Icetrek North Pole Ski 2017
Apr 05
#2: on the ice
Published at 19:33
We didn't depart on the Antonov flight from Longyearbyen until 12.30am, together with 4 other teams, all skiing a last degree to the North Pole. Sleep on the cramped and noisy plane was impossible and our 3am arrival was immediately followed by unloading, filling fuel bottles, briefings and loading onto helicopters.
We landed at 89 North at 6am with no sleep and decided to ski, covering a respectable 12km in 4 hours. 3km/h is rare on the Arctic Ocean. But after the first honeymoon hour we started to feel the sub-30c cold, the loads and the transverse sastrugi that stymied a rhythmic advance. We stopped at 12 and I immediately peeled John's accreted shell jacket from his inner fleece. He'd been travelling too warmly, tomorrow we'll make some adjustments to decrease icing up.
After camping an afternoon snooze came easily, to me at least, and we're now enjoying a post-dinner hot chocolate.
First day done! Couldn't be happier.
Happy Birthday Billie! Sorry your uncle is always on the ice.
Eric
Pics of John and I with the Antonov ad Longyearbyen airport, John skiing past an ice block, duo selfie and John drying out in the tent.
We landed at 89 North at 6am with no sleep and decided to ski, covering a respectable 12km in 4 hours. 3km/h is rare on the Arctic Ocean. But after the first honeymoon hour we started to feel the sub-30c cold, the loads and the transverse sastrugi that stymied a rhythmic advance. We stopped at 12 and I immediately peeled John's accreted shell jacket from his inner fleece. He'd been travelling too warmly, tomorrow we'll make some adjustments to decrease icing up.
After camping an afternoon snooze came easily, to me at least, and we're now enjoying a post-dinner hot chocolate.
First day done! Couldn't be happier.
Happy Birthday Billie! Sorry your uncle is always on the ice.
Eric
Pics of John and I with the Antonov ad Longyearbyen airport, John skiing past an ice block, duo selfie and John drying out in the tent.
- Name: Camp 1
- Elevation: 1 m
- Latitude: 89° 7’ 9” North
- Longitude: 135° 40’ 27” East
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