May 17, 2024
Ben Townsend, News Director
In the pale light of Alaskan spring, three adventurers embark on a long journey across the frozen tundra. Oliver Hoogendorn, Wilson Hoogendorn, and James Horner set out from Nome, determined to walk to Shishmaref, more than 100 miles north. The 10-day journey, battling high winds, subzero temperatures, and vast snow-covered landscapes, was as much a test of endurance as it was a testament to the power of friendship.
This trip was inspired by a conversation after the 2020 Nome River Raft Race. Oliver Hoogendorn recalled how the idea started.
“We had just finished. As we were standing on the bank drying off, Louis and Stacey Green came up to us and said, 'Hey, you guys are doing this crazy thing.' He talked to me like that. I once walked from Shishmarev to Nome and I think you should try it too,” said Oliver Hogendorn.
James Horner joined the group at the last minute.
“I thought, 'When am I going to do something like this? And more importantly, I don't know if I want to do it with anyone other than Wilson and Oliver,” Horner said.
The group carefully planned their route and packed their sleds with supplies. They calculated the amount of food they would need for the trip and packed a balance of sweet and salty items to keep up their energy. Anticipating a snowy tundra, the group also packed skis, but ultimately found that tennis shoes were sufficient.
The temperature dropped to -13 degrees, but we were able to spend the day without setting up a tent. Instead, they could rely on hut owners to provide them with land along the route. They also carried handguns to protect themselves from wild animals, a precaution that proved useful during an unexpected encounter with a herd of musk oxen.
“From what we saw, it was alone, so we started screaming at it,” Horner said. Oliver Hoogendorn continued speaking. “We walked a little further and saw the whole herd. Now this is like a super tiny baby, but we saw bloodstains where it was born. It could barely walk. It was probably about a foot and a half tall.
As they approached Shishmaref, a welcoming committee of local residents appeared on the horizon to greet them. As the group approached, we began to see signs that read “Welcome to Shishmaref” and “Good luck Nanoux.” This is in honor of Norm Beltz High School's recent basketball state championship win.
Looking back, Oliver Hoogendorn would not have made this journey any other way.
“I've done something similar by myself, but after a few weeks of doing something like that, I feel lonely.''I reaffirmed how good it is to have good friends around you.'' said Oliver Hogendorn.
Oliver Hoogendorn is looking to the future and plans to complete a bicycle trip from the southern tip of South America to Prudhoe Bay. James Horner is focused on preparing his fishing boat for next season and hopes to travel to Asia next winter. Wilson Hoogendorn is preparing for next winter's Iron Dog Snowmachine Race.
