2012 bcuk Advanced Arctic Expedition

[Chris the Cat]

Hi All
Just a note to say even though we do have the minimum numbers for this expedition now please do not book any flights until the expedition go/no go date:15th January 2012, as it is possible that someone may pull out of the expedition before this date.
If you have any questions regarding the expedition please do not hesitate to contact me
Many thanks
Becky

Becky,
A question about this aspect if I may.
If you have the minimum numbers, all of whom have paid there deposit, is that not enought for the trip to be 'on ' ?
If not,then why are the deposits needed so far in advance ?
Would our deposit money not be better off in our accounts?
What about all the money and time spent on gear or meetups if you turn around on the 16th of Jan and say it is off ?
I had the best time EVER with Woody, Stanni , Ross and co. on last years trip , but when you had the numbers with their deposits paid the trip was ON !
I bought my ticket with 4 months to go and got a great price.
If flights are left untill 15.01.12 then we will be unable to get the best deals .
I hope you understand why I make these points, I shall get off the compy and try to give you another ring!

My best.
Chris.

 

[Woody]

Hi Chris,
Woody here, firstly apologies if you have been unable to get hold of Becky, we had a computer meltdown this week and she is up to her neck in it getting things back online.

In answer to your questions. The reason we cannot make the call yet is that both Tony and I have had our fingers severally burnt on previous courses put together for BCUK when people have said they are "definitely" up for this or that course and then not followed it through or have pulled out at the last moment when we have committed to run the course, consequently all parties were greatly out of pocket. By putting these courses and expeds together at these prices we have to take some risks with such a narrow over heads/cost/profit margin. (and I make no apologies for the fact that we are a commercial company and like Tony, are trying to make a living) but this is a two way thing, namely you guys are getting what we think is a good deal but by virtue of that you are not going to get a risk free alternative.

We do state that no one should buy equipment prior to these dates or book flights for this very reason .. That is to say, things could change, some one may have to pull out or cancel etc.

I don't feel there is anything to gain by purchasing equipment early and who knows you may get it cheaper in the winter sales! and to be blunt and too the point and I hope no one takes offense here but pre meets/get togethers etc are nice, but not necessary and are therefore naturally at your own discretion.

I agree booking flights early would be the ideal situation but we are in the same boat here, we too would like to book early but if a couple of people pull out and we have said the course is happening then we lose out again here.

I think two months is a reasonable middle of the road period prior to an expedition to be able to make the call, it still allows you to purchase and break in equipment and get a reasonable deal on flights. But the additional expense on pre meets is down to yourselves I am afraid.

I apologize if this sound blunt and business like but at the end of the day I think it is best to put the cards on the table and tell it how it is rather than be woolly about things.

I hope you can appreciate our position, we certainly appreciate yours and I hope that this answers your questions.

Always happy to discuss more if needed and looking forwards to seeing you out in the snow again,

Woody.

 

[Chris the Cat]

A helpful and full reply Woody.
I guess I was thinking that if the deposit was non-refundable that might take the worry out of things on both sides,
You could go ahead and book, and so could we.
I got your answer phone ( I hope ! it did not mention your company name ) shall I try again on Monday ?
My best to you all and the gang.
Chris.

 

[widu13]

I think that in a couple of months I will just book flights anyway and claim off of my insurance if it all goes lumpy bits up. If anyone sees any deal from Gatwick (or London airports) please share!

 

[TeeDee]

I'd be happy to pay the rest up front now then I can worry about getting the Kit , but I do appreciate what Woody is saying.

 

[Becky]

Hi All

The following is an official list of all those that have paid their deposits for this expedition and consequently represent the numbers so far:

1.Widu33
2.wayland
3.teedee
4.skaus84
5.Greg
6.teepee
7JamesBentley
8.iceman81
9.I**C******
10.Chris the Cat

 

[Chris the Cat]

Happy to be fully on board at last!
Thanks Becky.
Chris.

 

[DUCky]

I am tempted to get on board if you don't mind someone from the other side of the pond
Tried to get an idea of the price of the flight but without success so far.

 

[widu13]

For UK residents, Tesco clubcard vouchers for Gatwick to Oslo (only) is £75 of vouchers inc taxes.

 

[DUCky]

What the hell, I made the deposit. See you guys in the arctic

 

[Becky]

Hi All

The following is an official list of all those that have paid their deposits for this expedition and consequently represent the numbers so far:

1.Widu33
2.wayland
3.teedee
4.skaus84
5.Greg
6.teepee
7JamesBentley
8.iceman81
9.I**C******
10.Chris the Cat
11.DUCKy

 

[widu13]

What the hell, I made the deposit. See you guys in the arctic

Fantastic- see you there!

 

[Teepee]

Great news, see you in the white stuff D


Thanks for the info Widu, I'll look into that.

 

[Chris the Cat]

Has there been a kit list published yet ?
Chris.

 

[widu13]

Only on their website...

http://www.bushcraftexpeditions.com/kit-list.php?expeditions_id=2

Waterproof outer jacket. (ski wear is sufficient for this)
Waterproof outer trousers or saloppettes. (ski wear is sufficient for this)
Warm outdoor/work trousers (1 pair)
Warm outdoor shirts (1)
Fleece jacket
Large sweater
Cold weather hat preferably with ear protection
Cold weather mitts or gloves
Cold weather boots or walking type boots (large enough to be able to wear two pairs of thick socks with and not be tight /restrictive)
Thermal underwear (1 set)
Thick socks, preferably wool (2 pairs minimum)
Synthetic thin liner socks (2 pairs)
2nd lightweight wool hat or similar
Scarf or buff
Towel and swimming costume (for sauna)
Slippers or trainers for indoors/tents
Handkerchief (1)
Long belt (Preferably leather)
Equipment you will need to bring:
Large (70ltr+) rucksack capable of carrying all your equipment
Sleeping bag (four seasons for use in temperatures down to -15)
Insulated sleeping mat
Bivouac (Bivvi) bag
Head torch and spare batteries
Mug and spoon
1 Unbreakable plate, bowl or 'mess tin'
Small pocket knife
Small steel thermos type flask (optional)
Folding pruning saw
20 metres of strong nylon cord
Note book and pencil
Wash bag
Two candles (long life preferably)
Ski goggles or similar eye protection
Personal medications:
Lip salve
Sun block
Passport
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

 

[Chris the Cat]

I think that is the same as last years, when we stayed in Laarvu tents.
Guess it will be slightly different for the advanced, for a start we will be cooking our own meals and may well need more building
tools ( Shovels, wood saw , axes ) as we are creating our own shelters.
Thanks widu 13.
My best.
Chris.

 

[DUCky]

Return tickets from Amsterdam to Oslo are only 99 euro with KLM so that is not too bad.

 

[Teepee]

I have a pair of Baffin Doug Stoups In UK size 10 and Snow-sports in UK size 11, all brand new and first refusal to you guys on these courses before I hawk them on the Bay.

 

[Wayland]

There was a kit list on the first post but it seems to have disappeared.

I have it printed out and it's much the same as the list just posted.

 

[Wayland]

There is an Empire Canvas works Anorak for sale in the classifieds on BcUSA at the moment.

http://bushcraftusa.com/classifieds...mpire-canvas-arcticanorak-price-lowered&cat=5

Good price too.