pm, eventually arriving at Lyell Land at 10pm. The artist therefore had much time to complete this sketch of the Liverpool Land snow peaks, an area where so many of the Arcturus expeditions had travelled by dog sled and ski in spring of previous years. On his first visit to Constable Pynt in 1989 the flat plain in the foreground had been covered by oil prospectors' tents.

Staunings Alper, Jagmastarens Ø, and Segellskapets Fjord from near Kap Lagerberg, Lyell Land, NE Greenland

by Woolmore, Ray

Seeking the best view of the islands in Segelsallskapet Fjord and the Staunings Alper the artist took a traverse south along the coast at about 100m, and eventually finished up above the cove shown on the right hand of the sketch. his offered good views of the "tramline" igneous intrusions on Jagmastarens Ø, and extensive views of the Syltoppens in the Staunings Alper. Only Mike and Diana Kavanagh ventured further along the coast in this direction.

Kongeborgen (afternoon), Hammar Ø, and Kong Oscars Fjord, Lyell Land Base Camp. North-east Greenland.

by Woolmore, Ray

The artist completed this sketch from the Base Camp of the Arcturus Lyell Land Expedition after they had returned from an excursion to Hammar Ø, the northern end of which is shown on the sketch. Not only did Hammar Ø provide them with an ancient Inuit summer settlement site, but it also gave them a glimpse of a Sabine's Gull.

Kongeborgen, Traill Ø and Jeannets Bjerg, Lyell Land

by Woolmore, Ray

Kongebergen, with its pinnacles and wreaths of cloud, dominated most of the views seen by members of the 1991 Erskine Expedition to Traill Island (the last Angus organised before retirement). The sketch shows Lyell Land, which the artist visited in 2007; and used Kongebergen as a background to many sketches.

Kongeborgen (early morning), Hammar Ø, and Kong Oscars Fjord, Lyell Land, North East Greenland

by Woolmore, Ray

This sketch was completed on the morning of the expedition's departure to Mestersvig. Compared with the afternoon sketch of the same view of Kongeborgen it shows how the intricaate architecture of the Kongeborgen cliffs were masked by the shadows of early morning.

Kongeborgen and Hammar Ø from Lyell Base Camp, North-East Greenland.

by Woolmore, Ray

In undertaking this sketch, the artist used the dry interior (it was drizzling that morning) of the Sirius Hut, putting his stool on bed planks, and drawing the view from the window. The light rain hardly stopped during the day, but four of us walked to the nearby Kirschdalen gorge. The sketch shows the flat gravel area between the shore and the Camp used as the Twin Otter airstrip. Kathleen Cartwright, the leader, had established the Base Camp here late on 22 July.

Early morning at Kap Dufva Camp, with Kongeborgen and Traill Ø. NE Greenland

by Woolmore, Ray

The artist did this sketch after breakfast, when he did not have to attempt to depict the intricate buttress architecture of the Kongeborgen cliffs, still in shadow in the morning. The white, glacially smoothed rocks of Kap Dufva itself show up well in this sketch against the dark shadowed cliffs of Kongeborgen. In 1991 rthe Erskine Traill Ø expedition, including the artist, had walked under these cliffs on the other (eastern) side of Kong Oscar Fjord

Thule Culture winter houses - Kap Harry, Ella Ø, North-East Greenland

by Woolmore, Ray

On this superbly clear and warm day they were taken across Narhval Sund in the Zodiac by their Deputy Leader, Kevin de Silva. They landed at the famous Thule Culture site at Kap Harry, the subject of this sketch. David Shaw, Bill corner and the artist climbed up the red-cliffs, but only Bill Corner reached the highest point.

Ella Ø and its Narhval Sund cliffs from near Kap Dufva, Lyell Land, NE Greenland

by Woolmore, Ray

This sketch was completed on a fine clear afternoon and shows the fine 750m cliffs of Ella Ø, though not as far as the island's highest point, Bastionen. The area where the artist sketched was covered in lakes and small rounded peaks

Staunings Alper, Hammar Ø and Lyell Land from Kap dufva, North East Greenland

by Woolmore, Ray

The original chalk and charcoal sketch on ingres paper was given to Wendy Thompson. The artist completed this sketch on a gorgeously sunny and clear day at Kap Dufva. It shows a single iceberg and the full range of the Syltoppen group in the Staunings Alper to the south. Hammar Ø, opposite the Base Camp, is shown to the left of the iceberg. A few days later they would travel back to Base Camp by Zodiac and foot along the coast.

