This should be interesting to follow.

In mid-March 2010 endurance adventurer Andrew Skurka will begin the Alaska-Yukon Expedition (AYE), a 4,700-mile, 7-month-long ski/trek/packraft adventure that begins and ends thirty miles north of the Arctic Circle in northwestern Alaska. The AYE has never before been completed or attempted.

At first glance I though this was another one of those ill conceived expeditions, however this person has a good chance of success based on his previous accomplishments

Andrew Skurka is an accomplished 28-year-old outdoor adventurer who since 2002 has trekked over 23,000 miles. His recent projects have been intense, off-trail endeavors through premier wilderness in Alaska, Iceland, the Colorado Plateau, and California. His earlier achievements include two monumental long-distance hiking firsts -- the 6,875-mile Great Western Loop and the 7,778-mile Sea-to-Sea Route. Skurka has been recognized as "Adventurer of the Year" by National Geographic Adventure and "Person of the Year" by Backpacker.

National Geographic (one of his sponsors) has started a Blog that will be updated periodically. Andrew will also be providing periodic updates via Twitter.

I have no affiliation with the Andrew Skurka nor National Geographic. I am just a person interested in these types of events/expeditions.

while i certainly envy their discipline, i can't for the life of me, buy into the ultralight philosophy...especially when they refuse to buy a couple of gauze pads that would add weight (?!?!), arguing that if they need a bandage, they can just rip a strip off of their shirt.

meh, too each his own...he's far more experienced than i.

that does sound fun, though!

Nearly 20 pounds of gear is not ultralight, just so we have that clear.

It is when you're in the Yukon, or 30 miles north of the Arctic circle.

MDinana, yep, I was wrong on the winter ultralight weight. I replied too quickly in that post.