Blimey, that was tougher than I thought, despite the extensive fitness/strength training and ice based training Ive been undertaking over the last 18/24 months. My sledge finally weighed in at 13 stones (85kg) when we started, including food, fuel, cooking stoves, pots and pans etc but it was the sea of pressure ridges and open water leads that will be embedded in my memory forever. We were dropped off by helicopter and I chuckled when I saw where the pilot had left us – thinking to myself, those Russians have a sense of humour, as I slipped, slid and hauled my sledge up the 5m pressure ridge in front of us – only to get to the top and as far as the eye could see, were waves of similar ridges, open water leads and chunks of ice stretched out in front of us. Our routine was set from day one, ski for 50 minutes, break for 10 mins then repeat for 8 – 9 hours each day (check out the videos on you tube to see the ice conditions). It wasn’t just the physical challenge though, it was also the toughest psychological challenge I have had to face, made all the more difficult as my Ipod charger decided it didnt like the -38 temperature and so I couldnt listen to music or the inspirational books I had downloaded and my guide could not speak English. Still, I am absolutely delighted to have been to the top of the world, camped at the North Pole and watched the Midnight Sun but I am pleased its over. More musings from a tired and emotional man to follow but thanks to everyone who has supported me in whatever way, it really made a difference.