Kap dufva Camp, Kong Oscars Fjord and the cloud-covered Kongebergen.

by Woolmore, Ray

The artist completed this sketch on the dull early morning of the penultimate day at the Kap Dufva Camp. The sketch shows the large mess tent and the tents of two individual expedition members. By 11am the fog had lifted and several of them walked into the low hills above Kap Dufva in supperbly clear weather.

Kirsch Sirius hytten, Lyell Land with Staunings Alper, N.E. Greenland

by Woolmore, Ray

This sketch was completed after the return by Zodiac and foot from the Kap Dufva Camp. Kevin de Silva's dry suit is shown drying in the sun in front of the hut door. They enjoyed a dinner of fresh char for their first night back at Base Camp.

Beinhaugen Trapper's Hut (c. 1930), Kap Lagerberg, Lyell Land, North-East Greenland.

by Woolmore, Ray

Completed after return from Lyell Land. The artist ventured to this derelict Norwegian hut, built c. 1930 by a Norwegian trapping expedition, three times, twice to survey and map the adjacent Thule winter and summer settlement, and once, abortively because of light rain, to undertake a sketch. Eventually, this sketch was completed on return to his flat in Cheltenham, only the second sketch of 200 odd not completed, over the years, in the field.

Kolossen from Sortehjorn Hut

by Woolmore, Ray

A landscape view, Will Higgs and two others reached the summit of Kolossen, via the glacier shown at the right of the sketch. The artist only reached the “dry” surface of the glacier.

Svinhufvuds Bjerge, Traill Island, N.E. Greenland

by Woolmore, Ray

The 1991 Traill Island expedition, led by Robert Burton, spent a rich and varied day on the Haslum Øer peninsula, taking in the superb views, and investigating the many Thule culture archaeological remains. Dr. Hugh Lang, in his early seventies, was the only one who crossed the Karupelv, and climbed on Svinhufvuds Bjerge.

Karupelv Camp, Traill Island.

by Woolmore, Ray

Robert Burton, leader of the 1991 Erskine Expedition to Traill Island, established the last subsidiary camp of this long three-week trip near the low col at the head of Karupelv. Pingos at different stages of development were near to this camp, including one with an exposed ice core.

The Sirius Hut, Haslum Øer Peninsula.

by Woolmore, Ray

Most of the members of the 1991 Erskine Expedition to Trail Island, led by Robert Burton, visited this standard designed Sirius Hut, en route to the archaeologically rich tip of the Haslum Øer Peninsula. Members of the Sirius Patrol visited the Hut by boat, and later checked our papers and rifles.

Pingo Lake, Karupelv Valley, Traill Ø

by Woolmore, Ray

For the Erskine Traill Island Expedition 1991, Robert Burton, as leader chose an inland site, on the Karupelv Valley, as a final subsidiary camp. This camp was near to a line of pingos, including one with a fine blue crater lake. The artist noted tast "Eventually I was chased off this pingo by a lone bull musk ox".

Base Camp, Holm Bugt, Traill Island

by Woolmore, Ray

Robert Burton established our Base Camp in this sandy, but stream-filled gulley just to the north of Holm Bugt Hytten used for several years as the Base Camp of Benoit Sittler’s Karupelv Project. During their stay the group were visited a number of times by a tame arctic fox.

Bracebridge Inlet River Gorge, near Polar Bear Pass, Bathurst Island

by Woolmore, Ray

This snow and water filled gorge was a mile or so north-west of the Base Camp established by Bezal Jedusason in 1992. The artist noted "I first approached the gorge from the Camp, but later in the week, I approached the gorge from the plateau to the north, with masses of purple saxifrage and dwarf willow on the cliffs above."

Resolute Bay – Old Eskimo Village Cemetery Cornwallis Island

by Woolmore, Ray

The artist spent a spare day walking along the coast; and came across this cemetery overlooking Resolute Passage and Griffith Island. The next day the team flew by Borup Air Twin Otter to Polar Bear Pass on Bathurst Island, where Bezal Jedusason had established a Base Camp.

Polar Bear Pass Camp. Bathurst Island, 1992

by Woolmore, Ray

A flat, but stony Base Camp as established by Bezal Jedusason in 1992, next to one of the rivers flowing into Bracebridge Inlet. The artist recorded that north of the Camp were masses of purple saxifrage; while long-tailed skua, glaucous gulls, snow geese, long-tailed ducks, grey plover, cariboo and arctic hare all appeared in the vicinity of the camp.

