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 fromGreenland 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 theynearly did, more than once. But, despite the odds, over six weeks, George and hisexpedition partner Ollie Hicks, crossed 1,200-miles of open ocean from the edge of theGreenland Ice Cap to Iceland, then on to the Faroe Islands, and from there to the northScottish shore. Paddling through the night, sleeping out in the sinister dark of the polarocean, battling storms, exhaustion and raging seas – this is the story of the most dangerouskayak expedition ever undertaken.But it’s more than that too. Three hundred years ago a mysterious figure in a strangeshaped 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 hedied a few days later before anyone could find out. Since then, the myth of the ‘Finmen’ hascontinued to grow. The historical records describe his clothing as similar to what we nowknow as hailing from Inuit culture. But it seemed impossible. Did a Greenlandic fishermancross the North Atlantic Ocean, 300 years ago, on nothing more than a seal-skin canoe? Byundertaking 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 ofthe North Atlantic between Iceland and Scotland, known as the ‘Devil’s Dancefloor’because of the size of the waves and stormsPaddle through the midnight sun from Greenland to Iceland, and then 450-milesaround the crocodile teeth of the rugged fjords and soaring cliffs of North Icelandiccoastline, 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 coastBe inspired by George’s love and enthusiasm for the outdoors and adventure. He isone 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 motivationalspeaker. He is on a mission to rewild humans. He believes that through the outdoors we canchange 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 completedcountless extraordinary expeditions around the world. George is passionate aboutencouraging others to climb their own Everest physically, mentally and emotionally. Followhim on Instagram and Facebook @georgebullardexplorer. Book him for motivational talks atwww.georgebullard.co.ukLooking for inspiration for your next trip? George’s adventure travel companywww.igoadventures.com curates one-of-a-kind adventures with purpose, for those lookingfor exceptional in nature. They are affordable, amazing and hand-crafted by one of theworld’s greatest adventurers.Thank you to Juggernaut Wines for sponsoring this episode. This is the adventurer’s wine ofchoice, harnessing the power of nature to infuse every drop with the gritty spirit of the wildCalifornian coast. Follow them on Instagram @juggernautwines www.juggernautwines.comThe Armchair Explorer podcast is produced and hosted by award-winning travel writerAaron Millar. Follow the show on Instagram & Facebook @armchairexplorerpodcast.www.armchair-explorer.com Mentioned in this episode:Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the worldThis podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape.com. For advertising or sponsorship opportunities across the network, see the link below.Voyascape Podcast NetworkCheck out the Smart Travel PodcastThis week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:Smart Travel Podcast