Gary Rolfe

This is a one month extract from Gary's diary...

Diary Extract - 2004
1st February It can snow in the Arctic any month of the year. Throughout winter and spring forty below zero temperatures aren't uncommon. In a 33km/hour wind at -33°C exposed skin will freeze in 33 seconds. The unprepared freeze - from oil in engines to blood in bodies. Here in London the drizzle is warm. I'm packed and ready for another journey north.
3rd February I left England in a T-shirt and gradually added layers after each connection before landing at Inuvik, here in the Canadian Arctic. I've a lot of modified gear to put through its paces over the next month and keen to see how it performs. There's talk from trappers of rabid wolves in the area, moose too.
4th February Ran a team of eight on a bright, cold afternoon. Soon, four yearlings - Kimik, Larvik, Denali and Hummer - will experience camping out with four older dogs and me. The more experienced guys - Pingo, Piper, Timber and Hansel - will keep the youngsters moving and focused. The idea is they experience lots while trusting me. They love to pull and it's up to me to channel that energy efficiently and determine what position each dog in the team should fill. Strength and ability to learn are determining factors.
[<< back]	[more >>]

You are here: Home > Diary