Blog

Two-For Expeditions

This summer Art “Karts” Huseonica will be on two extreme expeditions. You can read all about it for FREE right here. This is being made possible by Karts’ sponsors that include David Bell at Advant-Edge Landscaping & Pools, David Parrish at Off the Trail Recreation, Cheryl and Jim Conrad, Oliver Hannan at SLYSTEEL knives, and by all the kind folks who have contributed to the expeditions over the past four years.

Two-For Expeditions in 2024

End of 2023 Thoughts

As I look forward to 2024, I am reminded of my major disappointment in not completing my Yukon 2020 expedition to paddle the length of the Yukon River in 2023. Stopping short 100 miles/160km from the Bering Sea hit me hard mentally because I always finish what I start. My U.S. Coast Guard contact reminded me that, “It’s better to return home defeated than in a body bag.”

Paddling on the Yukon River in Alaska in June 2023.

I have no immediate plans to return to the Yukon River in 2024 due to finances. I’m still paying off this year’s expedition costs. Ugh. I’ve certainly been invited to participate in numerous adventures and expeditions in 2024, but the monies simply aren’t there. I’ll still do regional hikes and mini-adventures solo and with a few select friends.

I’m staying very busy with training hikes, volunteering on various projects, and catching up on my reading. Subjects include adventures, biographies, and self-help books from eclectic authors. Refocusing on staying in touch with friends and family is helping to keep my mind off the Yukon. Of course, there is pressure from a lot of folks for me to write my memoirs. We’ll see.

Yukon River expedition Website: http://www.yukon2020.com

I will always greatly appreciate your support and encouragement. Be well my friends.

Disappointment for Karts… Again

(August 27, 2023; Sun City, AZ, USA) The Whitehorse Star newspaper published a comprehensive article about Kart’s failure to reach the Bering Sea and set a record. You can read the article for free here. Journalist Morris Prokop has followed Karts’ adventure on the Yukon River for two years after his attempt last year was thwarted by 100-year flood event.

Yukon River Expediton 2020 – Melinda Land

(March 21, 2023) Art “Karts” Huseonica is excited to announce that Melinda Land has joined the Yukon 2020™ team paddling from Carmacks to Dawson City, Yukon Territory, Canada. You can read all about Melinda for free without a subscription here.

Yukon River Expedition Update – Feb 2023

(February 9, 2023; Sun City, Arizona, USA) Art “Karts” Huseonica is excited that his reboot of Yukon 2020 is fast approaching. He plans to put-in on May 28th at Carmacks, Yukon Territory, Canada where he pulled out on June 21, 2022. He’ll be joined by guest paddlers, including Bruce Jobin and Melinda Land. Karts will have more about his special guest paddlers in the coming months leading up to the expedition.

Karts on the shore of Lake Lebarge with his canoe on shore in the background. Wearing a lime shirt with a blud neck gaiter.

Before he puts in, Karts will publish a GPS link so that you can follow his track and progress from Carmacks out to the Bering Sea. This track is part of the trilogy of proof required verify his adventure. Other required items of proof include documenting all eye witnesses and location selfies and videos.

Recently, Karts announced that he is going to dedicate his Yukon River expedition to his brother Joe Huseonica. On Christmas morning, the Huseonica family lost Joe. He was born in Lucerne Mines, Pennsylvania, USA in 1944 and has always provided enouragement and support for Karts.

Photo of Joe Hueoncia in a yellow golf shirt overlooking a metropolitian area.

Karts believes that Joe is going to be on the river with him, guiding and protecting him with every paddle stroke. The expedition canoe will have decals remembering Joe. In addition, all relevant YouTube videos and the expedition’s documentary film will be dedicated to him.

Fundraising continues as the reboot costs and inflation continue to ravage his original budget. Please visit: https://www.yukon2020.com/support

Death Valley Adventure

(December 31, 2022, Sun City, AZ, USA) Art “Karts” Huseonica attempted to climb Telescope Peak in Death Valley National Park in early December. But the tallest peak in the park wasn’t having it. Road closures from two major storms in late summer destroyed roads that were vital to accomplishing the feat. West Side Road remained closed past its opening date and upon his arrival, Karts learned that the road up to Mahogany Flats was being closed within the hour. Here’s a narrated slide show of the adventure on YouTube.

No Flipping on FlipSockz

(Sun City, AZ, USA / October 22, 2022) Art “Karts” Huseonica, 71, is excited to announce a new relationship with FlipSockz. A locally-owned business in Massachusetts, USA, FlipSockz caught Karts’ attention because he’s always looking for the ultimate sock for over his liner socks. Of special note, is the built-in gaiter on the FlipSockz. See photos.

Custom designed to include a 62% Merino Wool comfort blend, Flipsockz eliminates dirt, grit, and debris from getting stuck in Karts’ boots. “I’m very pleased with the results of extensive testing in various environments I did with this new product, including numerous washings and drying,” said Karts.

The nylon sleeve simply flips over any boot, preventing mother nature from getting trapped, keeping his feet comfortable. Here’s a short FlipSockz YouTube video. During tests, Karts found that the sleeve/gaiter greatly reduced the water getting into his boots during stream crossings and hiking through wet vegetation.

Karts is also pleased to announce that anyone can use his coupon code of karts20 to receive 20% off their FlipSockz orders. Passionate about helping U.S. veterans, the folks at FlipSockz donate a portion of proceeds to various veterans groups. Feel free to follow FlipSockz on Facebook and Instagram to see what charitable projects they are working on. Karts receives no commission on your puchases. He loves FlipSockz that much.

Karts is hoping this relationship will extend to all his adventures and expeditions, including his Yukon River expedition in 2023. Meanwhile, he was happy to get FlipSockz to wear on his upcoming Death Valley record-attempt. Details are still confidential except that FlipSockz is the primary sponsor. Karts already holds a Death Valley record for being the oldest person to successfully complete a documented double, solo traverse. He also holds several other documented extreme records. FlipSockz joins several other companies and a charity that help support Karts’ adventures in various ways.

September 2022 Update

Art “Karts” Huseonica (me) is staying focused on being fit and preparing to reboot https://www.yukon2020.com in May 2023. In case you missed them, below are two very short YouTube videos to keep you updated. Later this month I’ll publish another video with a more detailed update. Meanwhile, I’m back to fundraising for the expensive expedition reboot.

You can be part of my record-attempt expedition by donating at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/frm3wy-yukon-2020-river-expedition. There is also an option to memorialize someone by dedicating the expedition and documentary film in their name. See https://www.yukon2020.com/support for more information. A detailed cost outline can be provided by upon request.