Finally arrived in Resolute Bay, three days after leaving Heathrow! We had a good flight over to Ottawa, where we stayed in the Elgin Hotel. We divied up the food into our second check-in bags … these bags weighed a massive 30KG each!
We had an early start on Monday 28th March, flying out of Ottawa at 8.30am into Iqaluit. There was three hours inbetween flights, so did a quick tour of this very grim and grey town! We left Iqaluit on time, and set of for Resolute Bay. It was a tiny twin prop plane with 16 passengers, and lots of cargo. The plane had a refuel in Hall Beach, which was meant to take 15 mins … we were still there 2 hours later! There was an oil leak on the left engine, and no oil registering on the gauge. After much debate, a plane was re-directed to us, and we were flown back to Iqaluit, arriving just before midnight!
The next morning after a great cooked breakfast, we tried again! This time all went to plan, The plane refuelled in Hall Beach and Arctic Bay, arriving at Resolute Bay at 3.00pm. The weather has been amazing today, with clear blue skies, and lots of sunshine … a cool -25 deg!
Steve, who is in charge of us during this acclimitisation week, has already got us fixing bindings on our skis, and sorting out much of our stuff! Anna, the team doctor took us through the medical dangers, from frost bite to snow blindness – all very scary!
It has been a long three days, and tomorrow the training starts in earnest, so I am away to my bed. Yes I have the luxuary of a bed tonight, but tomorrow we are camping out.
Because we have been delayed by a day, the race is now due to start on Tuesday 5th April.
4 Responses
Comment by Jo
30 March, 2011 at 4:29 pm
JoJo,
Good to see your sun glasses are still featuring! I expect to see them all the way every day…
John
Comment by Lisa Lambeth
30 March, 2011 at 7:04 pm
Hi Jo, just to wish you the best of luck on your wonderful adventure. I am in awe of you all – what a fantastic experience you will have. I will make your blog my nighttime reading so please keep it up ! Sleep well, eat well and stay warm!! Lisa x
Comment by Sally
30 March, 2011 at 7:35 pm
Wow it all looks amazing. Good luck and I will enjoy following you
Comment by Paula
31 March, 2011 at 9:05 am
GO GO GO Jo!!!!!
What a great photo of your team! hope you don’t have any more oil leaks or any leaks for that matter!!!
Keep warm!
Lots of love Paula x