Nicolas, a mountain guide based in Annecy, traded the Alps for the Atlantic, setting off with his family on a sailing voyage around the North Atlantic, taking in Greenland along the way.
We caught up with him to ask about his adventure.
Why travel so far when there's so much beauty right on our doorstep?
Certainly, the mountains around Annecy, and the Alps in general, offer endless opportunities for adventure.
But our family has a tradition of taking a big trip every five years. It's more about the quality of the experience than the quantity.
A slow journey too?
Yes, my wife, our two daughters (6 and 9 at the time), and I decided to follow in the footsteps of the Vikings, who discovered North America long before Christopher Columbus, over a thousand years ago.
And to get as close to the experience as possible, we set sail.
Not in a drakkar, but in a sturdy aluminum boat designed to navigate icebergs and growlers.
When we say 'efficient' sailboat, you're looking at an average speed of just 5 km/h! So, 20,000 km at 5 km/h? Yeah, you could say we took our time."
Responsible travel?
We certainly tried!
We only sailed when the weather was favorable: no wind or headwinds. We'd anchor and explore the surrounding areas by rowing. It was slower, and we could have used the engine to reach our destinations faster, but we realized there was just as much to see in these 'off the beaten path' places. And the encounters were more authentic.
By leaving for 15 months, with no income or sponsors, we adopted a minimalist lifestyle. We limited our purchases, but not our experiences or human connections.
By fishing and foraging as much as possible, we unintentionally embraced the concept of a local supply chain.
Any bad memories?
The homeworks
Happy memories?
I could talk for hours! ;)
Remember the girls opening locks in Scotland, crabbing with 10 kids, climbing mountains in Greenland, and feeling the wind in their hair on the bow of the boat, surrounded by dolphins, orcas, or whales.
And who could forget being welcomed in Canada, celebrating Halloween in Salem, Massachusetts, and meeting Cubans?
Our arrival on the east coast of Greenland was truly magical, sailing through fog and icebergs from day to 2 am.
We met so many incredible people and animals, and the landscapes were simply breathtaking.
It's something you have to experience to truly understand.
A tip for those who are tempted?
Prioritize and rank your tasks.
