History - Weather - Clothing - Map

Mission
Walk / ski over 400 miles in minus 25 degrees temperature whilst navigating over ice rumble that could be higher than a small house.

Danger
Are Polar bears scared by anything? Answer - No, You are intruding into their environment so be careful - you are simply a food source to them.
Patron David Hempleman Adams - had to use his gun to deal with a polar bear that came into his teams tent looking for food on a previous trip.

Temperature
Temperatures can easily each –40°C.Your household deep freeze reaches about –15°C

Team
Norman, Steven and Mike hope to utilise each individual strengths to work together to form a dependable team and enjoy the experiences.

Schedule
Depart 2 Apr 2003 fly London to Ottawa.
3 Apr 2003, Fly to Iqualit to 2 days of - equipment checks, GPS Navigation, Sun & Watch, Map and Dead Reckoning - Communication systems, Cold water immersion.
5 April Depart to Resolute
6/7 Apr 2003 - Ski technique, Bear protection systems- test communications - long day out on ice pulling pulks, final test of clothing
8 April 2003
Equipment Checks - final modifications
Pre Race Briefings
Re-pack pulks

High Artic
Animals : http://www.arctictravel.com/chapters/landmampage.html
People : http://www.arctictravel.com/chapters/todaypage.html
Bird migration : http://www.arctictravel.com/chapters/birdpage.html

Communications
Do mobile phones work all the way to the Magnetic North Pole? yes the Iridium Satellite Phone System is the only one that works all over the world. It consists of 66 low orbit satellites.
Can the team send pictures back to the UK?

Answer - Yes the Iridium Satellite System is the only system, which is a truly global mobile satellite voice, and data solutions with complete coverage of the Earth (including oceans, airways and Polar regions). Through a constellation of 66 low-earth orbiting (LEO) satellites Iridium delivers communications services to and from remote areas where terrestrial communications are not available. The service is suited to many applications such as heavy construction, defence/military, emergency services, maritime, mining, forestry, oil and gas and aviation. Iridium currently provides services to the United States Department of Defence and launched a commercial service in March 2001.

How long will the batteries survive in the extreme cold? - Batteries will need to be kept warm and thus will be carried inside clothing. Lithium Ion batteries will be used which operate best in cold conditions.

Diet
Need to consume around 7500 calories per day this might consist of 70% fat 21% Carbohydrate 9% protein.
Two hot meals a day - morning and evening with a snack taken hourly throughout the day.

Polar Bear Defence
Hand held bear bangers
Rubber bullets
Pot and Pan
Pepper spray
Trip Wire (tent protection)
Tent
Ease of pitching in strong winds
Limited ground space
Comfort for a long expedition
light weight
Low packing bulk
Sled / pulks
Everything is packed and then dragged behind you using a harness, the weight can be as much as a big motorbike!.