26 October 2009

We've finally finished in Dartmoor and i can't decide now if i'm more reassured by the thought of the journey ahead having spent 10 days living and breathing it or completely terrified. It's fair to say that as the prospect of buying the kit that will keep us alive whilst on the ice approaches and we start to book our flights for januarys training the enormity of what we are going to be doing has started to hit home. It's no longer a distant plan on paper but a true fact that in 10 short weeks we will be on our way to Svalbard and preparing for a month of training in the most extreme conditions i've ever been in and trying to put into effect the skills we've learnt here on the moors whilst surrounded by howling wind, bulky clothing and in sub zero temperatures.
It also wouldn't be fair if I didn't mention how fantastic this week has been from the point of view of us all living and working together as a team. It's reassuring to feel you have started to really get to know your fellow expedition team members and to trust their skills and abilities in situations. The team fits together well and everyone has their place and their role within the group and in addition to the hard work it's been good fun.