yann in the arctic

Wednesday 3 September 2008

2 more to go!

Yesterday afternoon after lectures, Siv and I set out to bag another peak, as part of a competition the local gym is organising (only have 7 and 8 left).

The aim is to climb 10 of Longyearbyen's surrounding peaks by October. Those who sign all the guestbooks at the top of each mountain may win a prize.

I have noticed that there are actually quite a few people who have completed the challenge, and so I guess there is very little chance I win anything, but it's still a fun challenge.

So yeah, about yesterday's peak - we left at 3.30PM by bike down Longyearbyen, past the airport, round the coast and into Bjorndalen. Then by foot up the valley and up the mountain - and back down again (peak 10 on the map). Unless I am mistaken and measured it all wrong, we covered just over 44km in one afternoon ! All that and back in under 6 hours. We didn't stay long at the top as it was absolutly freezing - in fact there was frost and frozen puddles (winter is on it's way).

On the way down we passed a fresh dead reindeer that had recently collapsed in a stream, and it's eyes had been eaten by gulls! Always be careful what you drink!

The other day I volunteered to be the Tresurer this year so I am responsible for managing the student budget this year. I also put my name down for the student equipment along with three other people - so I should soon be getting the keys to the treasure trove!

Other than that, I really must get along with a project I have been assigned.

On Friday I leave for Svea by plane as part of the Arctic Technology fieldwork. How cool is that - by plane! I'm sure it will beat the Edinburgh minibus ;) .