<div id="story" class="frp-message-body" style="height: auto;"> <div><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">Hi All,</span></span></div> <div><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">&nbsp;</span></span></div> <div><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">&nbsp;</span></span><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">I have decided to take part in the 2012 Arctic Dog Sledding Challenge which is organized through Battersea Dog and Cat home. It is a 7 day challenge starting in Oslo, from there we travel to Alta which is on the northern tip of Norway. Once arriving in Alta we are introduced to our dogs and taught all we need to know for our trip. We will be traveling <span class="squiggly" title="To see spelling suggestions, click this word">200KM</span> during 5 days to as far north as you can get in Norway.&nbsp; </span></span></div> <div><span style="color: #000000;"></span></div> <div><span style="color: #000000;"></span><span style="color: #008000;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"><span style="color: #000000;">This challenge is an amazing adventure; with temperatures falling as low as minus 30 degrees C the bond between man and dog becomes essential, and the real essence of teamwork is truly tested in this hostile arctic environment. As part of a small team of participants (13 maximum), I will look after my own team of 6 - 8&nbsp;huskies during the trip including feeding and harnessing them. The terrain varies from mountainous and above tree line to endless frozen lakes.</span></span></span></span></span></div> <p> <div> <div><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">I will be completing the compulsory intensive training schedule &nbsp;4 months before hand to prepare for the harsh Arctic conditions. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">The expedition will be led by Across the Divide Expeditions. The <span class="squiggly" title="To see spelling suggestions, click this word">ATD</span> team will be supported by an experienced expedition doctor and a local guide with extensive knowledge of the dogs and the terrain. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">So for those of you who decide to donate money to this event I am truly grateful for you support. All amounts big or small will be greatly appreciated. </span></span></div> </div> <div> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="color: #008000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif';"><a href="http://www.battersea.org.uk/get_involved/challenges_fundraising/arctic_dog_sledding.html" target="_blank">http://www.battersea.org.uk/get_involved/challenges_fundraising/arctic_dog_sledding.html</a></span></span></p> </div> </p> </div>