Moutonées above Polar Bear Pass Research Station

by Woolmore, Ray

The artist walked to these prominent coralline rocks, roche moutonées from Bezal Jedusason’s Base Camp about 4 miles to the South-West, and completed two sketches from different angles. he noted that "On my return journey I encountered a few musk-oxen."

Huge enigmatic rock outcrops above Polar Bear Pass, Bathurst Island

by Woolmore, Ray

Of this sketch the artist noted "At the time I believed these prominent rocks formed in hard coralline rock were roche moutonée. They were smaller (20' high) than they appeared from a distance. When I arrived, a ptarmigan sat on the southernmost rock."

Myggebugta Hut, Hold-with-Hope, N. E. Greenland

by Woolmore, Ray

This sketch shows the entrance to the Myggbukta Trapper’s Station built in 1922 by the Norwegian, Johan A. Olsen. It was also used by the Norwegians as a radio and weather station, and for a short period was the capital of Erik the Red’s Land, an area which was claimed by the Norwegians in the late 1920s and early 1930s. The Erskine Hold-with-Hope Expedition, led by Robert Burton, camped by the Station from 16 July – 22 July 1989. The artist noted about this sketch "I started the sketch on the morning of 21 July, but heavy rain forced me to complete the sketch at 6am the following day, before we started our return trek back to the Stordal Base Camp."

Meat Cache west of Base Camp Polar Bear Pass

by Woolmore, Ray

The ruins of an ancient Inuit Meat Cache were found close to Base Camp. Donald Gray, in 1976, identified it as an “Arctic Small Tool Structure”. It was surrounded by 5-6 vaguely circular pits.

Canadian Government Camp, Polar Bear Pass, Bathurst Island

by Woolmore, Ray

The sketch shows two out-buildings, not the main “squarish” station, which was closed when the artist visited. Of the walk he noted that "another British member of the party, John Robertson, then in his sixties, joined me on the long 10km walk east to the famous Canadian Wildlife Services Research Station. The route was wet, with much perma-frost “sludge”. The trip took 9 hours there and back."

Frozen lake in northern foothills above Polar Bear Pass Base Camp, Bathurst Island

by Woolmore, Ray

View of the lake. There is a possible Inuit cache overlooking the lake to the east. To the west, the valley becomes a gorge, overlooked by purple saxifrage and dwarf willow bluffs. The artist noted that "I walked north into the low foothills, from Bezal Jedusason’s Base Camp, seeing three arctic hares before reaching this ice-covered lake."

Schuchert Dal Base Camp and Staunings Alps, North-East Greenland

by Woolmore, Ray

The July 1993 Milne Land Expedition had become the July 1993 Arcturus Expedition to Schuchert Dal, still led by Robert Burton, after we had been prevented from landing at Milne Land because of snow. As can be seen from this sketch, even in Schuchert Dal snow lay in the gullies and higher up on the slopes.

The Bjornbo Valley and the Southern Staunings Alps from the Bjornbo Camp, NE Greenland

by Woolmore, Ray

Robert Burton, the Arcturus leader, moved the expedition to a subsidiary camp overlooking the entrance to the Bjornbo Valley. During the trip northwards the group encountered many musk-oxen, with young, and several arctic skuas. The view into the Stauning Alps was most dramatic and dominated by the pinnacles and spires of the higher peaks.

The pinnacles of the South Staunings Alps from the Bjornbo Camp, NE Greenland

by Woolmore, Ray

Of this sketch the artit noted that "Robert Burton, the Arcturus leader, chose this magnificenty site for our subsidiary camp. The picture was drawn when the sun was at its lowest, and the pinnacles and spires of the Staunings Alps showed most clear. Jean Balfour and Rod Corner, expert botanists, gave younger members of the party tuition in flower identification here."

