Expedition Update # 10 - Direct from the High-Arctic! These updates are composed on our sub-notebook computer, which is powered by solar panels courtesy of UNSW, then sent using software from Global Marine Networks, over a satellite mobile phone provided by Landwide Satellite Solutions. Thanks very much to all involved! Date: 31/7/05 Time: 11:00pm Position: 69.868 Deg N, 100.867 Deg W Summary: It has begun! Location Map: Click the map to the left and a new browser window will open, directed to Google's new satellite maps feature. The map view will be centred on our current location. Zoom in for more detail. Weather: Cloudy but sunny Temperature: about 5 deg C Message: Well, 10 months ago we envisaged what it would be like to stand alone in the arctic wilderness on Victoria Island, just us two and no one else for hundreds of km... we worked towards it, and here we are. After delays, setbacks and often seemingly insurmountable problems, our dream is at last a reality!!!!! Now.. I would write more, but we have just done our first day of hauling, and we are absolutely, totally exhausted. Some little things have worn & broken, which we have repaired. We are learning every step of the way, not pushing ourselves too hard.. just taking it 1 step at a time. That's the only way it is possible. We were dropped off last night at a lake just south and inland of our 'start' point - the most easterly tip of Victoria Island - because the coast itself is crushed with pack-ice and the seaplane could not land. We are now about 2km south of the 'start' point, but now on the coast. The landscape is totally bizarre, just sharp tile-like shale as far as the eye can see. A little Arctic Fox just popped over for a visit. I can't write anymore. Sleeepp...sleeeeep... More later... Thanks to everyone who helped us get this far. (Us & our 2 pilots, Seconds before the 2 seaplanes fly off into the distance leaving us alone in the arctic wilderness) (Little Arctic Fox that visited our campsite just now - still some winter white fur.) Back to updates list To send us a message, please contact us anytime!