We’re in our tents again now, after spending a day exploring our exotic surroundings. The expedition members have seen lots of pack ice and beautiful, strange ice formations – this really is like stepping into a different world! Some who are here for the first time have commented that it is as if we are surrounded by the landscape of another planet.
It has been a fine, sunny day, but a bit windier than yesterday, and much of the time we have walked about with the wind at our backs. Since we haven’t been required to aim for any particular destination, we have headed and explored where we pleased. You might say that the wind has made some decisions for us; it’s quite cold, the thermometer shows –32˚C, and when you add the wind factor you can really feel it. During each pause we have felt the cold start gnawing into our bones, but have quickly regained our warmth as we started walking again. That was fine when wind was out our backs, but as soon as we turned around, which of course we eventually had to, we suffered that biting wind in our faces!
Now we’re pleased to back, sheltered in our tents. Our gas stoves are lit, and as we look forward to a nice warm dinner we’re chatting and relaxing. According to our plan, we’re being picked up at around 12 noon tomorrow. We’ll fly back to Ice Station Barneo, where we shall spend one night. On Sunday the 13th of April we expect to be homeward bound on a larger aeroplane.
All is well. It has been great to explore the North Pole at a relaxed pace, to have time to savour it all. Everyone seems pleased with the itinerary and what they’re experiencing – especially the opportunity to have two full days and nights up here. It’s a great adventure!
Right near our camp is an extended line of pack ice, twisted up into the air by the great force of currents beneath the ice. When we climbed up on top, we could see a vast panorama, many kilometres in each direction. It really is exotic and magnificent up here, and I am glad they have the opportunity to experience that.
Our campsite is well placed, we are all doing fine, and everything is right on schedule.
