20 Years since the Siberian Expedition: A terrible day
20 YEARS SINCE THE SIBERIAN EXPEDITION
A terrible day
25 Nov, 04 – 21:43
GPS-pos: N66°11′ | E151°21′ | Alt: 26 M
We’ve pitch a freezing cold camp at N 66°11’00.5 and E 151°21’32,4, it is -34,6°F and a 4-5 meter per second strong southerly wind. 16 km;s today, 15 yesterday.
It’s been a terrible day. 6 frostbites, problems with the skies. I have to say it again, there’s no room at all for mistakes in this cold. It seems we still haven’t understood this fact after today’s problems. Or I haven’t.
It’s been pouring down with snow the last couple of days. Every step forward is a struggle at the present. The only thing to do at the moment, is to focus a meter in front of your feet and work as hard as you can. Since we only have sex hours of daylight, we have to ski during two hours in
pitch black darkness to be able to do our set 15 km;s a day. Today we’ve skied 3 hours in the dark to be able to do that.
One thing is for sure, we wanna reach Srednekolymsk for a rest before facing -58 and -76°F day in and day out.
And than the first nasty wind arrived. Ice-cold and it arrived so fast we had problems handling it. Johan coped well, due to the fact that he is really terrified getting a frostbite, so he spends a lot of time taking care of himself. Warming his hands, covering his face and applying skincream. He is a wise young man. Unfortunately I’ve never been as wise as that. I have always slogged on, no matter what. This is not possible out here. Due to this stupid side of myself, I’ve picked up 6 new frostbites to day. Over both eyebrows on my forehead and both cheeks. This due to this complicated facemask we’ve brought. Than I have added 3 new ones on my left thumb and another finger. Due to taking photos.
The problem arises when one have to remove a glove for some reason. Having a pee, taking a photo or adjusting equipment. If one doesn’t get the glove fast enough on the hand, at times it takes hours before the fingers are fully warm.
And one is very sensitive for frostbite during this time.
Johan has problems with the bindings and skins for his skies. So he has spent a lot of time walking the last two days.
Well, let me add though, it could be far worse!
Our mood is still very good and the positive aspects still dominate.
See the film for free at https://vimeo.com/451752697