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...

Friday, January 9, 2009

One week to go

Wow, it's only one week until I go... I have to admit I'm getting excited and a little nervous too I guess. I've been all organised this evening and put together a packing list, with everything on it I'm taking, if I have it (100% for sure), and what I'm packing it in. I've got 99% of what I need, so just a quick shopping trip tomorrow to get the remaining items... Most of them are additions to the first aid kit and things like sunblock, so shouldn't be too much of a problem to find.

I've packed both bags, and checked the weights, my main pack is just over 11kg so I'm qute proud of that, and the day pack (containing the camera kit) is about 6 kg. So all in all I reckon considering the kit I have to carry that not too bad a weight to go with.

The photo by the way was one I had to take for the local paper (where I grew up)... I am smiling on the inside - honest! Note the two vital elements... First Aid Kit + Hand Warmers
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2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Saw the article in the courier. Good Luck with everything.


Peter Gordon

Longniddry

January 10, 2009 at 4:04 AM
JonS said...

Thanks Peter - much appreciated.

January 10, 2009 at 10:39 PM

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