Elham Al-Qasimi: North Pole expedition

Today was another challenging day on the ice. Even Ian, who normally jumps in the tent saying something like, “Wow, I could've gone on for hours,” conceded this evening. Skied around 9.5 hours and only gained 7.3 true north miles.

Lots and lots of pressure ridges with huge ice blocks ranging in size from a small crate to a Mini Cooper. I wish I’d been able to take more photos to share but today was a constant struggle to keep warm. By 2pm my fingers were still frozen, and I realised it was because my chest was cold which takes priority over the fingers by the body. Under my anorak there was a sheet of frost covering the front of my base layer, which I could do nothing about until camp time.

Overall, we arrived safely. Taylor and I both dipped a boot in the ocean as we crossed open leads but pulled ourselves out quickly. I picked up a little frostbite on my nose which Rick helped fix before it got bad, frostnip on the tips of a few fingers and we all took some spills on the ice and picked up aches and bruises which we are only just starting to feel.

Technically, we are more than halfway there, although no one is saying this out loud as the weather can change at any moment and push us backward, jeopardising our goal. So we continue to work hard and pray for good weather.

I am now eating a yummy quesadilla after downing a big hot chocolate! We have seafood chowder next folllowed by caramelised apples.

In some of the hardest moments to keep moving, I thought of the young people PCRF works so hard to help. I thought of the young Ugandans that PEAS helps create livelihoods for.

I am wearing a bracelet that says 90°N signifying my destination. Tejori Gems has kindly designed and manufactured these bracelets at no profit in support of the charities I am doing this expedition in support of. Pick one up if you can and would like to. All proceeds after production cost will be split between the two charities.

Bed time now.

Elham

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