The team phoned in today to report that they reached the North Pole at 2:45 PM Longyearbyen time. A huge congratulations to everyone on the team! They have worked very hard to earn every single mile, and now, after a long journey they have finally reached 90 degrees North. Way to go! We couldn't be more proud and happy for the group.
Upon arrival the team had a celebration that included setting off flares, taking dozens of photos, calling home to family and friends and many words of congratulation. It was a welcome relief to be able to stop traveling. The day was very overcast with extremely flat light that made the travel difficult. In flat light it can be very hard to discern any variation in the ice and by the end of a the day your eyes and brain are literally exhausted from looking so hard for any indication of bumps, divots, ice blocks, cracks...anything! Rick mentioned that today was one of the most challenging days just because of the flat light.
Luckily their hard work is over now they get to kick back, relax, celebrate and savor the sweet taste of success. We imagine that there will be celebrations long into the night, and then some very sound sleep for our team members.
The current plan is for the team to be picked up tomorrow morning by helicopter and brought back to the Borneo basecamp from where they will catch their return flight to Longyearbyen. Tomorrow is Wendy's birthday and weather permitting she will get the very pleasurable gift of a hot shower and comfortable bed! Of course if the weather does not cooperate the team could be on the ice for another night.
The team phoned in an audio report but the signal was very weak and the call was dropped. If they call back again we will be sure to post the audio report. Otherwise we expect to hear from the team again tomorrow, so check back again soon for another update.
Again, a huge congratulations to the 2011North Pole Dogsled & Ski Expedition on a job VERY well done!
 |
| The North Pole, at last! |
Upon arrival the team had a celebration that included setting off flares, taking dozens of photos, calling home to family and friends and many words of congratulation. It was a welcome relief to be able to stop traveling. The day was very overcast with extremely flat light that made the travel difficult. In flat light it can be very hard to discern any variation in the ice and by the end of a the day your eyes and brain are literally exhausted from looking so hard for any indication of bumps, divots, ice blocks, cracks...anything! Rick mentioned that today was one of the most challenging days just because of the flat light.
 |
| Happy to have arrived at the Pole! |
Luckily their hard work is over now they get to kick back, relax, celebrate and savor the sweet taste of success. We imagine that there will be celebrations long into the night, and then some very sound sleep for our team members.
 |
| Rick before hitting the sac. The team will sleep well tonight! |
The current plan is for the team to be picked up tomorrow morning by helicopter and brought back to the Borneo basecamp from where they will catch their return flight to Longyearbyen. Tomorrow is Wendy's birthday and weather permitting she will get the very pleasurable gift of a hot shower and comfortable bed! Of course if the weather does not cooperate the team could be on the ice for another night.
The team phoned in an audio report but the signal was very weak and the call was dropped. If they call back again we will be sure to post the audio report. Otherwise we expect to hear from the team again tomorrow, so check back again soon for another update.
Again, a huge congratulations to the 2011North Pole Dogsled & Ski Expedition on a job VERY well done!
No comments:
Post a Comment