EXPECTATIONS - Jules

With our departure a little over 2 weeks away, we thought that it would be interesting to sit down and look at why we do these type of expeditions and what our expectations are.  So our posts over the next few weeks should give you a perspective of our thoughts, concerns and expecations.  So to kick off a series of blogs here is the first one from Jules on his expectations.

"Having never attempted or even been a part of a large expedition before the journey so far has been a huge learning curve as one might expect.  The complexity and enormity of this task cannot be underestimated.  It is frightening the level at which it starts to dominate your life; your thoughts, your conversations, your focus, work, social life, even dreams…….or perhaps that’s just me.  The subject of the expedition seems to make its way into almost all conversations, relationships and social events, probably much to my friends’ and family’s annoyance.

In my minds eye, I have envisaged this expedition gathering momentum and interest from various organisations and people, which more recently it has.  It has been a long time coming, waiting for the various elements to start to come together but since the middle of September it seemed we started to ride the crest of a wave with numerous good results on the financial front and on the media side also.

We landed our biggest sponsor, worth £20k (a pitch we had been working on for almost 3 months), closely followed by our second single biggest sponsor of £10k.  RAF and MOD media starting taking an interest, looking in to how they can assist and capitalise on the Expedition.  We eventually found 2 very willing volunteers to take on the organising of the expedition launch party.  They too came with an enthusiasm and energy which was reassuring and gratefully received.

Life at -20

So what did I, and what do I, expect?  I think the work that is going on now by Matt and myself is how I expected it to be at this stage; frantic with numerous issues of scheduling, equipment selection, training, calculating weights and options of logistics, dealing with the media angle, and the final financial elements.  Admittedly there have been plenty of moments over the last 12 months where I have had real doubts as to whether we are going to pull this off.  Mainly concerns with funding.  And now that most of our financial fears have been allayed, and as the start date rapidly approaches, I start to worry more about preparation.  Are we going to be ready, physically, mentally?  As the shift of our focus changes from the financial to the physical and mental preparation, I realise that the next few months will be key to getting ourselves in shape in all respects.  The training programme in November in the French Alps will provide a huge opportunity to put into practise much of what we have discussed and thought of.

Waiting at Portsmouth for another cold dip!

Did I ever conceive that by being involved in such an expedition would lead me to the likes of Portsmouth University to conduct cold water experiments? Definitely not.  Did I think we would be engaged with such large companies for such large amounts of money?  Probably not.  The amount of clothing, kit and equipment we have been loaned, given or sold at a discounted price, has been extraordinary and again something I would not have expected.

I am anxious about the cold – a strange statement from someone who has volunteered himself for a trip to the Arctic you may say!  Frostbite is a fear.  Dan and Amelia, a couple who successfully achieved the same trek earlier this year, managed to survive with no effects of frostbite, so it can be done……I keep telling myself.  They said they were religious in avoiding exposing naked skin, and if they did it was only for very short periods.  Amazingly, Amelia went through the ice at one point wearing no immersion suit and still no frostbite!!!

The joys of cold water immersion.

I think the hardest moments will be in the morning, first thing, when Im going to have to climb out of the sleeping bag into a minus 40 tent!!!!  Stopping at the end of the day, exhausted and cooling rapidly will be a challenge.  Keeping moving, and getting on with the administration required without freezing will be difficult and will, I'm sure, involve me digging deep for that mental robustness.

It is difficult to get a concept of just how miserable moments will be.  I am not naïve enough to think that this adventure will be all fun and laughs, although that is something I will wish to emphasise to Matt – we need to keep a sense of humour and ENJOY this, as much as we can.  It will be easy, once exhausted, cold and hungry, to let our heads dip.  Probably be snappy and short tempered, which many will say is the norm for Matt!  We need to keep a check on reality.  We are here because we’ve chosen to be.  This is an experience we’ll never forget.  We are going to survive and we are going to laugh about this, so lets try and enjoy it and laugh about it now!"