Yesterday the team were busy preparing for the expedition. In the morning all the sledges were unpacked and distributed into each tent team. Each tent group then worked together to prepare the bindings on the skis, sort out the food rations and the poles were put in the tents. The tents were then taken outside to get practice erecting and dismantling in the cold environment.
The team then tried out the skis and bindings as some members had not cross country skied before. This proved to be a lot harder than some had thought and a few more bruises were evident today!
The fuel was collected from the town and fuel bottles filled and stoves tested. The importance of this exercise became evident when two of the stoves were leaking and needed repair.
The rest of the time has been spent making adjustments to kit and Ben has leaned how to sew and has added pockets to his themals. We have been amazingly fed by Randy and team at the South Camp Inn.
Last night was spent out on the ice in the tents and this was a very positive experience for all as this was the first night camping in the Arctic for a number of the team. It is a very useful exercise to do this in a safe controlled environment where coming back into the hotel is possible if a problem occurs. There were only a few minor issues in the night such as a cup of tea being left out and frozen - the extreme cold makes a number of otherwise simple tasks when camping very challenging.
The team are very keen to get going as soon as possible and are hopeful the bag will arrive today and the final preparations can be made in time for us to set off tomorrow.
We all wish everyone a Happy Easter weekend and will update tomorrow about out departure time.
Richard Bull
Magnetic North Pole Unsupported 2010
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