THE ULTIMATE POLAR CHALLENGE!

Transcription

1 THE ULTIMATE POLAR CHALLENGE! VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED FOR THE FRIENDS OF SPRI SPONSORED ARCTIC DOG SLEDGE The cost per person will be a minimum of 3250 (approx in expenses and a minimum of 1000 in sponsorship for the Friends of SPRI University of Cambridge) This needs to be raised by each participant prior to departure. 29 th March 4 th April 2009 We are seeking 13 volunteers to form the 2009 Dog Sledging Challenge Team. In order to take part you should be able to reach an active level of fitness by March March 2008 Team ARE YOU UP TO THE CHALLENGE LIKE THE MARCH 2008 TEAM? Then read on

2 2 Dog Sledging in the Land of the Aurora Borealis A Sponsored Arctic Dog Sledge on behalf of The Friends of the Scott Polar Research Institute Organised through Across the Divide Expeditions (ATOL Protected 6475) THE DOG SLEDGING CHALLENGE Sledging over 200 kilometres from our base camp into the wilds of the most northern European country of Norway, this event proves the ultimate challenge for many participants. An odyssey of ice, the teamwork between man and dog means the difference between life and death. Participants will need to go right back to basics, with many effectively re-learning the simple truths of life as a result of their experiences. The nature of the event means that it is run with a relatively small number of participants (13 maximum). Each participant will have his/her own sledge, pulled by 4 6 huskies. An ATD expedition leader, supported by an experienced expedition doctor and a local guide, will head up the expedition.

3 3 OUTLINE ITINERARY 2009 Day 1 Sunday 29 March London - Oslo - Alta - Gargia We board our flights to Alta in the far north of Norway, via Oslo. In Alta we are be met by our expedition leader and taken to the Gargia Mountain Lodge. Here we receive additional equipment and clothing necessary to allow us to participate in the extreme conditions. Our Expedition leader will then brief the participants on safety issues associated with dog sledging and cabin life. Dinner will be taken at the lodge followed by an early night. Flights depart London Heathrow early morning, changing at Oslo and arriving at Alta early afternoon (subject to flight schedules). Day 2 Monday 30 March Gargia Souluvombi After breakfast, we are briefed on how a dog sledge works, how to use the ice brake and snow anchor. We then put the theory into practice and some time is spent getting used to the basics of sledging. This is followed by a session where we are introduced to the dogs, shown how to harness them and how to attach them to the sledge. Once everyone is ready we leave for our next location, Souluvombi. We travel through forest to reach higher ground before descending through forest again to arrive at the lodge. After we un-harness our dogs we put them onto their stakeout lines for the night and are then shown how to feed and care for them. Souluvombi Cabin - Sledging 30 km. The Alaskan Husky The Alaskan husky is a breed in progress. The aim is to provide the ultimate sledge-racing dog by combining the best elements of more traditional breeds of husky, with the temperament and speed from nonhusky breeds. The result is a tough, fast dog with extraordinary stamina and a more manageable temperament than other huskies. They can still be difficult to control, however - and learning to work with your team will be part of the challenge! Day 3 Tuesday 31 March Souluvombi Maze We begin with an early wake-up call as we need to feed the dogs in time for them to digest their food before working. With everything ready and packed, the dogs are harnessed and the group sledges towards Maze where our cabin awaits us. Having settled the dogs for the night, we will have dinner in the cabin. Maze Cabin Sledging 25 km

