Slimming down to the essentials...
I am now slimmed down to just my Expedition gear. Today I packed and mailed off to London my 'excess' baggage...surface mail, as there is no point rushing it while I am 'otherwise occupied' till early May. So basically I only have my Polar suit and Arctic Boots as my 'casual' everyday gear. A wallet is wasted weight and space, so two necessary bank cards and my passport were sealed in a ziplock bag, and stored deep in my backpack inner pocket, only to be used after 90 deg N! Razor, hair and scrubbing brushes joined the items destined for London. Even my book has joined the Not for expedition' gear. (After discussions with others I can see I will be so dead tired each day, there won't be more than reading seconds!)
From the 'Catwalks' of the Arctic Ocean....
The latest in men's fashion wear, straight from the fashion houses of the Arctic! Long trousers with rear 'flap downs' for that cool, 'You decide how far you want it open at the rear', look! Haha...!
Many have asked: So how do you manage to the toilet at -50 Deg C? Well this is the part answer, convenient, specially designed gear! This is my Polar suit pants, which go under the soft wind shell. The other part of the toilet process is that you have to manage your bodily functions such that when you 'Have to go... you go!...No sitting around reading the paper etc...you will get serious frostbite! The good news is that the repetitive food, and routine mean that things become very predictable!
Pre-adventure wobblies....the mind games!
Probably, in anticipation of our departure this morning, I had a fairly restless night, and woke up a bit lonely...that sort of 'alone-ness' that I have experienced before, and which is the necessary reality of mentally preparing myself for the hard 'solo' personal struggle ahead. While there is lots of emotional support from many (Thanks!) this 'alone-ness' is about being physically alone, socially isolated from normal 'luxuries', and me being 100% responsible for getting my mind and body to the Pole without help and harm. I found my mind drifting back to some of my previous solo adventures, dwelling on both the very high and the very low spots, and how I rose to the adversities.
I even skimmed through my 'highlight' photos and gradually the 'fear' transformed into huge excitement and confidence. While the cold of the Arctic and the pulling of a sled are new challenges, I quickly locked on to the 'strength of mind' I have built up across many first time, and difficult situations with the diversity of solo cycling, sailing and sea kayaking adventures I have done.
When I looked at it like that, This Arctic challenge was now not totally new and scary, but rather a more extreme version of a well know path for me. That simple twist, removes the fear, and taps into my spirit of adventure and the desire to extend my already honed skills and competencies...... This may however be the most demanding adventure yet! I thanked my 'lucky stars' for having the privilege to be able to immerse myself in this experience.
In this world where I am currently 'playing', I am intrigued by the discussions that go around whether Everest is more difficult than the North Pole, and what is bigger better, harder, etc...? As a solo sailor, and solo adventurer, I am alone in these circles. Few know the world of the ocean sailor, and even less the perspective of the solo adventurer, these are expedition team people, and mainly mountaineers / serious polar adventurers. Almost without exception all the people I have met since embarking on this polar diversion, openly state they would "never go solo", nor see the attraction of solo pursuits. I do understand and respect their perspective, but inside me I know that somehow the solo adventurer is the purist of them all! (Pen Hadow's solo, unsupported trip along the same route we are taking, is truly an awesome achievement which I relate to quiet closely, and respect hugely.) After listening to these discussions about which is the hardest, biggest etc, I just can't wait to put this North Pole team expedition experience into context of my my solo world, and be able to have my measurement scale....In some ways I feel sad that I have been sucked up into this senseless ranking and in my view ego driven debate. I hope that knowing my own truth will give me the freedom to remain peacefully quiet in the presence of these discussions. That's all it's about, the relatives for those that There is no doubt that this North Pole expedition is going to be very challenging, and I am looking forward to doing my own 'harder, bigger, better' and assessing the impact on this ranking of the team support element and me 'leaning on' Richard's experienced leadership.
Over a few 'last night' beers (Resolute is a dry town!), David and I shared our 'top worry' areas, and interest how different and personal ours were. Mine were around tent comfort, and feet, cold management. The conversation moved to emergency rescue decision making: How we will react in a situation where their is potential loss of toes, fingers to frostbite? When do you bail rather than sacrifice fingers or toes? Knowing one's limits, one's personality and where we each draw the line, is key in all this....Powerful stuff!
The Arctic Giraffe gets a Name....
As 'we' prepare to walk to the North Pole together and my team mates have accepted my 'strange African buddy', he has been officially named "Indinda" after my Wanderer persona, and his extensive travels. Indinda means "Wanderer" in Zulu, one of the major African cultures within South Africa.
Lastly....not the ideal way to start this trip...
Somehow I seem determined to give my middle toe on my right foot the ultimate test! It was the one worst affected by the -40 C frost nip in December, but 5 days ago I slipped down a staircase, and with only socks on, I kicked the balustrade hard as I tried to stop the fall. It was bloody, seriously painful and cost me another toenail...yes same toe. It's been very swollen and sore after a four hour walk, and I am in denial about the possibility it's cracked. I lie here with my right foot raised, hoping to speed up the recovery...hmmm, maybe this enforced rest day is Mother Nature taking a real maternal role over her 52 year old 'little boy'. I am 90% sure it will be ok, but I'd prefer not to have the 10% niggle. It's never simple or easy hey!
Next one from Resolute... I am sooo.... excited now!!
Thanks for sharing the mysteries surrounding the dumping of solid waste with us ! We also worry about the liquid waste turning to ice before it hits the ground !Sorry to hear about the toe H , it sounds like it is just another challenge. Hope the blizzard abates !
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