The team awoke today around 9:00 and had breakfast polar-style (bagels fried with bacon...mmmmm....) It was a beautiful sunny day with temperatures a little colder than yesterday. The helicopter picked them up around 13:00 and took them back to Borneo. From the helicopter the team had a birds-eye view of the ice they had just traversed.
They left Borneo at 16:30 and were back in Longyearbyen at 19:00. At the celebratory dinner the conversation was often about the continuing adventure (no one knows how they are going to get home!)
We congratulate the team on a job well done and we look forward to the South Pole next season!
Thanks for following along on our adventure!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Saturday, April 17, 2010
April 17, 2010 - At the North Pole!!
The team successfully reached the North Pole today and called in from 90 degrees North! They had a beautiful day with gorgeous weather, sunny, 10-12 degrees F, calm, excellent ice conditions. They skied 5 km to reach the North Pole.
They celebrated with champagne and lots of pictures. They have set up camp and are looking forward to dinner. Everyone is in great spirits.
Congratulations to all on a most successful journey! They plan to be picked up tomorrow afternoon to fly back to Barneo, then on to Longyearbyen.
Check back tomorrow for the next update.
They celebrated with champagne and lots of pictures. They have set up camp and are looking forward to dinner. Everyone is in great spirits.
Congratulations to all on a most successful journey! They plan to be picked up tomorrow afternoon to fly back to Barneo, then on to Longyearbyen.
Check back tomorrow for the next update.
Friday, April 16, 2010
April 16, 2010 - To the ice!
The team kicked off the day with breakfast and shortly thereafter were transported to the airport to go through security for the flight to Barneo. Even though this is a charter flight through the middle of nowhere literally, the same security procedures apply- no lighters, no knives, etc. It was a beautiful day for flying- weather was clear, sunny and calm. Around 10:00 a.m., they took off. When they arrived in Barneo, they had a tour of this unique basecamp and made themselves comfortable at their home away from home for their first night. This will undoubtedly be one of the most unique places where they ever spend the night. After a meal in the mess tent, they went for a practice ski over the polar sea ice and then returned to the warmth and comfort of the basecamp. When they called in, they had just finished dinner and they were socializing in the mess tent with the other residents of Barneo (there are a number of scientists and North Pole adventurers from around the world).
You might be wondering if they are seeing volcanic ash. The cloud is actually traveling quite a bit to the south of them and flights to and from the North Pole region have been uninterrupted. In fact, there was even a commercial flight from Longyearbyen to mainland Norway today. We will certainly keep you posted if they see any ash.
Check back tomorrow for another update from the ice.
You might be wondering if they are seeing volcanic ash. The cloud is actually traveling quite a bit to the south of them and flights to and from the North Pole region have been uninterrupted. In fact, there was even a commercial flight from Longyearbyen to mainland Norway today. We will certainly keep you posted if they see any ash.
Check back tomorrow for another update from the ice.
April 15, 2010 - Getting ready
Today was spent organizing gear, packing sleds, adjusting bindings, setting up tents and going for a quick ski. All important things to be comfortable with prior to heading to the ice. Everyone looks very prepared and did a great job with the training. They look forward to their flight tomorrow to Borneo.
It was a beautiful but windy day in the Arctic and by evening the clouds had come down into the valley and there were snow flurries that battered your skin as you walked. The team had a nice dinner and most had an early night in order to be fresh for tomorrow and the start of this amazing journey.
It was a beautiful but windy day in the Arctic and by evening the clouds had come down into the valley and there were snow flurries that battered your skin as you walked. The team had a nice dinner and most had an early night in order to be fresh for tomorrow and the start of this amazing journey.
April 14, 2010 - Welcome to Longyearbyen!
After much anticipation, everybody has arrived in Longyearbyen. They officially kicked off the expedition this evening with a welcome reception and dinner. A few of the team members have been in Longyearbyen for several days.
Charles, Anna and Karine joined our polar shakedown training and spent 3 days and 2 nights out on the land learning about polar travel. Jeff arrived a couple of days early and took a special trip by snowmobile to Templefjord where he saw many seals and a few sets of fresh polar bear tracks. Sari walked down to the harbor to take pictures of the beautiful surroundings. Hannu and Audun arrived just prior to the dinner.
Everyone is looking forward to a great adventure. They will start bright and early with preparations tomorrow morning. Check back tomorrow for another update from the team.
Charles, Anna and Karine joined our polar shakedown training and spent 3 days and 2 nights out on the land learning about polar travel. Jeff arrived a couple of days early and took a special trip by snowmobile to Templefjord where he saw many seals and a few sets of fresh polar bear tracks. Sari walked down to the harbor to take pictures of the beautiful surroundings. Hannu and Audun arrived just prior to the dinner.
Everyone is looking forward to a great adventure. They will start bright and early with preparations tomorrow morning. Check back tomorrow for another update from the team.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Only a few more days...
We are in final preparations for our upcoming ski expedition to the North Pole. As we speak, over 1000 lbs of food and gear are being packed and shipped to Norway. Make sure to check back starting April 14 for the latest on the expedition!
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