Mike Kearns

Discovering Auyuittuq

Mike Kearns grew up under the tutelage of his grandfather, a cartographer of the Canadian Arctic. Learn about Mike on this page, then follow the link at the bottom as he tells a fascinating story of his adventures in this land that never melts.

I was born 1954 in Ontario Canada and moved to New Brunswick (next to Maine) in 1961.

I spent most my spare time in the woods or walking the coast of the province. My father was an avid hunter and fisherman so I spent a lot of time with him in the woods.

My Grandfather moved from Ontario to live with us when I was around 8 years old. That’s when my real education started. I spent a lot of time on the water, sailing and paddling in the summer but spring, fall and winter was out in the bush.

After high School I joined the Canadian Navy. Every time we landed in a foreign port I was off hiking, paddling and once in Norway climbed a mountain. After 5 years in the service it was back home and back to school.

Upon completion of school went into work with my fathers contracting company. This was great for me because I got to work in places like Labrador, Europe, South America and Africa. There was a little more play than work I’m afraid to say. I was off in the bush, jungles, up mountains and down waterfalls. For vacation I would head off into the Everglades or off to Idaho and roam around the hills. Every chance I get I’m into my pack and off I go. I don’t go looking for exotic hikes I’ll take them all. A bad day hiking is still better than a good day at work.

I’ve taught first aid, archery, outdoor survival skills, kayaking skills , hunter safety and water rescue. As I get older I find the lighter I can travel the better. The old hips won’t take the weight they used to. Socks dry overnight, eat out of the pot and a spoon is all you really need.

Happy hiking.

Mike tells a fascinating story of exploring Auyuittuq National Park in the Canadian Arctic. Read about it here.

Return from Mike Kearns to Ultimate Ultralight Backpacking