Kev's thoughts before we leave Resolute

It is coming up to the end of Sunday evening here at Resolute with the storm finally exhausting itself. For us it has been another busy day, this morning we ventured out to visit the airport. Only to find that the road was blocked by drifting snow and the spindrift making the visibility extremely poor. The only option for us was to turn around and find our way back, which turned into an 'epic' with us finishing the 2 mile journey 45 minutes later with Matt having got us stuck in 2 snow drifts. But the best bit was Matt telling me what to do from the comfort of the warm wagon, as i ran around attempting to dig us out ... rank apparently does have its perks even up here! I feel sorry for the guys on 4 FP Wg! However the wind was gusting between 40 – 80 Km/Hr and combined with the -24 temperature ensured a high wind chill. But it also reinforced the importance, in high winds of keeping covered up. It's a timely reminder of how the conditions in this place can change very quickly and be utterly brutal.

Once we had returned to our accommodation we concentrated on packing the pulks. We are taking 2 each for this trip, with the rear pulk holding 20 days of rations, extra fuel and spare ski poles and other bits of equipment that we won't need immediately. Once we packed the secondary pulks we placed them outside so that the perishable food stuffs within them could stay frozen.

We then concentrated on packing the primary pulks. Within these are our first ten days of rations, stove and fuel, sleeping bags and roll mats, tent, electrical equipment, and our own spare clothing. All essential items in this hostile environment.

Finally for this journey we have our day sacks, these contain warm outer layers for halts, flasks, spare gloves and hats and for me the shotgun, this is for self-defence from Polar Bears and will be used in emergencies only. We have discussed the bears, and will use all other means before we have to use the shotgun.

We have finished an excellent evening dinner and are now finalising our last preparation. It's up at 7 am for the last 2 hours of packing and final preparation. This time tomorrow night we will be hunkered down in Resolute Bay, me boiling water on the stove to prepare of food for our dehydrated rations, whilst Matt is outside sorting the pulks and tent outer. I will then be filling flasks and also Nalgene bottles. Once we have cooked and eaten we will then cool the tent down before then bringing in the sleeping bags to minimise condensation. We then begin the whole process in reverse the next morning with packing of equipment and then boiling water for food and drinks for the next day. I don't think I will sleep well tonight, it reminds me very much of the thoughts and trepidations prior to the night before a large military parachuting descent. I will be glad when we can get started.