Gilles ELKAÏM is a surprising man. This lover of nature and extreme conditions, has wandered alone for many years through some of the most remote regions in the world. In 2000, he decided to follow the path of Siberian people. In three years, he travelled from North Cape to the Bering Strait in a kayak and dog sled. He was in Paris for the « Polar nights ». We were lucky to spend some time with him. Encounter with an adventurer.

Last June you came back from a solitary expedition on the path of Siberian people. Where does the desire to live this experience comes from?
Maybe it was a logical step after all my past trips. In 1984, I became interested in northern people when I lived for one year with the Inuit of the Greenland. During the next 15 years, I travelled in hot and cold deserts of all continents, always fascinated by these people and their ability to adjust to their environment.
After all these experiences, I felt the need to go further and take full control of my existence, to face the elements by myself without being guided or be taken over by them. It often happens when you’re confronted by nature.

Four years of loneliness with only one goal: reach Ouelen no matter what. What was the hardest? What was the most intense moment of your expedition?
There has been a lot of difficult moments physically and emotionaly. The death of one of my dogs is a painful memory.
People often ask me if I didn’t miss human contact, but to the contrary and despite what one could think, not at all. First of all, I met wonderful people that welcomed me and helped me. Especially for the logistics. And, second of all, my dogs have been wonderful friends. I had very special and funny moments with them. The most difficult was certainly a return to regular life.

I never thought to stop: the only way to stop would be death. Althought I never forgot my goal, after 3 years and 9000 kms, it’s hard to believe in it. Reaching Tchoukotka after all these efforts was unreal, an incredible emotion. I will never forget this moment, it’s impossible to describe.

You have met many people from the North. You have lived like them and sometimes with them. What did they teach you ? Could you recall one lesson, value or ethic that influenced your life?
Self-discipline and humility. In a very uncompromising environment like the Siberian North, a mistake can be fatal. You can not improvise. Each move, or reaction from me or the dogs is important.
The success of such an expedition could give a feeling of superiority over nature, having the ability to control it. But it’s wrong and misleading. Listening, respecting and being in harmony with nature is the only chance to survive. One can only bow under its strength, its violence, but also be in awe of its beauty.
Northern people understand this very well and introduced me to it. I had very little experience in dog sledding. Thanks to my team, we became stronger along the way. I left alone and came back with 13 dogs.

It has often been said that women carry Russia on their shoulders because of their courage and work, is that true for Siberian people ?
I would say yes, because that is the reality. Nevertheless it’s important to differentiate Russia of the south from Russia of the north. Life conditions in North Siberia are extreme and men play important roles in the community. They are hunters, fishermen, trappers, and they also can perform the duties usually done by women. They must know everything. Siberian men can live without women not without vodka!

Do you think that love is important for them or just a fairytale? In other words, do they marry for love or for convenience?
If you speak of russian people, love is very important. They are very romantic and sentimental, even though they can be boorish and clumsy. Love can be important for nomads, but life conditions are sometimes too difficult to make love a priority.

Do you have a story about men / women relationships to tell us ?
Yes, a love story between a man and his dogs.
When I left I didn’t think that I would shape a team of dogs during the trip. A dog team does not shape itself by chance. Each dog has its place depending on the qualities of its breed, its strenght, its personality and its wit. For example, the choice of the leading dog is very important. It’s a position with a lot of responsablity. Strength, brighteness and capacity to feel danger or difficulties make a good leadind dog.
My team, that pulled a sled of 400 kilograms during thousands of kilometers, became more knowledgeable along the trip. Even though the dogs were used to the cold climate they weren’t used to that kind of expeditions. We learned and became stronger together. We became a real family. It was hard but we also had fun moments. It’s hard to imagine but my dogs had a sence of humour. I fed them, and sometimes had to deprive myself. I looked after them first.
They paid back the love that I gave them so well. God knows how their support was important to me and how my dog Pushok, the leading dog, took us out of difficult situations. It was difficult for him to hold the main role.
Today they are still part of my life. They are resting near Moscow. I found them companions and the family is getting bigger. I go back as often as I can because I can’t imagine living without them for too long.

Are you going to write a book or make a movie about this expedition? What are your current projects? Will you leave soon again?
I am writing a book about this adventure. It will be out in October published by « Editions Laffont ». I also have a photo album project and I am preparing a movie. Of course, there are also my dogs. I hope to leave with them soon again for the north.

Should you wish to know more about his expedition or his other projects, check out Gilles’s website: www.arktika.org