When Dai first proposed this sailing expedition through the NW Passage, he gave his friends the option of joining him on various legs, or indeed, the whole of the passage. Naturally everybody wants to sail the actual Passage, which starts for us at Pond Inlet on Baffin Island, and finishes at Nome in Alaska.

 

Now I know that Dai really wanted someone to accompany him on the long, lonely voyage from Ireland to Greenland, some 2,000 nautical miles.

 

I had 2 options. First, do the decent thing and offer to help him sail to Greenland. Option 2, let him do all the hard work, and I will just turn up at Pond Inlet. I gave this matter some serious thought for 3 seconds, and decided on Option 2.

 

This was not an entirely selfish decision. After all, sailing 2,000 miles on your own across the Atlantic Ocean in stormy conditions is, you must admit, character building. Therefore I have contributed significantly to Dai’s most interesting character, which have challenge psychiatrists for many years!

 

By the way, Cath is a psychotherapist and counsellor, whose professional expertise is being stretched to the limits by this crew!

 

On a less frivolous note, I have been astounded by what is known as Arctic Environment Phenomena. If you are feeling bored, check out (on Google or Wikipedia) Supernormal Audibility, Ice Blink, Mirages, and Fata Morgana. The mirages that we have seen are truly incredible. For example when the crew was approaching Pond Inlet, which is a small Innuit settlement, Dai remarked that it was like Hong Kong, as they could see a skyline of tall buildings – just a mirage!

 

That’s it from me, more sensible blogs from the others soon. Ah yes, just one more thing. You may have sensed an upbeat mood amongst the crew so far? This could change tomorrow, as it is my turn to cook!

 

Pete Rice