Expedition Update # 4 - 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: 7/7/05 Time: 11:08 am Position: 30,000 feet, somewhere between Sydney & Vancouver Summary: It's a hard life Weather: Blue sunny skies (but then again we are above the cloud level) Temperature: 15 - 20 Deg C Message: We can't stop grinning. As I type this Clark and I are sitting in the best seats on the plane, glass of champagne in hand, nibbling on a little bowl of nuts, listening to some beautiful classical music. The captain just came and crouched down beside us and chatted to us about our expedition - he used to fly over the Arctic islands. I can't touch the back of the seat in front if I stretch my legs out as far as I can. The 4-course lunch menu is headed by "Grilled Fillet of Salmon: enhanced by Parisienne jus and Red Onion Jam with Truffle Riscotto, green asparagus and sliced Bacon". But we've both opted for the Ravioli. As we settled down in our reclined chairs, the air hostess smiled and said "we hope you enjoy a bit of luxury at the start of this expedition..." BEN CHARLTON - AIR CANADA.... YOU ARE A CHAMPION!!!! (Sorry, just had to raise my foot rest). Today has been literally unbelievable. Absolutely. We woke at 4:15 after just 2hrs sleep, and within minutes the film crew from Becker Entertainment turned up and resumed filming as we ate a delicious toasted bacon sandwich (thanks Mum!), said our goodbyes and hopped into the Air Port Shuttle. We were not alone - the whole crew - camera man, sound man, director all piled in and we stared out through bleary eyes in disbelief as our adventure began to unfold. A few last probing interview questions in the shuttle on the way in, and then.... then... then... sorry. Just got distracted. Flight crew just delicately passed us a hot wet towel. While shifting it from scorching hand to scorching hand, Clark cunningly spotted another passenger wipe it across his brow. Agh ha! Ofcourse. We knew that. Ben (Our contact at Air Canada), enthusiastically met us at check-in this morning with our sponsored tickets. As we walked through the boarding gates, these tickets were then confiscated from us, and replaced with two more, "which I'm sure you'll find more comfortable." Clark and I currently have a mutual understanding that we are not to look at each other, else we both start laughing. There is now barely room for the laptop on my desk, what with all the china plates, salt & pepper shakers, wine glasses and plates of restaurant-worthy meals.... and I do believe it was only this morning while walking through Customs that my phone rang (some 07 number - Queensland?) and we found ourselves live to air, anwering that same question yet again... "Tell us guys, why on earth would you want to do this???" If only they could see us now. "Camembert??....." Yes please! Expecting a piece on a biscuit, we were both handed a wedge each and a set of biscuits, complete with kebabs of fried fruits, glass of port..! Another lunch seems to be on its way, better sign off.... Thanks SO SO much to everyone who has got us here, giving us the funds, gear and encouragement to pursue this dream of ours. I absolutely can not finish here without one last thank-you to Air Canada. Words fail both of us in expressing this. What a start to an amazing adventure! Cheerio, Chris & Clark Oh my - there are prawns on the menu. No joke, and they will serve it at a time that suits us. What is this?!! Back to updates list To send us a message, please contact us anytime!