The Arctic Expeditions Season Is Starting
Published on 23.02.2011 - General Info
There aren’t that many people heading for the North Pole this spring. But the projects are both varied and interesting.
This spring, Explorapoles will be following at least eight Arctic expeditions. The first ones are already in Resolute Bay, waiting for the flight of Ken Borek’s Twin Otter to Ellesmere Island and to the Ward Hunt and Cape Discovery points, the usual starting places of those who have chosen that particular side of the ocean for their assault on the NP.
We’re talking about the Irishman, Pat Falvey (accompanied by Dr. Claire O' Leary), who is finishing what is known as the Three Poles Challenge; the British Ben Saunders who, for the third time, will be attempting a speed record to the North Pole; the courageous Italian, Michele Portranfolfo, who is not on his first attempt either; and there are also two members of the glorious Royal Air Force who are starting from that side.
Among this spring’s adventures, we will also be following the American pilot, Art Mortvedt, who is taking his now-famous Cessna, `Polar Pumpkin', to the North Pole after having landed it at the South Pole on 22 November 1999.
One of the more enthralling and moving adventures is that of a group of volunteers who are keen to draw attention to the war wounded (returning from Afghanistan) and who will be trying to accompany four of them as far as the NP. They will not be making the complete trip and will be starting from the vicinity of Barneo’s base.
Finally, we will a little later in the season be following two original sailing projects: the first one (Frenchmen) will be attempting an entire crossing of the Arctic Ocean, even passing via the North Pole. The other one will be starting from France in order to get to Greenland.
So far, the list is not complete; we are indeed on standby for some other interesting files. Stay tuned.
