This exclusive Arctic expedition aims to make a surface crossing of the Arctic Ocean between latitude 89N and the Geographic North Pole at 90N. Known as “The Last Degree”. Our team will be undertaking a foot journey of 60 nautical miles (approximately 70 statute miles). Among those taking part is the first deaf person to make it to the North Pole.
Our intrepid explorers are Mike Thornewill, Carl Morris, Ian Berry and Oliver Westbury. For more information why not meet the team.
The sole sponsors for this trip are Transam
Organisers of the event are:
Polar Challenge International – www.polarchallenge.org/
Bull Precision Expeditions – www.bullexpeditions.com
5 responses so far ↓
Ross Pullar // April 15, 2008 at 9:48 am
The first report from the team is in…
Sunday 13 April – Departure Day
The team left the UK after an emotional farewell on Sunday and has now arrived in Longyearbyen in Norway for the first part of their trip. They are spending today getting ready for the expedition ahead – we hope to hear from them very soon with all the latest news…
Ross Pullar // April 16, 2008 at 8:39 am
Wednesday 16th April – Very excited!
After two days of training and packing, the group are now waiting at the airport to be flown out to the ice! The flight has been delayed for a few hours due to the winds at the other end but they are expected to depart at 1pm today.
After the 2.5 hour flight they will have a short helicopter journey to Ice Station Borneo where they hope to fit in a mile or two of skiing later on this afternoon.
The whole group is very excited mixed with just a little apprehension and they would like to thank everyone for helping them get this far.
Ross // April 21, 2008 at 10:19 am
Thursday 17 April – First Day on the Ice
Start of the day
The team arrived safely last night just before 1am and set up their camp. They found it very strange that it was still light at 3am! Once the tents had been pitched, the group settled down for their first night on the ice!
This morning the team are looking forward to the interesting and exciting day ahead. The temperature today is a warm minus fifteen degrees! The team will be setting out for their first day of skiing. They are hoping to take advantage of the good ice conditions and cover a distance of 12-15km.
Not knowing quite what to expect, they are finding it all a bit surreal but are stunned by the breathtaking scenery surrounding them and enthusiastic about the start of their challenge!
End of the day!
Today the team had quite a short walking day, they covered 5 miles and what a day!! The eight of them had to cross a stretch of open water and only just made it before their rope ran out and they were all able to breathe a huge sigh of relief!
They then continued to weave their way, whilst admiring the intricate but spectacular scenery. Wendy ominously picked their way over the ice with a priceless expression her face but did brilliantly!
The position of the team by the evening was 89 25 degrees North and they are all well!
Ross Pullar // April 21, 2008 at 10:28 am
Friday 18 April – Carl’s a hero!
Today the team covered 7.5 miles, which is brilliant for a team their size. Carl’s ski binding broke just steps after leaving camp but he carried on all day. He also gained ‘hero status’ when he stopped tour guide Inge’s sledge from toppling into the water! The team are very happy spending the evening relaxing in their tents, they are all well and say ‘hi!’ to everyone back home.
Ross Pullar // April 21, 2008 at 10:31 am
Monday 21 April – Making great progress
By Sunday evening the team were located at 89 51 degrees North.
They have reported that they made great progress over the weekend, they are all doing really well and are very happy! The weather conditions are fantastic -cold and clear with no wind and plenty of sun. They are doing so well that they may not be out on the ice for as long as expected or wanted and now expect to be at the North Pole by tomorrow night!
They hope that all is well at home.