META INCOGNITA A Waterfall Tour of the Meta Incognita Peninsula
Steve, at the wheel of his 25-foot aluminum hunting boat, bobs his head to reggae music as he navigates the strong tidal currents. The morning mist slowly disperses, and we see land ahead. The Meta Incognita Peninsula, named by early European explorers, is Latin for the “dreaded unknown.” For the Inuit, who have lived in these regions for centuries, it is simply home.
“Last call, do we bring the bear fence or not?” Boomer asks. “It’s so heavy, and we will need the solar panel and battery as well,” I deliberate. Steve looks at both of us and adds, “We saw four bears in the next bay over just last week.”
“Okay, the bear fence comes.”
Steve turns his boat right into Hidden Bay, slowing as we approach the shore. “Tides are heading out, so I’ll drop you off out here, okay?” We nod, and I untie our kayaks, handing them to Boomer to lower into the ocean. I crawl awkwardly over the side of his boat and into my kayak. "Thanks for the drop-off. You're the best,” I shout as we paddle towards shore.
Traversing the Meta Incognita Peninsula wasn’t plan A. Or plan B.Or even plan C. But here we are, with 20 days of food, camping equipment, a 12-gauge shotgun and bear fence, plus battery and solar panel. And of course, a camera and some lenses. Boomer turns on the GPS and orients himself. “That’s the pass that we need to hike over." He points east, smiles, and adds, “2000 feet of elevation gain.”This isn't Boomer's first rodeo,
