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...

Saturday, January 17, 2009

All Packed - Ready to go!

OK, well this will probably be the last blog before I leave. I'm all packed, repacked, unpacked, and finally, packed. I had to ditch some of the chocolate, it's surprising heavy! I suppose I had more than I really needed. I have however added some pork scratchings, as according to local knowledge due to their rather high fat content they're pretty good for such things.
Total weight of kit - 20.8 kg, which I thinks not too bad.
I have discovered many new things about my rucksack today (ok this is probably not the most interesting moment in this blog), including how many bits can be detached... I'm not 100% sure I've reattached everything the way it originally was, but it's close enough.
Keep an eye on this page as I'm hoping I may be able to send the odd blog via my phone while I'm away, the Norweigian phone coverage maps seem to indicate this is possible - but I'll have to wait and see I think.
I bought myself a Norweigian phrase book today, I thought it might be useful to learn "Excuse me, have you seen my huskies?"

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