A few weeks ago we had our first team training session. It was meant to be a 20ish mile circular walk around Hindhead. It was a walk from the LDWA handbook. I had managed to mark about a third of it on the map from the written instructions; we had 3 GPS’s and a compass … and we still managed to lose our way!

We walked through sun, wind, hail and rain in our 5 hour jaunt. I am sure we will experience these quick changes of weather out in the arctic, so all good preparation.

We have divided out responsibilities for our expedition. Rob is the cook (which also means he has prime responsibility for fuel and stoves). He is already planning what spices and sauces he can pack to liven up our food! Lucy is in charge of Comms, and will phone in our position each night, so that the organisers can plot our route. Lucy is also our team medic, which is very reassuring. (We are the only racing team to have a qualified doctor!!) I am responsible for the gun! Polar bears are a real threat; we are visiting their homeland, and if we cross their path, they will come look! My main job is to use bangers to scare them off. I am hoping we will see some bears … but in the distance! I am also responsible for navigation, and maps …. obviously still got lots of work to do then!

Share