Northern
Expeditions
1970–1978

Morning Ascent

Camp at Dusk

Crossing the Valley

Quiet Plateau

Rest Stop

John McKenzie (b. 1938) is an American explorer. Between 1970 and 1978 he led nine expeditions through the northern ranges, travelling on foot and by sled. What follows are pages from the field journals he kept along the way — weather, distance, and the long quiet of the land.

Evening Descent

Along the Ridge

Shelter from the Wind

We broke camp before first light. The dogs were restless, the air so cold it stung. I have learned that the land keeps its own time, and that a man does well to keep step with it rather than with his watch.

Last Light