The world's greatest adventurers tell their best story from the road. Each episode is cut documentary style and set to music and cinematic effects to create an immersive storytelling experience. 'Best travel podcasts 2020'- The Guardian, 'Thrilling Stuff'-Sunday Times, 'Ear Candy for Listeners' - Washington Post
Best of Explorer: Voyage of the Finmen: Kayaking from Greenland to Scotland with Explorer George Bullard
Follow world-record breaking explorer George Bullard on a world-first kayak from
Greenland to Scotland across one of the most dangerous stretches of water on the planet.
No one thought they could do it. Most people assumed they would die trying – and they
nearly did, more than once. But, despite the odds, over six weeks, George and his
expedition partner Ollie Hicks, crossed 1,200-miles of open ocean from the edge of the
Greenland Ice Cap to Iceland, then on to the Faroe Islands, and from there to the north
Scottish shore. Paddling through the night, sleeping out in the sinister dark of the polar
ocean, battling storms, exhaustion and raging seas – this is the story of the most dangerous
kayak expedition ever undertaken.
But it’s more than that too. Three hundred years ago a mysterious figure in a strange
shaped canoe washed up on the coast of Aberdeen, in northeast Scotland. He was alive,
barely. No one knew who he was, where he came from, what language he spoke, and he
died a few days later before anyone could find out. Since then, the myth of the ‘Finmen’ has
continued to grow. The historical records describe his clothing as similar to what we now
know as hailing from Inuit culture. But it seemed impossible. Did a Greenlandic fisherman
cross the North Atlantic Ocean, 300 years ago, on nothing more than a seal-skin canoe? By
undertaking this journey, George and Ollie set out to unearth the truth behind the mystery.
If they could do it, perhaps the myth was true. Get ready for the Voyage of the Finmen.
Highlights include:
- Kayak across one of the most dangerous stretches of water in the world, a section of
the North Atlantic between Iceland and Scotland, known as the ‘Devil’s Dancefloor’
because of the size of the waves and storms
- Paddle through the midnight sun from Greenland to Iceland, and then 450-miles
around the crocodile teeth of the rugged fjords and soaring cliffs of North Icelandic
coastline, camping out on wild beaches along the way
- Listen to one of the craziest rescue and survival stories you will ever hear
- Find out what happens when George and Ollie are hit by an enormous hurricane 60-
miles off the Scottish coast
- Be inspired by George’s love and enthusiasm for the outdoors and adventure. He is
one of the UK’s most sought-after motivational speakers and will fire you up to embark on your next adventure wherever that may be.
Who’s the Guest?
George Bullard is a world record-breaking explorer, endurance athlete and motivational
speaker. He is on a mission to rewild humans. He believes that through the outdoors we can
change lives. To date he has covered more than 2,000 miles on foot in the polar regions
(including the longest unsupported polar journey in history, at just age 19) and completed
countless extraordinary expeditions around the world. George is passionate about
encouraging others to climb their own Everest physically, mentally and emotionally. Follow
him on Instagram and Facebook @georgebullardexplorer. Book him for motivational talks at
www.georgebullard.co.uk
Looking for inspiration for your next trip? George’s adventure travel company
www.igoadventures.com curates one-of-a-kind adventures with purpose, for those looking
for exceptional in nature. They are affordable, amazing and hand-crafted by one of the
world’s greatest adventurers.
Thank you to Juggernaut Wines for sponsoring this episode. This is the adventurer’s wine of
choice, harnessing the power of nature to infuse every drop with the gritty spirit of the wild
Californian coast. Follow them on Instagram @juggernautwines www.juggernautwines.com
The Armchair Explorer podcast is produced and hosted by award-winning travel writer
Aaron Millar. Follow the show on Instagram & Facebook @armchairexplorerpodcast.
www.armchair-explorer.com
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