Training update

I am currently doing a job for a college which is also providing me with some excellent training for my Arctic Circle adventure. I am just heading home after taking a group of teenagers to North Wales. They had two full days of very demanding walking in some of the worst weather conditions I've experienced. They successfully reached the summit of Carnedd Llewelyn and wild camped. The weather Gods weren't just unfriendly, they were positively angry.
Thankfully, everyone completed the mission with no injuries.
On another point, the tickets have finally been booked. I leave the UK on the 12th August and should arrive in Greenland on the 13th August. I should safely return to the UK on the 30th August. So, it's now all ahead for a full on adventure.

If it ain't raining then it ain't training.

I'm not sure I agree with the old saying "if it ain't raining then it ain't training". Anyway, I just had a weekend in South Wales where it didn't stop raining. The local mud was quite red in color and managed to infiltrate boots, tent and cooking gear. The hills were a real test of navigation too with visibility down to less than 15 meters times. It was good test of skills and kit.

Arctic Survival Challenge

Instructors accommodation.

If it aint -26 it aint training.

Hmmm Breakfast courtesy of Grass Hopper Foods.

Porridge for Breakfast

Lovely Husky dogs.

Some of the group build a shelter. 

A stunning Arctic sky.

My early morning face.

Just beautiful 

I made it back to the UK in one piece after spending an amazing week in Northern Sweden helping to deliver an Arctic Survival Challenge with the one and only Nigel "nobby" Startin of Intrepid Expeditions. The "customers" all came from Devon and had signed up for the challenge as a result of an appeal by the local radio station, Palm FM.  As a result of this challenge the group raised over £30,000 for charities in the local area which included a hospice and the RNLI.  As if that wasn't enough, Palm FM are also in line for a prestigious Sony Award for their coverage of the Arctic Challenge. If you want to know how rewarding such a venture can be, just ask Palm FM DJ Colin Leslie.  
Working as an instructor on such a challenge means physical work for long hours in extreme conditions. At times the temperature was as low as -26 degrees. The rewards are worth it though.  I met a lovely group of people and they all seemed to really appreciate the contribution I and the rest of the team made to their experience. What was very clear though was just how getting involved in such a venture can be beneficial for both the charity and the sponsors in terms of good positive publicity.  Most importantly, the trip proved to be a great training experience for me in terms of preparing for the Arctic Circle Trail in Greenland.  I should experience warmer weather in August/September but it's good to know what kit works well.  
I hope you like the small selection of photos that I've included here.

Arctic Survival Skills Training

On Thursday 24th January, I fly out to snowy Sweden to help deliver an Arctic survival skills course for a week.  This is with a great company called Intrepid Expeditions based in Devon.  I will be helping to deliver some of the training, but this will also prove to be a very useful refresher for my own skills in preparation for the Arctic Circle Trail in August.  

Welcome

Welcome to my Arctic Circle Trail blog.

Trekking 180 km from the foot of a glacier, across rugged crags, around countless lakes negotiating bogs and quicksand whilst following the route of the Arctic Circle as it slices through Greenland to the ocean. Sounds like a great adventure doesn't it?  It is.  What makes this trek a challenge is the sheer remoteness, isolation and the need to be very accurate with navigation.  Once on the trail, there are no roads, no settlements, no shops and no mobile phone signal. If something goes wrong then rescue is a long and cold wait away.  

Let's cut to the chase.  Having a high sense of adventure is one thing, but using it to raise money for a good cause makes the effort even more worth while. That's why I am going to complete the Arctic Circle Trail for Help the Hospices.
  
Young or old, Help the Hospices provides care to those with terminal illnesses to ensure people get the most from the life they have left. They also ensure that those nearing the end of their lives are provided with support,comfort and dignity. Much needed support and advice is also provided to the families and loved ones who are coming to terms with having to say goodbye.  Palliative care is incredibly important, but it's also expensive.  It costs almost £1 million per day to keep one hospice running.  This is why I have chosen to use this adventure to raise money and awareness for Help the Hospices.  
It would be great of you could help by making a donation.  using our Just Giving page:
  https://www.justgiving.com/ArcticTrailChallenge

In addition to donations, I are interested in hearing from individuals or businesses who would like to help fund the expedition itself.  The main costs we need to cover are for flights and food.
Approximate costs:    
Flight from UK to Copenhagen (return)  £225.00  
Flight from Copenhagen to Greenland (return) £650.00
Internal flight (if required)  £120.00
Food £150.00

If you think you can help with some or all of these costs in order to make this expedition happen, then please get in touch.

You can follow progress on twitter: adventure_jon 

Thank you.