Artic adventure

Flying half way round the world always makes my head spin, and the contrast of winter Wellington to summer Maidenhead has been unreal - especially considering this week is all about getting to know new baby Isabelle, 3 weeks old tomorrow and the delight of Colin and Jules.

Maidenhead is a wee stop on route to the biggest adventure yet. Friends Ra and Mim dreamed up the idea of sea kayaking round Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, and our last few months have been on fast forward, sorting gear and logistics, working full time, and training when possible. Fantastic to think that this time next week the team will be in Svalbard.

We'll start the trip in Longyearbyen, the island's largest settlement, and head north on the 1200km mission. Spitsbergen is home to more polar bears than people, and despite early whaling and coal mining, it's now protected by the Norwegian government. I'm hoping we'll see some truly extraordinary landscape and enjoy the creatures who live there.

Our first task will be to pack a small mountain of gear into three sea kayaks. We have eight weeks food and two of most things, and the aim is to get round self supported. Boating! Can't wait to get those first paddle strokes in the water.

We've got a satellite phone, and a spare battery, and the plan is to text Louis updates, who will then put these on this blog. We'll try to send news once a week. Please be aware that if our "frivolous" battery runs out then there will be no more updates!

Everyones' good wishes and enthusiasm for this trip have been amazing. Thank you all - and see you in the spring.

Polly