4 4 Day 4 Maze Wednesday 1 April Nedre Mollisjokk After an early breakfast, we feed the dogs and pack ready to sledge to Mollisjokk. The terrain is mountainous and above the tree line, and there are many up and downhill sections. Mollisjokk Cabins 60 km Day 5 Thursday 2 April Nedre Mollisjokk Jotka Today we follow the Jiesjokka River all the way to Jiesjavri Lake and Jotka. Jiesjavri is the biggest lake in the Finnmark and sledging across this vast frozen lake really gives the feeling of being in total wilderness, miles from anywhere. Jotka mountain lodge 35 km Day 6 Friday 3 April Jotka Gargia From Jotka it is down-hill all the way back to Gargia where a hot tub and a sauna are waiting. Depending on the time of year there is the option of heading off to the Ice Hotel in the afternoon for a drink or two. There is also the opportunity to book an optional snow mobile tour in the afternoon. We return the lodge in Gargia for our celebratory dinner. Hotel Sledging 55 km. Day 7 Saturday 4 April Alta Oslo London The Saami people (the Lapps). The Saami, or Lapps, are northern European people that chiefly inhabit the Arctic and sub-arctic areas of Norway, Sweden, Finland and western Russia. The Saami (or Sámi) were previously known as Lapps. Altogether, the Saami number perhaps 80,000 people, with more than half speaking the Saami language in addition to the dominant language of their particular region: Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish or Russian. The Saami language is one of the Finno- Ugric languages, related to Finnish and Hungarian. The Saami entered the region from the east, several thousand years ago as nomadic hunters and fishers. Eventually some Saami stopped hunting and developed a form of reindeer herding similar to that practised by many people in Siberia. During the past several centuries, some Saami have also become settled farmers and deep-sea fishers. At the present time, however, about 7,000 Saami are still dependent on reindeer, herding some 450,000. Traditionally, shamanism was the sole Saami religion, while today shamanistic practices are overshadowed by participation in national Churches mostly affiliated to Lutheranism. After breakfast we are transferred to Alta airport for our flights back to the UK arriving the same day. Flight departs Alta early morning, changes at Oslo and arrives back in London Heathrow later the same afternoon (subject to flight schedules)

5 5 NOTES Each day will comprise about eight hours of activity. The precise route of our dog sledging challenge is subject to change due to weather conditions, permits and the overall fitness of the group. However, the structure of the event will remain the same. Each evening a staff meeting takes place, where the Across the Divide staff, charity representatives and local guides discuss the day s events and the logistics of the following day. A group briefing will follow. Participants must follow the directions of staff at all times. The optimum time of year for dog sledging is February / March. During March the daylight will last between 12 and 16 hours and the temperature will generally range from 5 to 35 degrees centigrade. Varying degrees of snowfall may be experienced along with the possibility of freezing wind that will cause the temperature to fall sharply. Potential participants should note that the event will be tiring and physically demanding. As a result of the extreme cold participants must be aware that the experience will require a reasonably high level of endurance. That said, ATD have put together a challenge for us that is fully achievable and which offers tremendous rewards to those that approach it with the correct preparation and spirit. This expedition is very tough participants must be aware of this before signing up for the event, and should attend only on this understanding. Participants must train for this event, and should be aware that conditions are likely to be extremely cold.

6 6 Maps Please note: This route is subject to change depending on weather and environmental conditions, permits and the overall fitness of the group.

