The weather is terrible. We have been bowing our heads fighting a fierce headwind. Each hour we’re drifting 1 km in the wrong direction, losing much of our progress. There is virtually zero visibility and many open leads. We hope to find a way out of here tomorrow.
The expedition members are exhausted – but everyone is doing well and proving they can get the job done even under these adverse conditions.
By satellite phone we have been told that the runway at Ice Station Barneo is closed after the ice cracked. The crew up there is working hard to fix it; if worst comes to worst, they will have to make a new runway.
I’m proud of everyone. We’re working great together as a team and spirits are high. All of us are hoping for good news and good weather tomorrow.
We haven’t heard from you all in a few days. We know the weather has been bad at Borneo, hopefully all is well with the Team and you have not been confined to tent. We await you next update. Best of Luck and regards, Stephen.
I just returned from 10 days (9 nights) at Barneo. The runway opened on Friday April 20 – first flight landing around 1:10pm. There were leads developing on both ends of the new (now the 3rd!) runway – but as of our departure – didn’t pose a problem. At least 2 flights left on Friday. It’s been quite a week there – lots of stories, friendships and of course, vodka. David