Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
may 2
Today, unlike yesterday, it was fine and still. Our bad luck may just have
run out, as I had hoped. The temperature was back up to -21 degrees,
and it was easier to navigate and identify the thin ice and crevasses.
We pushed hard all day, and I felt sure that we had covered more than
20 kilometres. We hadn't: Eric informed us we'd only done 18 kilo-
metres. Clark and Jose let out a 'Yeah!' I was disappointed that they
were happy with such a short distance.
may 3
Such a beautiful day. There was no wind, the sun was out, and the
temperature hovered around -18. I was able to duck outside the tent
and go to the toilet with only my boots and thermal clothing on.
This weather makes life infinitely easier. The kayaks are also around
1.8 kilograms lighter every day, as we consume our food and fuel. We
have all noticed the difference in the weight, and if we don't have too
many water crossings this should relate to faster trekking with more
distance covered.
Today, we managed a creditable 21 kilometres. We had to cross
some pressure ridges and lots of water, but we were very quick, on our
game. It seems that everyone now knows just what to do when they
come to a problem. I know these guys are doing their best. Even so, I
felt lethargic today, as if I was running on empty. I just want to get out
of these snowshoes and into some real running shoes.
Jose is sweating a lot more with the warmer weather. Tonight,
we're sharing a tent, and he hung his socks over the top of the din-
ner pot. The sweat from his socks dripped into our dinner. He was
genuinely surprised when I declined my share and opted for some dry
noodles from the packet.
may 4
The weather has been perfect and the navigation easy. Hopefully, now
we can make the most of it and start achieving some 25-kilometre days.
My fear is that everyone is enjoying the better weather and they may
forget I'm in a race against time. I worry that they will relax mentally.
