Polar preparation hotting up for intrepid Wharfers
We might have thought it was pretty cold when the snow and ice hit London last month but one Wharfer was experiencing temperatures even more extreme.
Charlotte Byrne was in Norway, where the mercury never rose above -12 degrees celsius and dipped as low as -25 degrees.
She, and fellow Wharfer James Davers, were preparing for a 360 mile race to the North Pole later this year.
They are taking part in the Polar Challenge in April, and spent eight days with other competitors in the remote Norwegian town of Hjerkinn learning the harsh realities of cold weather survival.
Participants were put through their paces by the Norwegian military, with cross country skiing and ice baths just two of the tests on the eight day trip. For Charlotte it was a real eye-opener.
She said: "I never knew you could have so many different types of snow. No wonder the Inuit have about 20 words for the stuff. You need snow with good powder but compact underneath, so the skis can glide across. If it's too icy you can't get any grip and if it's too soft you just sink.
"I'd never cross country skied before and it was really difficult, especially when I sprained my ankle. But I improved over the week and I'm determined it will get me to the North Pole."
The biggest test proved to be jumping into a pool of freezing water in just thermal underwear.
Charlotte said: "It was the coldest I've ever been in my life. You had to jump in, swim across and back and then get yourself out. I was in tears before I went in and was still in tears when I got out.
"The weird thing was I then had to roll around in the snow because it absorbs the water and then run back to the tent to warm up. That's when the pain got even worse, because I'd lost the feeling in my fingertips and when it started coming back it was excruciating."
Since returning to the UK last week Charlotte has been keeping cool by venturing out in nothing but a T-shirt and jeans, even when it's been close to freezing.
She said: "People look at me like I'm mad, but I've got to keep my acclimatisation to cold weather going. Besides, it feels tropical here compared to Norway."
Charlotte and James have been looking for a third team-mate and they think they may have found one, although any new member will have to get used to being cold and tired, and quickly.
Despite the prospective hardship she is adamant it's well worth it.
"It's the challenge of a lifetime," she said. "If anyone has made a New Year's resolution to do something adventurous in 2010 then this could be the thing for them."
To find out more about Charlotte's team or sponsorship opportunities contact her at icelated@13thflaw.com.
Leave a comment