The Arctic Circle Trail
So, last week I announced that the North Pole season for 2020 was cancelled. I also spoke about how I believe that your perception and reaction to an event is the key to reaching a positive outcome, no matter how disappointing the event may have been.
I have taken stock over the last week, trying to gain a holistic perspective of the project. Weighing up the pros and the cons of a delay until 2022.
I am happy to say that this exercise has reinforced my ability to have a positive reaction to the delay.
I am now heading to Greenland in April to take on the Arctic Circle Trail. I will be trekking 160km of the trail with an approximate 3,00m increase in altitude. The usual hiking season is June to August, but that is not really the best time of year if you are looking to prepare for a North Pole expedition!
We will be starting in Kangerlussuaq and finishing in Sisimiut 9 days later.
For this time we will be pulling our sleds with all of our equipment (tents, food, clothing etc.) and pressing on through the incredible surroundings. Around 300 people a year hike the trail in summer and a lot less than that in winter. So, it is very possible we will be totally alone for the duration of the expedition.
The expedition is going to provide valuable training and exposure to the Arctic conditions, there is no doubt this expedition will be testing in the extreme; both mentally and physically.
Training, therefore, has carried on from the prep I was undertaking for the North Pole but now with a slightly different immediate goal. It is crucial I am well prepared for this expedition. Failure to be ready will put myself and the the team at unacceptable risk. We are all linked on an expedition like this, we are as strong as our weakest member, and I don’t want to be the weak link in the line!
We are all experiencing setbacks and upsets at the moment. It is undeniably a very challenging time for all of us. I would urge you, however, to have a check in with yourself if you do experience a setback. Check your perception of it, as this will dictate your reaction to it which, in turn, will dictate the nature of the resultant outcome