Kev's views after the first day in Resolute

After a good night's sleep we awoke to start kit preparation in earnest and our first day at Resolute. Following breakfast our first port of call was the Co-op store in Resolute where Matt had placed some of the exped equipment in long term storage. One of the most important elements of this being the rations, we were both relieved to find that all the food was intact and that we could begin sorting out the menus that would be our staple diet on the ice. After lunch we went up to Resolute airport to talk to Borek Air, Matt paid the bill for the twin otter flight that was going to extract us off the ice at the end of the expedition. We then went back via the old Resolute settlement overlooking the bay, where we looked at the derelict frameworks of Inuit buildings made from whale bones. We then returned to our accommodation via the Co-op store to pick up our butter and Napta fuel. The butter will be a key part of our diet whilst on the ice due to its high calories.

We then suited up for a short ski into Resolute bay where we were going to practice putting up the tent. We went out in what seemed calm conditions and once we went static and put on our additional warm outer layer the wind began to increase from the South. Initially the outside temperature was -41 when we set off, however this was increased due to the wind chill factor and we found ourselves operating in below -60. The conditions became interesting and gave us a good idea of the worst conditions that we could find ourselves operating in.

We then made our way back in off the ice and have now continued with the food preparation that will continue into the night. There is a large list of tasks to be struck off between now and us starting the expedition. As I type this weather forecast tonight is an incoming storm with for strong winds tomorrow in excess of 110 kph, so we will temper our training accordingly, it does also remind us of what we can expect in this fascinating and hostile place. So tonight we wish you a good weekend, as we hunker down in Resolute were the current outside temperature is -41.

Kev at the dump.