There’s just 10 days to go now until I depart for Oslo. The sense of anticipation is becoming quite overwhelming but I have to keep my feet on the ground as there’s still much to be done as well as running the Carole Nash business!
I met with our Team Leader Rune Gjeldnes to get a few last minute preparation tips. For a man who has achieved so much, he’s incredibly humble. With the great feats of exploration he has achieved in a stunning career this expedition probably seems to him just like another day in the office. Of course as an experienced professional ever aware of the real and present dangers the Arctic presents, he shows no complacency and is keen to share his knowledge of conquering the icy wilderness. Among a host of great tips is one I certainly won’t forget; bring a large “pee bottle” for use in my sleeping bag! There will be no nipping out of the tent when the temperature might be an unforgiving -40oC.
We also have another polar legend, David Hempleman Adams helping us. David, who is a personal friend of mine and who I have helped in a very small way on several of his record-breaking expeditions over the past ten years, is the expedition Director and will oversee our training in Spitsbergen. He won’t be joining us on the trek as he is leading a mountain expedition on Svalbard at the time, but he might make the pick up if we get as far as the pole.
Staying in the same biological area I’ve also been sourcing and testing kit – starting with thermal underwear! These are lined with Merino wool which is one of nature’s wonders, being a natural body heat regulator, anti-bacterial deodoriser and water absorbent. In short it will keep me warm and relatively fragrant important as I shall not be washing for 3 weeks! It’s also very soft and quite light.
Lightweight wear is a theme. I need light clothing to trek in otherwise I’ll sweat – and sweat freezes. So Merino wool features in my underlayers which are covered by Gore-Tex trousers and jacket. When I stop I’ll swap the latter for a goosedown garment to halt the familiar sweat that follows strenuous exertion. At such extreme temperatures I need to make sure every bit of skin is covered so my fetching Arctic outfit is finished off with inner gloves, outer and mid mitts, a neck gaiter, goggles and one or two balaclavas. I’m still struggling to get the balaclava I want, a really comfortable but heavy duty bit of headgear. I’ve found it in a medium size but apparently I have a big head – I can see that being a cue for a few ready-made jibes! Anyway if anyone out there knows where I can get a large Gorilla balaclava in the UK please do get in touch!
Talking of large things I’ve been testing out my special boots with a spot of hillwalking. Unlike me these have been tested at both poles and are proven to perform in temperatures of -100oC. They have no fewer than eight layers of thermal protection and you have to buy a size above your normal – which means I’ve been up hill and down dale in what seem like giant size 13s.
All this effort is very much worthwhile though and just serves to fuel my excitement as I ready for what will be the greatest physical challenge I’ve ever faced. Of course my other great challenge is to raise cash for Riders For Health and BASIC The tally is rising but I still need your help to really make a difference. Please give what you can – see the links below – and remember there’s no time like the present! Special thanks to Chris Guillaume of OGI for his corporate donation this week!
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http://www.justgiving.com/DavidNewmanNorthPoleRiders
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Best wishes,
David.
From katie newman:
good luck uncle david.from katie.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx