What's this all about?

I'm joining an expedition to sled over 200 kilometers across the wilds of the Arctic Circle in the depths of the Norwegian winter (January 2009). With possible temperatures down to as low as -30C and extreme conditions such as blizzards and high winds, it's going to be a huge challenge both mentally and physically - I think just trying to keep the sled upright and in a straight line will be a challenge in itself! Added to that there are very steep inclines to run and push the sled up, and with the fact we'll be working hard and travelling long hours - I think this is going to be tough; the huskies will expect me to be working as hard as they are. We'll be looking after the dogs ourselves for the week, each of us having our own team of 4-6 dogs and a sled to work with.
I'm going to have to get very fit, and yes... even give up smoking... so that's just another reason to sponsor me. I'll try and keep this blog up to date with progress and information about the trip.
I'm doing this for many reasons, but one of the main ones is to raise money for Amnesty International. I'm funding the costs of this all myself, so every penny you give will go to Amnesty International. If you'd like to donate(sponsor me) just click on the Donate button in the Justgiving widget on the right or you can go to www.justgiving.com/jonandthehuskies

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Amnesty International UK Section Charitable Trust gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

If you don't want to use Justgiving or just want to make a pledge, or just want to get in touch, then please email me at jonandthehuskies@googlemail.com

Thank you for considering sponsoring me... it'll really will make a difference, and it'll help keep me going slogging up hills (in the rain and cold I'm sure) trying to get fit in time...

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

69.4261 N 23.6847 E

Day 2. We've safely completed another 30km and are holed up in a cabin somewhere near Mazi.
The weather was a lot better today, and the route was more protected by trees (mainly a sparse brush of birch), so it was a much more enjoyable experience. Many more hills for us to deal with which meant a good lot of pushing. We're all working a lot be better as a group and all the spills, crashes and loose dogs and sleds were deal with much better... These dogs don't want to stop until they catch up to the leaders.
We also had to deal with snowdrifts and a brief but scary section down a road.
Water had to be collected by filling buckets with a ladle dipped through a hole drilled through the ice of the frozen lake this evening, the bucket then carried up a very steep hill. All of this in the dark.
So much more to tell, but i need to sleep. Tomorrow is a very long hard day we've been told. 50-60km over a mountain. We'll leave in the dark and arrive in the dark.

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