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Latest insights into our latest mission to the Arctic.
Canada’s Arctic ice shelves have almost halved in size over the last six years.
Summer 2011 marks the second lowest sea ice extent on record
Like being in a milk bottle
March 25, 2009
When we set off this morning the visibility was appalling, which makes life pretty uncomfortable. Martin summed it up by saying it’s like being in a milk bottle, looking out. A very lumpy, icy milk bottle I’d add.
But we ploughed on and after our second session of an hour and five minutes the sun came through and I could see without squinting. The tiny, sparkly ice crystals floating across my skis were pretty, but so dense. I was pleased to be able to see the horizon again.
After we’d stopped and put up the tent Pen went out with the drill and worked until late. We were all exhausted and the temperatures dropped back again, from -24 degrees C to -34.
We’re not in any danger of losing our way when we can’t see because modern GPS systems work via satellite. Years ago explorers would have been reliant on compasses and these are pretty useless here because of our proximity to the magnetic north pole.
We made good progress in fact, 8 nautical miles today.
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