7 7 Event considerations Dangers Prior to the departure of the event an experienced member of the expedition team will have carried out a comprehensive site visit to identify any potential risks. The definition of adventurous travel, however, is that there is an element of risk. With adequate planning and preparation, the risks can be identified and the necessary procedures and equipment put in place to minimise any danger. The following have been identified as potential risks to participants for this event: Falling from dog sledge participants should follow the sledging brief provided at the start of the event to ensure their own safety. Sledge collisions - participants should follow the sledging brief provided at the start of the event and drive with care, to ensure their own safety and that of others. Frost nip appropriate clothing should be worn. Hypothermia wear appropriate clothing and be aware of symptoms. Dehydration - participants should ensure that they drink enough water. Accommodation - The accommodation during this event will be hotel accommodation on the first and final nights and lodges the rest of the time. The lodges / cabins are all furnished with beds in bunk rooms - and some with adjoining saunas. The bunk rooms usually house 4 people each. All cabins are heated by wood burners. Washing facilities during the event will be very basic. Facilities vary one lodge does have a shower, whereas others have no running water, so water must be collected from a stream for washing. Long drop toilets are constructed at each lodge. There are some opportunities to charge camera s / phones during the event - although you are asked not to use mobile phones during the challenge. Terrain - There are some very steep inclines on this event - clients are expected to dismount their sledge and run alongside it, pushing to help lighten the weight of the sledge, aiding the dogs to run up the steep sections This is where all the good training comes into effect. Please note that if you are a heavy build, you may find the uphill sections more difficult so you need to be extra fit. The route runs through forested areas, frozen lakes and deep snow. Food and water - All evening meals are pre-prepared and vacuum packed by a local supplier these need to be cooked by staff and participants in the evening (taking turns each day). Breakfast and lunch is also prepared in turn by participants each morning. Breakfast usually consists of porridge, bread, jam and teas / coffees. Packed lunches will be carried by each participant and will usually include sandwiches and hot drinks. All water during the event is safe to drink. Vegetarians are adequately catered for. Participants with special dietary requirements should advise ATD at least one month prior to departure and may need to bring additional personal supplies with them from the UK. Extensions - Due to the small group size for dog sledging (maximum 13 particpants) it is not possible for particpants to extend their stay in Norway.

8 8 DOG CARE & MANAGEMENT Participants will be allocated a sledge and a team of 4 dogs each. Participants will be expected to care for their own team of dogs for the duration of the trek. Each dog has its own harness and its own position on the team. The lead dogs are always harnessed and placed on the gang line (line attached to the sledge that goes down the middle of the two lines of dogs) first otherwise the other dogs fret as they do not have leaders. When you stop for the day a chain is strung on the ground between two points and from that chain there are shorter chains spaced along its length on which to clip the dogs. The shorter chains are just far enough apart so that the dogs cannot get to each other. When you have finished sledging the dogs come off in the reverse order i.e. the dogs nearest the sledge come off first and the leaders last. Dogs always come first, water is collected for the dogs' meal before water for the humans. Dogs are fed first. The dogs don t drink water so you have to make up a soup of reindeer meat for them to eat to get water inside them, although you will sometimes see them putting their face in the snow as they run as though they were taking snow to eat. The dogs capillaries stop about half an inch or more from the skin so that they do not lose heat. They rest during the summer and eat so that come the autumn they are quite plump. By the spring they are quite skinny through running all winter. They do not enjoy the heat. When sledging through soft snow or going uphill, you have to get off and run, pushing the sledge to help the dogs. You mustn t let the gang line go slack otherwise the dogs get their paws caught in it and get injured. When you are sledging and the dogs turn to the left you have to lean to the left and when they turn to the right you have to lean to the right. If you fall you have to keep hold of the sledge even if it means being dragged along the trail you must not let go of the sledge. Particularly important if reindeer are near. When you stop the sledge you have to stamp an ice anchor (metal double hook) into the ice to hold the sledge and then tie a line to something secure. Will we be Dog Sledging or Dog Sledding? They are the same thing. Sled is American English, thus sledding ; Sledge is British English, thus sledging. The American usage is becoming widespread but being the Friends of a British Polar Institute, we will be sledging! All applicants will be required to fill in a medical questionnaire upon application for this challenge and may have to undergo a medical examination to ensure medical fitness

