How cold is it? - Current Resolute Weather

First Day fun in Resolute - Sat 22nd April

After our late arrival in Resolute last night we made the decision to make the most of every single moment up here in the High Arctic. Therefore it was an early rise at 7am for breakfast which consisted of a hearty fry up to provide plenty of calories for the days full program of activities. The wind was whistling past the window which was a sure sign that it would feel pretty cold - indeed our measurements of wind speed and still air temperatures showed it to be -32C. After an early morning recce by myself and Andy Cole, our technical expert, we decided how best to introduce the students safely to this environment. This would involve a brief tour of Resolute to show them the sights - that didn't take long but included the Medical Centre, School (see photo) and a very large skin of a Polar Bear (see photo) We also showed them how to use our emergency shelter and talked to them about what to do if we came across a polar bear.

We then had a warm drink back in the hotel before embarking on a trek up the face of Signal Hill. This then allowed us to practice sliding back down the hill safely (as well as being really good fun!) (see photo)

After lunch the students got the chance to try out Nordic skiiing with some equipment kindly loaned to us by Tony Martin from Polar Challenge. Some of the students were naturals but unfortunately I could not be counted in this number! We trekked out around the bay as well as trying to ski down some smaller slopes. (see photo)

After tea Andrew, Matt and Harry set out to climb Signal Hill (see photo) which they accomplished successfully after about 2-3 hours - it was much quicker coming down than going up! They have just arrived back at the hotel at 10.45pm which is no problem at all here as it doesn't really get dark at all since the North Pole of the Earth is now tilted towards the Sun.

If you have any questions about what we are doing please feel free to contact us on polar.watch@exmouthcollege.devon.sch.uk

Andrew

Previous Logs

Arrival in Resolute Fri 21st April Have made it to Resolute Bay after a bit of a horror 6 hour flight on a small plane that felt like it was never going to end - it even stopped for fuel on the way!!! Very tired and weary!
Out & About in Ottawa! Thurs 20th April Have safely arrived in Ottawa and are now settled into Adam's Airport Inn all ready for the flight North tomorrow. Temperature in Ottawa is an abnormally high +23C So the students went out in shirt sleeves tonight for tea - some even had shorts and flip flops on.They will experience a huge temperature change tomorrow as in Resolute it is currently -22C.  No more flipflops I suspect!

Thanks!

Now would seem like an appropriate time to thanks all those that have supported this expedition. Even though only 8 students are going to the North Pole, 10 students have made up the team and the two reserves have played their part in supporting the team with both dignity and enthusiasm – thanks to Katrina and Alistair we will be thinking of you when we get to the Pole. Thanks to the students and teachers at Exmouth Community College for taking part in fundraising events that has helped us achieve more than £26 000 towards the expedition. In particular, to Paul Jeffery who has been a massive help and to Pete, Sue, Angela and Paul who served on the PQ Management Group. Sarah Rogers and her ICT team have also been invaluable in helping to build the PQ website and advice and training on the laptops and cameras we have brought with us, as well as keeping the Ice Log up to date. Thanks also to The Pain trust and Adventure Trust for Girls for their financial assistance which has been crucial. Exmouth Town Council have also been very generous along with, ROK Construction, Faber Maunsell, Citizen Project, Ashfords, Fulfords and Bradleys Estate Agents and the Rotary Clubs of Exmouth who have all made donations which are allowing the students this once in a lifetime experience. Our sincere thanks goes to all those individuals and organisations who got involved.

Once we reach Resolute Bay we will be sending daily e-mails to report on the activities that we have been getting involved in so please keep logging on to this space to find out what we are doing. If you want to get in touch with us please e-mail the team - polar.watch