Training Expedition - Dispatches from Team

25 January 2010 - Day 1 – Ian Belcher
N78° 12.069’
E015° 35.295
Here we are in Svalbard on day one of our training expedition. We have spent the last two weeks learning all of the skills required to survive in Arctic conditions and are thoroughly prepared to give it a go for real (under supervision of course!). Unfortunately the weather has been pretty poor today (Too warm at +2 degrees C and heavy rain) so we have not ventured out. The mood of the team is mixed, on the one hand we understand that the weather cannot be helped and it would be foolish to venture out in these conditions (limited or no training benefit and the potential of ruining some very expensive equipment) but on the other hand we are all very eager to use the skills we have learnt and prepare ourselves for the immense challenge we have ahead of us. The weather is set to improve tomorrow so we are optimistic that we can get the skis out and commence the journey through the Advendalen valley to the coast. Tonight we will eat our dehydrated meals in the guest house, which is not the way it is meant to be but such is life in the world of expeditions!

Ice Warrior Training Expedition Diary

26 January 2010 Svalbard Guesthouse 102 – Day 2 – Lou Cameron

N78° 12.069’

E015° 35.295

9am

Temperatures have dropped slightly to -2 degrees and there’s a good dusting of snow so we’re heading out which is a decision that has been welcomed by all. Due to high winds (41-50 knots/10m per second) the team vote was to head for a ski this morning and pitch camp later, hopefully in the snow! All feeling a bit sluggish with “bricks” in our stomachs after our first morning of monstrous rat pack porridge, but I’m sure these portions will be much appreciated when out on the ice in -30C burning thousands of calories. Jim says he burns up to 8.5k on expedition a day so our 3.5k daily expedition allowance may seem a lot now but it won’t then.

12.15pm

Just back from a great ski practising up and downhill techniques ( “the herringbone” and “the grind”). Temperatures dropped to -6 and later to -11C but with the wind force which literally blew us over at points and along at great speed at others, it’s -20 with windchill (which dropped to -32 later). We’re now tucking into much appreciated coffee and nosebags with our wet gear tucked on the radiators. What a treat to be able to dry kit out. Our learning this morning was that you might feel seriously hot when working hard and burning up quite a sweat in your jacket but exposed skin might be cold and numb without you realising – ie cheeks. We girls have nearly all returned with frozen wind-chapped cheekbones just below the eye! It’s easy to see how you could get frostbite at -40C without knowing it. A neck gaiter (“buff”) is a must in these conditions.

3pm

After a debrief we’ve decided to hold off setting up camp today due to ferociously high winds (force 6-9) for fear of shredding tents, as these are the tents we’ll be taking on expedition with us. There was general frustration at still not being able to get out but once we all ventured outside for an emergency bivvy team exercise we respected Howard’s and Jim’s decisions… Think it’s fair to say none of us would want to pitch a tent while it’s blowing such a hooley.

5pm

Back inside, de-kitted and back to the meeting room for a talk and video session demonstration how and when to use the pen flares and Verry gun, and establishing camp rotas (bear watch, leader, navigator, diary writer). Staying in again tonight.

Ice Warrior Website

Ice Warrior Training Expedition Diary

25 January 2010 - Day 1 – Ian Belcher

N78° 12.069’

E015° 35.295


Here we are in Svalbard on day one of our training expedition. We have spent the last two weeks learning all of the skills required to survive in Arctic conditions and are thoroughly prepared to give it a go for real (under supervision of course!). Unfortunately the weather has been pretty poor today (Too warm at +2 degrees C and heavy rain) so we have not ventured out. The mood of the team is mixed, on the one hand we understand that the weather cannot be helped and it would be foolish to venture out in these conditions (limited or no training benefit and the potential of ruining some very expensive equipment) but on the other hand we are all very eager to use the skills we have learnt and prepare ourselves for the immense challenge we have ahead of us. The weather is set to improve tomorrow so we are optimistic that we can get the skis out and commence the journey through the Advendalen valley to the coast. Tonight we will eat our dehydrated meals in the guest house, which is not the way it is meant to be but such is life in the world of expeditions!

Ice Warrior Website

Wilderness Lectures

I'll be giving a talk for Wilderness Lectures December 16th 2009. More details here - http://www.wildernesslectures.com/speaker.php?id=111

Jim McNeill's guiding, survival and logistics expertise is employed by BBC film crews on location in extreme environments. Jim is ITV News' own “Ice Warrior”, reporting the reality of climate change directly from the Arctic Ocean to audiences around the globe. The story will continue on ITV next year as he attempts the last, so far unattained, World First in polar expeditioning - to be the first person to reach the very centre of the Arctic Ocean – the Arctic Pole.

Copenhagen Summit - climate change

During the Copenhagen Summit on climate change I thought I’d put across my view and that shared by our team members.

Firstly, a comment on a talk I gave at Lloyd’s of London for the catering giant Avenance:

“Climate change is one of the great challenges for business and industry currently. Jim gave our city clients an evening that challenged them, in a way that was relevant to the current climate change debate. His presentation was fascinating, engaging and inspirational. The story that led to him becoming an arctic explorer and why he continues with his research expeditions gave his presentation context, made sense of the scientific elements and really made you sit up and think. He demonstrated a resilience and endurance that would have seen most collapse under the strain of travel and performance. The man was a breath of fresh air and gave our audience a sense a being privy to something personal and special. The event was a huge success and the feedback we have received outstanding. We thank Jim and wish him continued success with his Arctic Pole Expedition in 2010.”

Chris Sprague, Managing Director, Avenance

Friends in High Places

We seem to getting all sorts of support from some really great people at the moment – all very encouraging!

I met Michael Palin, who is now the President of The Royal Geographical Society (I’ve been a Fellow since 1994) last weekend and told him all about the expedition and he very kindly sent me this message for the team:

Hi Jim,

It was all a bit mad at the Explore Weekend, but I think I promised you an endorsement for your Ice Warrior Arctic Pole Expedition.

Learning to travel the hard way is not only the best way, but it’s also the most memorable. I greatly admire all of you for having a go – believe me you won’t forget the experience.

Good luck,

Michael Palin

Today I received an email from our Patron Sir Ranulph Fiennes for the team:

Jim informs me of just how hard you are working to get this expedition off the ground which is something, as you might imagine, I can really appreciate. The fact that I am your Patron makes me very proud so do keep up this tremendous effort. I know you will reap all the rewards in the end.

Very Best of Luck Ran

I wonder who’ll be next?

Things are hotting up!

Perhaps I should use a better phrase, given that our remit has much to do with global warming but things are really getting busy around here. Over the last two weeks my feet have hardly touched the ground with a medical conference in Dundee about Antarctic Medicine, a Royal Geographical Conference about Exploration, a keynote speech at the Chief Fire Officers Association conference as well as numerous meetings, proposals and people to attend to. Finally I have a week to catch up with my team and progress the administration and logistics.
Jim McNeill, Founder and Leader, Ice Warrior