We're off!

We leave tomorrow - Tuesday 26 June - and the sun is out in Longyearbyen. It must be nearly 15 degrees if you’re not in the wind! Lovely. As you won’t see any pictures till we’re back - here are some artic pics taken in the past couple of days.

It’s been great to take some time to sort stuff out before taking off. We’ve practiced shooting at the rifle range, considered food drops, sorted waterproof gun bags, packed all the food and developed a couple of options for our trip wire system. The locals have been unbelievably friendly and helpful. And of course by staying the weekend we got to celebrate the summer solstice... and recover from the party.


Before the party, new friends Eric and Liv made us a gorgeous fruit salad and made sure we started the night well with champagne and beer at their place. The boys went swimming at 2 in the morning... after lots more beer.



Playing with guns starts off scary but with some time at the rifle range we were all a lot more comfy. I put big holes in the 25m target with Miriam's shot gun. If the polar bears are as accomodating I'll be fine.

Yesterday we packed - and much to Miriam and my surprise everything fit in the boats! Ra, our eternal optimist, was completely sure it would all go.

And a fairly dreadful shot of Svalbard reindeer, truly strange beasties, visiting the campsite.

I'm feeling a funny mixture of excitement and nervousness. We're all pretty keen to get the paddles in the water!
Hugs to all
Polly, Mim, Ra