We are in our tents for the very last time this season – at least on the Arctic ice. The helicopter picked us up at 6pm this evening and flew us to Ice Station Barneo, where we are now camped.
Earlier today we left our camp on the North Pole and headed south. We had a careful hope of finding an open lead – and we did, which was lucky, because almost all the terrain around us was completely frozen and the ice packed together. There was almost no seawater in view at all, just this one open lead. But it was enough to allow us to once again test our special water-tight suit.
Even more impressive and fun is that Hege proved to be tougher than all the boys put together. She stripped off all her clothes and took a plunge in the icy water! Today she was the only one who took a swim on the North Pole – not a single one of the boys dared follow her brave example.
It seems that ice bathing at the North Pole is about to become a traditional entry on our programme. Several brave souls on this year’s expeditions have proved that it is possible; but that will be quite a challenge for future expeditions to follow. You get an incredible kick and energy surge from an ice bath! We set up our tent and lit the stove to raise the temperature, making it possible to change clothes in reasonably warm surroundings. That is an absolute must when the air temperature outside is –15˚C. It was a great finale!
By the time we were done, the helicopter had arrived at the North Pole; once again we hurries northward. Our skilled Russian pilot flew us safely back to Ice Station Barneo. The Russians are now in the process of dismantling the base – taking down the tents, packing down all their tools and equipment.
In fact, the very flights from Barneo leave tomorrow. Our group is booked to go on the first aeroplane, at 09.30, which means we shall arrive in Longyearbyean nice and early. When the last of the tents, equipment and vehicles are loaded on board the very last aeroplane, which leaves later during the day, the ice at Barneo will be left just as pristine as they found it. After those two aeroplanes have headed south, the logistics for expeditions is gone.
The Russians need to re-establish Ice Station Barneo every single year. There is no base this far north until next spring, and there will be no more expedition by way of Barneo until the beginning of April 2009.
So this is it, folks. These three expeditions have been wonderful adventures.
I must confess that I am deeply impressed by what the Russians have achieved up here. They have done a great job, making every effort to ensure a safe and good experience for everybody. And they have done so despite rather difficult conditions – the reason is that Barneo has drifted down to 87 degrees latitude. There has been an enormous southward ice drift since the base was established, up to 20 km per day. Ice Station Barneo’s original position this year was N89˚30’; our GPS now shows it to be at N87˚58’. That much movement is most unusual.
As a result, operating the base has been more expensive, because it requires more fuel to fly the expeditions up near the North Pole. The helicopter pilots have been flying very long legs, but they have fulfilled their commitments. There has not been a single delay – and that is an impressive feat! We have been in the best of hands, and have even been offered to stay in their nice and warm, large tents when we have been at Barneo.
Right now, however, we are camped in our own tents. The others are being packed, the base disappearing before our eyes. We did, however, enjoy a final meal in the nice and warm canteen tent – several generous portions of Russian soup.
So this is it. And all is well!
this was a great final. I had hope to se Hege jumping into the water, because it sounds to cold to be true
welcome home to everybody.