"As a boy I had dreamed of traveling to the far reaches of the Canadian north. So in the fall of 2009 the opportunity of a lifetime became a reality:  I was on my way to the "Barrenlands" of Nunavut!

I traveled with my friend Ron Burmeister who had explored the vast wilderness with Tundra Tom and his guides several times before. The flight into this pristine wilderness was dotted with clear water lakes and the rich colors of the tundra. The first thing that I realized is how immensely large this region is."

"Our base camp was set up in a strategic location to see caribou, musk-ox and many other animal species of the north. The camp was set up to make our stay in the arctic as comfortable as possible.

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Sleeping accommodations in our tents and the food were excellent. Both exceeding my expectations. I have traveled to remote area of Alaska to the rainforests of central America and I was very happy with the camp life here."

"Tom and his guides also taught us about the unique landscape and its flora. This area called the Barrenlands is the farthest thing from barren. It's landscapes are filled with endless photographic opportunities."

"Our days were filled with hikes and boat exploration for wildlife and history of this ancient realm. After long days on the Tundra we could always look forward to a feast every night to fill our hunger."

"At night the photographic opportunities began again, the Aurora Borealis was in full force .Climbing out of my sleeping bag at 1;00 am was well worth it. I spent several hours each night capturing this awesome display of light and color."

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"We hiked out into the tundra in search of musk-ox, what a primeval feeling stalking a creature that survived the Pleistocene era over 10,000 years ago. I was armed only with my camera. On this day we had located a herd of over 60 animals!"

"Our motto of not disturbing this great mammal was held up by our guide. We were able to witness and photograph the Musk ox and caribou without disturbing their daily battle of life in one of the harshest places to live on earth."

"Laughter and a great sense of place were an everyday occurrence here. My travel partners and my guides were only strangers for a short time before the arctic brought us all together. All of us knowing that this trip would change our views of this great place and our place in the world."

"All of my dreams and expectations of this land and wildlife were realized with Tom and his wonderful staff they are all very professional, and that is definitely what you want at an outpost like this. I hope to return to this magical land with Tom."

"As I stand in the Barrenlands with a cool wind in my face,

only the sounds of nature fill this place.

Bird's on a wing fill the Arctic skies,

the howl of a lone wolf are it's midnight cries.

Colors of the tundra fade green to red,

and the Aurora Borealis is my night light in bed. 

My body and soul would no longer need to roam

for I knew this is a place I could call home.

For this magnificent land has forever changed my way,

this was a journey I remember everyday." 

- David C. Olson
Rockford, IL

Martin Zeilig