How cold is it? - Current Resolute Weather

high praise for students - Tues 25th April

There is praise and high praise and today Geoff who is an Inuit Ranger and a very quiet, unassuming but highly skillful young man said that our students were really tough on our trip out to Griffith Island. They had made full use of their short time there even though the wind was very strong and blowing a lot of snow around but despite it being very cold and uncomfortable on the sledges no students complained about the conditions. For Geoff to praise the students in such a way is high praise indeed coming from somebody of that calibre and both the parents of the students and the school can be very proud of that comment. We were transported to the island in our purpose built sledges which were a bit like sitting in a powerboat except there was no water, went quite slow and had no seats (See photo)- however they did bang around an awful lot over the hard ice and were very cramped. Oh and by the way we were in them for over two hours with short stops every 20 mins or so. Our reward for this ordeal was to reach the cliffs of the island which is a very beautiful place. Unfortunately due to the weather we only had enough time to have a cup of hot chocolate and take some pictures (See photo). On the way back it was so cold that even Matt’s Pringles froze!! (See photo)

Upon our return we were again welcomed back by Qarmartalik School in Resolute with hot chocolate. We also joined in with a music lesson where Matt, Lucy and Harry played guitars and piano along with the Resolute schoolchildren to the tune of ‘Heroes by David Bowie (See photo)

In the afternoon some people opted to catch up on a bit of sleep (we have been having very late nights and early mornings partly because of the constant light (it is 1am as I write this and its still very light as I look over Resolute with a faint red tinge to the sky as the sun goes down) but mainly because of the practical jokes which are taking place between different rooms in the hotel. Some involve deep heat but I can say no more! Others decided that we ought to do a reconnaissance cross country ski to look at the gorge where we may build the igloo on Friday. This was made up of a crack group of top quality skiers (oh and Miss Dry went too) Stunning views were seen and Matt, Lucy and Mr Davis were fantastic skiers – particularly Mr Davis even if I do say so myself. (See Photos)

Our evening activities again included being given a good beating by the local children in Resolute at volleyball again and because of this we have decided to challenge them to a game of tiddlywinks tomorrow night – then we will see who is boss! We also visited the youth club tonight where we had a game of pool and some of the girls got down and had a disco (do young people still have discos?) (See photo)

We are all really excited as we are hoping that we will be able to fly in to the North Pole tomorrow (Wednesday). This excitement is tinged with disappointment as we had been hoping to meet up with Sean Chapple at the end of their trek. However due to bad weather delaying their progress we will have to wait until the hotel on Saturday and Sunday to celebrate their achievement. We should reach the Pole at around 5pm on Wednesday so I am sure all the staff and students will be thinking of family, friends and the many other supporters of this expedition at that time.

Goodnight from Resolute - Andrew

Previous Logs

Komatic riding across the Arctic Ocean - Mon 24th April After another hearty breakfast (everyone is well into fried breakfasts now) the day started really well with a trip to the school to see some lessons and have the opportunity to meet students from Resolute Bay. We visited a range of classes from Kindergarten through to senior school and spent recess there with Matt showing off his piano skills and Harry teaching them guitar.
What a fantastic welcome! - Sun 23rd April It’s a chilly morning with poor visibility but that isn’t going to interfere with our morning cross country ski. Everyone’s flying now, either gliding elegantly across the snow (Harry and Kizzie) or flying face or bum first (Lucy, James, Andrew - Davis that is! and even Ady) or flying through the air Liane!! (See photos)
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.
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