Dear friends,
I always knew that trying to cross the Greenland icecap on foot was going to be a challenge, but – despite all the planning and training – nothing could have prepared us for what actually transpired out there on the ice.
The early stages of the journey went well, despite temperatures as low as minus 30C and winds of around 80mph. However, with the majority of the uphill section of the trek completed (around 175km into the 550km trek) and with the start of the longer but easier downhill section almost within sight, one of our team fell seriously ill.
The polar ice cap is a beautiful but dangerous and unforgiving environment – it’s certainly not a good place to be unless you are in the peak of health.
Because we were already so far onto the icecap, we were unable to get a helicopter to come in and airlift our comrade to safety. As a result, we were left with no choice but to ski with him back the way we had come until we reached the heli drop off point where we had started our trek. This was a slow and arduous task. And, then we had to wait for a good fly day for the helicopter to get in. As a result the expedition had to be aborted.
Our teammate is now recovering. And, although my first attempt to complete the Colman Architects Elifar Polar Challenge was unsuccessful, it did prove to be one of the most exhilarating, demanding, exciting and difficult experiences of my life. And, with my wife’s permission, I am already in discussion with the expedition organisers about a second attempt in April next year (2010), which would once again be in aid of The Elifar Foundation.
I would like to thank Colman Architects for its generous sponsorship of the Polar Challenge, which made the whole trip possible.
May I also thank you all for your very kind support and if you do wish to contact me, please feel free to e-mail: j.woodward661@btinternet.com.
Joe Woodward