9 9 TRAINING FOR THE EVENT You would be unusual if you had no trouble in incorporating a training schedule into an already busy lifestyle. However, the importance of training for this event cannot be stressed enough. If you work Monday to Friday, then the weekend will probably make up the core of your training. If you can walk for a couple of hours, Monday to Friday, then your training effort will be greatly enhanced. Everyone is different but if you are to get maximum enjoyment out of the event, you should consider following a personal training plan. The first stage in putting together your own training plan must be an initial assessment of your current physical condition. nb: This may require a consultation with your doctor/gp. In any event, ask yourself these questions: - Do I undertake any physical activity/activities on a regular basis - Do I have any physical limitations that will require special attention during training - What is the longest walk that I could undertake now with relative comfort? If you are a stranger to exercise, it is recommended that you build up the mileage that you train over slowly. It helps in this instance to think in terms of time, rather than distance; several ten minute walks a day for the first few days should help to break you in. However, regardless of your own personal fitness level, it is recommended that you do not increase either the time or distance over which you are training by more than 10-20% a week. Remember, also, to stretch before, and after, each walk. In the months leading up to your departure, you should try to leave whole weekends free for long training walks. Training that you put into walking miles in a day, and back-to-back, two-day walks, will pay off in improving your fitness level. As a guide, the following training plan for those currently with a reasonable level of fitness has been suggested. Mileage per walk Weekly mileage total Month miles 6 10 miles Month miles miles Month miles miles Month miles miles Of course, there will be times that you might not be able to train as much as you would like but as a rough guide, by the time you start the event you should be comfortable walking for miles per day for two consecutive days. Do not wait until a month before you leave to start training. Start training now!

10 10 This expedition will be tiring and all participants attend on this understanding. The conditions are likely to be extremely cold. Equipment ATD will provide the following equipment to all participants; An outer layer made up of insulated overalls Outer mitts (gloves) Insulated boots Arctic outer hat Arctic rated sleeping bag In addition to the above specialist gear, participants are expected to provide their own full winter clothing to wear under the insulated overalls and in the evenings; a sleeping bag liner; a personal first aid kit; and personal effects. However, this is already an expensive event to take part in, so there is really no need to spend extra money on lots of costly kit. We recommend that participants bring some good long-sleeved thermals, warm thermal trousers and fleece jumpers. Basically, you will need to ensure you have lots of long sleeved warm clothing, in particular good thermal underwear. Plan to bring plenty of thin, warm layers, so that you can add and remove clothing as necessary. A suggested kit list will be sent to you once you register for the event to ensure you are suitably prepared for the cold, along with a health check list, so that you are aware of the symptoms of hypothermia and other cold weather risks.

11 11 COST The cost of the trip is made up of two elements: (a) the Ground fees /air travel and (b) Sponsorship (a) All participants will be expected to cover their own expenses for this event including a deposit of 350. These expenses are currently estimated at between 2250 & This element is NOT eligible for Gift Aid relief. (b) Additionally each person must raise a minimum of 1000 in sponsorship for the Friends of the Scott Polar Research Institute. Each applicant will therefore need to raise a minimum of 3250 in order to become a participant. EXPENSES These are the current Prices for Flight costs have risen recently due to an increase in fuel surcharges. Additionally, these will vary, depending on the number of participants and flight costs when we travel. Final prices will be confirmed as soon as possible. Number of participants Approx Flight costs ( ) Ground cost ( ) The price does include the following: 8, 9 or (inc 91 fuel surcharge) + departure tax of , 12 or (inc 91 fuel surcharge) + departure tax of Flights, accommodation, transport, food etc in Norway Day-to-day running of the event Safety and logistical management Provision of UK safety and medical staff Organisation of emergency evacuation, if necessary Satellite telephone, radio back up and support All safety equipment needed to run the event The following are not included in the price: Personal travel insurance Vaccinations (check with your doctor) Connecting travel to UK airport Airport taxes and entry Visas Tips to local staff Personal clothing, equipment and items of a personal nature Alcoholic Drinks (beer etc.) and excursions - There is an optional excursion to the Ice Hotel on the final night before the gala meal. Participants wishing to visit the ice hotel will be expected to pay their own entry and drinks which cost approx 100 kroner 8 each.

