Penguin Charlie's position as at tonight is 86 degrees 14 minutes North, 62 degrees 23minutes West. That's strange, you may say, I thought they were at 86deg18N, 66deg1W two days ago? You're memory serves you well. The last two days is a good reminder that this is not just a "walk in the park" and that, unlike the Antartic, this is not ice capped land but is a constantly moving ice pack. Yesterday, Penguin Charlie walked for some 6 hours in some pretty inclement weather, in particular, a strong penetrating wind from which it is important to keep your face protected. At the end of the day' s slog they checked their GPS reading only to find out that they were still at the the same position North as they started, 86deg18mins. Furthermore their "westerly" position had moved a little East despite the team travelling in a North West direction through out the day. This level of drift is playing havoc with all the expeditions on the ice and daily presents the question of whether to proceed true North or to compensate by walking partially into the drift. Today the weather deterioated even further making any travel very difficult, so bearing in mind that they were camped near what appeared to be an acceptable airstrip, they stayed put but inevitably ended up drifting South East during the course of the day. This evening, following a radio conversation between Penguin Charlie and the air pilots it was agreed that in view of the weather, their chosen airstrip was probably inappropriate therefore it was decided to head North and seek an alternative strip later today.
Good morning ..... (Penguin Sue, Reserve here). It's now morning on 26/4/97, we have spoken to Penguin Charlie who are at this moment setting off to clock up as many miles as they can, and find a suitable airstrip. Meanwhile, Delta remain on standby, itching to get on with the job they are here to do. They are like racehorses at the starting gates, very restless. Spending their time packing and re packing, writing diarys, letters to loved ones, listening to music, eatting!!, going out for walks and skiing. Yesterday, four of us on skis set off to ski back down to the Hamlet across the bottom of the runway, up on to the hills over looking the airport. Blue sky, bright sunlight, the temp. was -15 c and a cold wind was starting to pick up from the North causing snow to blow snake like around our feet and off in to wilderness. There wasn't a lot of chit chat, the girls were quietly thinking to themselves. Just wanting to get some exercise rather than sit in No. 75, the house we are staying in down at the Hamlet. It took us about two hours over the snow and ice covered hills, following the strange Inuit cairns which are perched on the top of each high point. It's a real joy to be out on skis without pulling a Pulk behind you, and we had a few laughs when we kept tumbling over trying to do ski tricks, which are very hard on crosscountry skis with skins on. At one point our speed doubled, when Juliette thought she'd found some polar bear tracks! Rosie also pulled out a mirror, and we had a little signalling practice using the sun's reflection, just in case we had to dazzle a charging polar bear! The change over was to have taken place yesterday, but bad weather up on the ice (very windy) postponed this, also the pilot was not happy with the airstrip Charlie had found. There was BIG discussions on the radio last night with regards to the length and condition of the airstrip. The outcome of this being a no go, because of the presence of a 12' pressure ridge close to one end. So Charlie will radio in usual time tonight, hopefully with good news and the change over will take place as soon as a plane can reach them. About my stay here in Resolute Bay. Well, I don't know quite where to start! I've probably seen more of the place than anyone. I've had more freetime to explore and get to know the locals. It has not been easy for me being reserve, but very frustrating, knowing I could do it. Not really fitting into any team, but training just as hard if not harder than many relay members just incase my services are called on. I keep telling myself, on the positive side that I've done my best and if I was ever needed I'm here and I'm ready. Maybe, I've earned my place on the next expedition. I've trained out here with Charlie and helped train Delta, and I've got to know the girls and admire each and everyone, for their determination to give it their best. I'm sure like me, they've each been to the North Pole and back many times in their dreams. Also, a big, big well done to the teams that have completed their legs and to the teams waiting to go, I hope they all get out there, give it their very best and enjoy themselves. This is Sue Self signing out from Resolute Bay. 189 miles gone, 211 miles to go |