The serrated peaks of the Southern Stauning Alps above the Bjornbo Glacier, NE Greenland

by Woolmore, Ray

Several members of the expedition walked westwards along the lateral moraine. Two, the Nelsons, explored the southern tributary valley of Nedre Arkosedal, and set up their own camp before returning the next day. The Bjornbo glaicer exhibited all the classic features with several medial moraines as well as lateral moraine. The glaicer had retreated leaving a terminal moraine 2-3 kilometres east

Looking south to Schuchert Dal Base Camp and the Karstryggen cliffs

by Woolmore, Ray

Base Camp of the Acturus Schuchert Dal Expedition, led by Robert Burton. A glorious site from which Robert moved the team to subsidiary camps both north and south along the western side of Schuchert Dal. Robert, Helmut Voss and the artist ascended the limestone cliffs, via rocky gullies, up to the Karst like Plateau, where they could see the camp of an oil exploration team further west. They saw several arctic hares on our ascent.

Schuchert Dal and the Divers' Lake above Base Camp, North-East Greenland

by Woolmore, Ray

A peaceful location with dramatic views northwards up to the glaciers at the northern end of Schuchert Dal. Flocks of long-tailed ducks were seen on the Lake, as well as Divers, whose melodies we could hear from the Camp

The Kastryggen waterfall above the southern Schuchert Dal Camp, North-East Greenland

by Woolmore, Ray

A most impressive location, comparable to Malham Cove. Liz Patterson and the artist climbed round to the top of the waterfall to see whether there were any limestone pavements on top; but, without clints and grikes, we could only describe the top area as proto-pavement. Clearly the near desert-like conditions do not favour the full development of the limstone pavements as seen in England, though there were potholes in the river bed above the waterfall.

Giesecke Bjerge from Myggebugten

by Woolmore, Ray

This sketch shows the outbuildings, with cages for live arctic foxes, of the Myggbukta Trapping Station, and the Giesecke Bjerge in the western background. The artist noted "I drew the sketch from inside the Station because of rain, and we discovered that at the time (before its renovation by Nanok in 1999) it was far from waterproof."

The Southern Camp, Schuchert Dal, looking east across to Jameson Land, NE Greenland

by Woolmore, Ray

Expedition leader Robert Burton picked this marvellously shletered site for our southern camp. It was only 1-2 kms away from the high waterfall which fell from the Karstryggen limestone plateau; and all of us ascended to the dramatic bottom of the fall. At this camp one evening we were entertained to a lone arctic wolf doing a close circuit and inspection of the camp.

The vast snow domes of the southern Staunings Alps seen across Karstryggen, NE Greenland

by Woolmore, Ray

Most of the expedition visited these slopes of the lower southern end of Karstryggen, which not only offered extensive views over the snow domes of the southern Stauning alps, but also provided pasture for several herds of musk-oxen, some with tags, indicating that one female, at least (tag 353) had been tagged as a 3 year old in Coloradodal in Jameson Land (50 kms away). The many snow patches on the plateau provided mosqito-free refuges for the musk-oxen.

Schuchert Dal Base Camp and Karstryggen cliffs, North-East Greenland

by Woolmore, Ray

Leader Robert Burton and Siggy Adalsteinson, the Twin Otter pilot, decided not to land at the intended Base Camp on Milne Land because of snow, and made a quick, wise decision to land instead on a morainic landing strip on the western side of Schuchert Dal, under the limestone crags of Karstryggen. This site became the Schuchert Dal Base Camp.

The jaws of the deep valley of Rev Dal, North-East Greenland

by Woolmore, Ray

Although the upper levels of Rev Dal contained dramatic limestone crags, seen by Robert Burton, Helmut Voss and the artist from the plateau above, the south-facing lower slope of the valley was an oasis of flowering plants, with dwarf willow over 3 feet high

Morainic Lake and Innominate glacier, near Otto Fiord, Ellesmere Island

by Woolmore, Ray

The artist often visited this part-ice covered morainic lake, a short walk above the Base Camp established by Bezel Jesudason adjacent to the Canadian Government's Geological Camp.

Ice-cap and peaks at eastern end of Otto Fiord, Ellesmere Island

by Woolmore, Ray

During artist's two-week stay at Bezal Jesudason's Camp, he often visited the foothills of the mountains bordering the northern coast of the ice-filled Otto Fiord, simply because of the extensive views and opportunities afforded for sketching (all mosquito or black fly free so far north).

Otto Fiord Cap and icebergs, Ellesmere Island

by Woolmore, Ray

The camp, home to the artist for two weeks in July, was established by Bezal Jesudason, Director of High Arctic International Explorer Services Ltd. The mess tent offered food all day on a more elaborate scale than comparable expeditions run by the British. Nevertheless a competent walker could wander into the High Arctic environment very easily from the Camp.

