I hear that song in my sleep!
Dave in all seriousness how would one go about getting training for arctic expeditions? Something I do intend to do
Hi Mick. The only way to get arctic experience is to go an arctic bushcraft course run by reputable guys. Or if a group were going, I see no reason why a couple of people, without that experience could not come.
You would just need to get hold of the kit. [Or borrow some of it] And read as much as you can. [Like the Connovers Snow Walkers companion, which I could lend you for a few weeks]
I dont think people take on specific roles on these trips.
So each person is responsible for himself, [as well as keeping an eye on his mates] but someone with your medical background, a young doctor, would be a very welcome addition in my opinion.
There were expeditions offered by BushcraftUK in the past, at a greatly reduced cost, which I never went on, I dont know if there would be enough people interested, to offer them again. Or If Tony has plans to in the future.
Personally Id like to do it as cheaply as possible this year, I was thinking of getting a direct flight to Kiruna, and just getting off the plane, and travelling into the wilderness on foot, from the airport. Or maybe a night in a hotel first. There is the Kungsledden, the kings trail beginning in Abisko national park, just above Kiruna. I dont know what that would be like in Winter, bearing in mind I dont have nay bearpaws. I think Teepee mentioned he was planning on hiking that? He also mentioned another flatter place, I just cannot remember where..must have been further north on a bus ride...Or maybe following recognised dog sledding routes, like the arctic trail, so if anything did go wrong, I'd not be too far from help. But if theres a group going elsewhere, like Finland, as Mad Dave, Welchy etc and crew have done in the past, Id be up for that too.
I had a chat with a couple of experienced members earlier in the year about it, but it seems to have fizzled out. Its much easier planning a route, following the edge of long frozen lakes, then stepping back into the forest a few hundred yards to camp, than trying to walk through the forest.
Im sure I would be ok, but it is a completely unforgiving enviroment, and normally, even the best laid plans go awry.
So really I think its better If I go with a group. Or meet up with one over there. There will be stuff I dont know which they know, and vice versa. Im not sure if anyone is going this year though.
I know from planning something like this 4 months in advance, gives you a real buzz, and a fantastic sense of anticipation, with a large dash of trepidation closer to the time.
Hopefully some of the members planning a trip will be open to some new faces this year.
We'll have to wait and see if anyone responds...
