Voices from afar......
Got a phone call from Russell today at 9:37 est. The team is doing great, everyone's eating well, and no big furry critters as of yet. Apparently Russell saw a UFC (unidentified furry critter), but he's not sure what it was.
I'll let the phone call speak for itself, Russell gives a quick weather report, and updates us as to their position and course.
Download VTHCall2Aug8.mp3
Our conversation was a bit herky-jerky, and I think I lost Russell due to a dead sat phone battery. I'm not sure if that bodes well for many future calls, but I'll keep my fingers crossed. I know they packed spare batteries, but it seems battery life is truncated perhaps due to the cold and moisture? I could be wrong.
In the call it's mentioned that the team is not heading up Navy Board inlet, due in part to the carnivores, and that would put Griese out of the question.
Russell was chuffed to see that everyone is posting, and taking an active part in this journey. I would like to mention that I've received the updated email address for Nancy Keen and will be corresponding today.
oh, and here is the current weather in Pond Inlet:
It's not a weblink, but an image of a webpage. If anyone would like the link to this site, here it is:
http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/71095.html
I have more links, and I'm not afraid to give them out! Just let me know.
Keep the posts coming, and let's keep team Sweetwater in our thoughts!
Mark
Sure is wonderful to hear Russell on the sat. phone, and to learn a bit about what is going on...but how can I really be sure that Phil got there safely??? Love and best wishes to you all...Jo
Posted by: Joan Eccles | August 08, 2008 at 04:19 PM
No no no. It's not good if all their batteries die. Tell them to get out the duct tape and tape all the spare batteries to their warm bits. You know what I mean. In order to hold their charge, the batteries must be kept warm at all costs not only so we can get updates, but so they can make phone calls in the unlikely event of a serious emergency! Please let them know that it's imperative that they tape the phone batteries to their....well, someplace warm!
Posted by: Jen Kleck | August 08, 2008 at 06:15 PM
Mark,
What's the chance you could post their position and progress on a google earth map on the blog? Thanks!
Posted by: Jen Kleck | August 08, 2008 at 11:36 PM
Good to hear Russell's voice and that other thna some sleep deprivation due to sun the team is doing well. As a matter of fact after hearing some of their menu items - I'm not sure they're not just hanging out at a restaurant :)
Seriously - as always - best wishes to everyone for a great, safe trip. Maybe on the next update we can hear a couple of hellos form the rest of the team.
Cheers
sergio
Posted by: sergio | August 09, 2008 at 08:12 AM
Russell is "living large' as he would say. I am very happy for him and the team. It sounds like an incredible place. Let him know that all is well at Sweetwater Kayaks and we are glad that everything is going well.
Safe Journey - Jean
Posted by: Jean Totz | August 09, 2008 at 01:46 PM
Great to hear Russell's voice again and love seeing everyone "checking in" on the gang through the posts. Long live the sat phone batteries!! How wonderful to be the only humans around in such a beautiful place... excitedly awaiting next contact... safe journey to all.
Suzette
Posted by: Suzette Urick | August 11, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Have just been listening to the latest sat phone call and great to hear from my uncle Phil!! Good luck to all the team
Liz
Posted by: Liz Eccles | August 14, 2008 at 09:08 AM