Innominate Peak above Otto Fiord, Ellesmere Island

by Woolmore, Ray

The views of the 2000m high mountains and glaciers of this area of Ellesmere Island were even more impressive when seen from the easily accessible foothills above the Camp established by Bezal Jesudason. No names appeared to have been given to these outlying peaks of the British Empire Range which stretched across northern Ellesmere Island.

Valley east of Otto Fiord Camp, Ellesmere Island

by Woolmore, Ray

Leader Bezal Jesudason suggested we might see some musk-oxen if we visited, first by zodiac along the ice-edge, and then on foot, a hidden valley some 4-5 miles north-east of the Base Camp. With Sergeant Fradet of the RCMP the artist left Base early on 19 July, and visited the Hidden Valley, sketching this view and taking many photos. Unfortunately they saw no musk-oxen, reurning to Base after 12 hours in the field.

Cairn on rock above Otto Fiord Camp, Ellesmere Island

by Woolmore, Ray

This cairn was built in 1992 by a Canadian, Dave Kennedy, in memory of Nurse Kathy Williams, from British Columbia, who had worked as a nurse in the Canadian NWT in the 1920s. She had visited Otto Fiord in the 1980s and taken many of Bezal's clients on walks in th foothills above the Camp, including Dave Kennedy's grandson.

Fuchsberg from Stordal Base Camp

by Woolmore, Ray

This sketch shows the impressive cloud shrouded peaks on the eastern and western sides of Stordal; an area first explored by one of J. M. Wordie’s Cambridge University Expeditions in the late 1920s. Fuchs (leader of the CommonwealthTrans Antarctic Expedition in 1956) was one of the young members of Wordie’s expedition.

Innominate glacier, near Otto Fiord Camp, Ellesmere Island

by Woolmore, Ray

This dry and apparently immobile glacier was only 3-4 hours walk from Bezal Jesudason's Otto Fiord Base Camp, and could be safely approached.

Mess Tent, Otto Fiord Camp, Ellesmere Island

by Woolmore, Ray

This sketch shows the magnificent surroundings of Bezal Jesudason's Base Camp on the northern coast of Otto Fiord, immediately adjacent to the Canadian Geologists' Camp. The Mess Tent was equipped with tables, chairs, heaters, and constant hot and cold food, sheer luxury for most English men on Arctic expeditions. The smells attracted a polar wolf (vixen) to cautiously approach the camp one evening. I had previously encountered the same vixen which had walked besdie me like a dog as I returned from a long walk.

Geologists' Camp, Otto Fiord, Ellesmere Island

by Woolmore, Ray

Geologists' Camp, adjacent to Base Camp, on northern coast of Otto Fiord Approx. Lat. 81°14'N, long. 86°00'W. (Otto Fiord 340C Edition 2 - 1:250,000 Energy, Mines and Resources Canada. )

Otto Fiord Camp, Ellesmere Island

by Woolmore, Ray

Bezal Jesudason of High Arctic International Explorer Services Ltd set up Base Camp here next to the Canadian Geological Services Camp. Artist stayed there 2 weeks, combining two of Bezal's week-long trips in July. Assistant lead was Sergeant Normand Fradet of RCMP. They saw Arctic wolves, cariboo, and many arctic birds such as turnstones and redpoll, but saw no musk-oxen

Pingo Pass Base Camp overlooked to the south by the foothills of Gurreholme Bjerge, North-East Greenland

by Woolmore, Ray

Robert Burton, leader, estalished the Arcturus Expedition Base Camp (at about 500m) here, overlooking Schuchert Dal and the Staunings Alps, close to the old mine and disused road, now a habitat for melandrium tripetalatum. A herd of musk-oxen grazed nearby, and ringed plovers seemed all around

The cloud-covered peaks of the Staunings Alps seen across Pingo Pass from Pingo Dal Camp, NE Greenland

by Woolmore, Ray

Despite being 6 miles from Base Camp on Pingo Pass, the Staunings Alps still loomed high over the Pass to the west. There were several pingos en route to Pingo Dal Camp

Pingo Dal Camp looking north to the foothills of the Werner Bjerge and the Bjerge Kronne, North-East Greenland

by Woolmore, Ray

Robert Burton, leader of the Arcturus Pingo Pass Expedition, established the Pingo Dal subsidiary camp some 6 miles east down Pingo Dal, giving access to the foothills of both the Werner Bjerge and the Gurreholme Bjerge, as well as Orsted Dal after a long trek