Adventure

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EC Flag at the North Pole

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North Pole

Congratulations to Mark Wood! To hear Mark speaking from the North Pole click the link http://www.markwoodexplorer.com/north-south-solo-expedition/expedition-update-mark-at-the-north-pole

Mark Wood may be forced to abandon his world-first polar attempt due to the large bonds required to guarantee his safety on the ice. Shortening Arctic seasons and thinning, fragile ice have made polar expeditions increasingly dangerous in recent years. Now the region’s airlines are demanding increasingly large, upfront bonds in case they need to retrieve explorers from the ice. Unless a corporate backer can be found to guarantee the airlines costs in the unlikely case that Mark needs to be picked up from the ice, the entire expedition may be cancelled. “I knew this expedition would be my toughest yet and operating in such a difficult climate there was always a risk of failure”, explained Mark. “But it’s heart-breaking to think that my journey might be over before I’ve even set foot on Arctic ice. I’m just hoping that there’s a company out there that sees why these expeditions are important, the inspiration they provide, and who is willing to put their weight behind making this dream a reality.”

http://www.life-size-media.com/blog/2012/world-first-polar-attempt-jeopardy-due-increasing-danger-arctic-expeditions/

Matt: I've spent early February planning the next phase of the expedition to the North Pole. Being in Canada I have been able to catch up with and drain valuable knowledge from the best in the business. I spoke to Matty McNair about training this month in preparation for the open water. Rick Selleck (Alert Liaison officer) about general logistics and routes. Alan Chambers about possibilities for heading from the North back to Canada and I had a meal with Richard Weber.

I have also been busy linking with schools via Skype. Talking directly into their classrooms as part of the educational program for the expedition. On the South Pole Expedition I talked to the students from my tent in the middle of the remote Antarctic wilderness. It was a great feeling to be able to communicate first hand from the cold extremes of the planet.

I want to send a big thank you to Mrs Brake and her students at Finham Park Comprehensive School for making the scary snakes as part of saving energy through the DoNation Site. Not only is it a fun excersise but it gets the students thinking about their own planet.

There is no problem with people growing up and making their way through life with a respect for the planet they live on. It’s a different way of thinking. The students involveded in the project I set up for the expedition – MY LIFE IN A FREEZER – have been inspiring me with own knowledge of the environment. Take a look at Mrs Brakes students work click – http://thedonation.org.uk/about/our-blog/school-snakes

I also want to thank the following schools whoI have Skyped in the last few days. There are a further 30 schools involved and via Skype itself we are extending this around the globe. It’s all about awareness and individual responsibility. Colebourne Primary – St Margret’s – King Henry prep – President Kennedy – Tile Hill school – Joseph cash primary – Corley Centre

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The Arctic Jubilee Expedition 2012

Latest updater from Cas and Jonesy "Around 120 km to go. Fatigue is really starting to set in. Cas has sores on his lips and gums that cause a huge amount if discomfort when eating. Jonesy's toes are getting worse by the day. They know that this is the part of the expedition where they really need to give it everything they've got. And then give it a little bit more. Tomorrow they are going to push for another big day to set themselves up for the final couple of days. Now more than ever, we need to spread the word 'Cas and Jonesy are bringing it home for Australia!!' Support them right here-leave your comments or check out their website and support their charity You Can, which raises much needed funds for young Aussies with cancer".

If you want to hear about the journey first hand - Jason De Carteret is speaking at LONDON EXPLORERS on 12th July 2012

http://www.explorersconnect.com/preview/-/-/-/london-explorers-drinks-12th-july-12927

Message from Expedition Leader, Jason De Carteret

"I am very proud to say that after three years of planning and an extremely hard Antarctic expedition we smashed the world record for the fastest overland journey from the Coast of Antarctica to the South Pole.

This was no easy feat, as the leader we had many challenges to deal with but using innovation, determination and fortitude we gained a tremendous result.

For more details please visit www.expeditiontothesouthpole.com

I trust that you have had a fantastic Christmas with friends and family

Very best regards

Jason"