Tatshenshini Expedition
August 15 2005
In 1999 a remarkable discovery was made in the Tatshenshini basin of the far northwest of British Columbia. In the crevasse of a glacier at elevation 1650 metres was found the very well preserved body of a native hunter who was dubbed KDT by the local native population, also popularly known elsewhere as the “Iceman”.
Six years later the discoverer, two ethno-botanists, and three support personnel, including photographer Al Harvey, were flown into the site by helicopter. They were dropped off with the mission of hiking out along KDT’s most probable route and collecting botanical samples along the way to corroborate evidence found in his intestinal track to ascertain his diet, his routings, and something about his lifestyle.
The journey was an adventure into a remote area where footprints are few and potential photography was abundant. The walk was only about forty kilometres but involved walking around one mountain range, walking over another, and fording three glacial rivers.
The scientists were overjoyed at their findings which greatly exceeded their expectations. The photographer was likewise delighted as the landscapes were irresistible to the lens. Click on this link to the BCta folder to view all images from this expedition.