12 12 Travel insurance - All participants will be advised to purchase travel insurance for this event from Across the Divide. This is for the protection of the individual concerned and the Friends. The cost (up to December 31 st 2008) will be 76 (for under 65 s) or 152 (for over 65 s) Airport Taxes - Departure taxes etc. will be applicable (currently 40.80) Visas - UK Passport holders do not need a visa for tourist entry into Norway. Holders of other passports should check directly with the embassy for details and must obtain their own visas. SPONSORSHIP The aim of this challenge is to raise money and support for the Friends of the Scott Polar Research Institute, as well as to experience a personal challenge through dog sledging. Every participant will need to raise a minimum of 1000 in sponsorship for the Friends of the Scott Polar Research Institute payable to University of Cambridge a/c YQ on top of the basic trip expenses although we would encourage you to raise as much as possible beyond this 1000 figure. Some participants will no doubt simply wish to pay the entire cost, as for a holiday. This is acceptable, although we would prefer it if some effort was made to raise funds on our behalf, thus helping to publicise our work! Other participants will need to raise the entire cost through fundraising but please note that Gift Aid can only be claimed on the Sponsorship element of the challenge and not on the Ground fees etc. Sponsorship funds raised may be eligible for Gift Aid if the donor is a registered UK taxpayer and completes a UK Gift Aid Form. The added benefit of any UK Gift Aid refunds will accrue to the Friends of SPRI in due course and may not be included as part of the sponsorship required. We will send you a sponsorship pack, (including Gift Aid forms) once you have registered for the adventure! We would prefer it if you contacted us before approaching any large or blue chip companies, however, simply to ensure that this does not compromise other fund raising initiatives on the part of the Institute. Please ensure that all your sponsors know cheques must be made payable to 'University of Cambridge a/c YQ, otherwise they will have to be returned to be redrawn DEPOSIT and PAYMENTS We shall require an initial registration fee of 350 per person when you apply to join the trip. This sum is non-refundable and will be used to cover our initial administration costs and to pay a deposit to Across The Divide Ltd in respect of your flight and dog sledging package. We act as agents for Across The Divide Ltd and we shall issue an ATOL receipt for this part of your payment to confirm that it is protected by Across The Divide Ltd s ATOL bond. The remaining balance will be due by 29 February 2009 We also require you to take out and pay for the travel insurance policy with your registration.

13 13 THE FRIENDS OF THE SCOTT POLAR RESEARCH INSTITUTE: SUPPORTING POLAR SCIENCE AND HERITAGE Part of the University of Cambridge, the Scott Polar Research Institute was founded in 1920 as the national memorial to Captain Scott and the Polar party. The Institute has been an international centre for polar explorers, scholars and enthusiasts ever since. From rigorous scientific enquiry into the nature of climate change to protecting our historic polar heritage, the Scott Polar Research Institute has remained at the vanguard of polar work since its foundation. The Friends of SPRI was established in April 1946 to enable those who are interested in the Polar Regions to assist the Institute in this important scientific and heritage work. With a range of polar-centred events we provide support for the Institute s activities, in particular supporting the internationally renowned library, museum and archives. The Friends have donated over 125,000 to support various aspects of the Institute's work over the last ten years. Recent examples of donations include 420 for the repair of the Shackleton Clock; 5000 for the purchase of library books for the Shackleton Memorial Library; 1500 for conservation work on the Institute s photographic collections; 10,000 in support of the work of Polar specialists and 15,000 towards the purchase of important archival material. ACROSS THE DIVIDE EXPEDITIONS Across the Divide Expeditions was set up to provide adventurous and safe treks and expeditions as charity challenges and corporate team building events. A major source of income for many charities in the days of the National Lottery are the charity challenges that ATD provides. Exciting, varied and always a challenge, the events are achievable by virtually anybody, as long as a reasonable level of preparation is undertaken. For destinations from China's Great Wall to Wiltshire, ATD is your partner of choice. ******************************************** If you want to take up the challenge of our Sponsored Arctic Dog Sledge, please submit your application to: Celene Pickard PA to Friends of SPRI Scott Polar Research Institute University of Cambridge Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1ER Tel: For any queries please contact Cathy Cooper Challenge Coordinator, Friends of SPRI cathy@bamalam.com