Listen to the Greenland Expedition Update.

Sign up for the Expedition Newsflash.

Receive alerts of new blog posts in your email during the expedition.

The Expedition Begins with Challenges

It seems the expedition has truly begun, as the first problems are arising. The stress is starting to kick in a bit. Our Garmin inReach Mini Trekker, the Messenger Plus, isn’t working. Despite activating the subscription a few days before the expedition to test it, the hardware itself remains inactive. This is annoying because the device is essential for our communication with the Basecamp manager. He can use this device to track our location on our website and monitor our progress.

With the Garmin, we can also send messages and photos to the medical Basecamp if needed. The device also transmits our position to Arctic Command, the Greenland rescue services. If the device doesn’t function, we have a serious problem. No one can see where we are, and we have to manually transmit our position via satellite phone, twice a day.

Fortunately, I have a backup: an older model of the inReach, which doesn’t allow me to send photos and has fewer functions. I tested it this morning, and it works. I will continue to test it in the coming days.

Communication Problems with the Satellite Phone

Another problem that arises is that messages via the satellite phone are not properly transmitted on the website. The transcription of the voice message didn’t work correctly, and the connection dropped halfway through the conversation. These kinds of technical problems are frustrating, especially because they are beyond our control.

I am in control of logistical matters such as waxing skis and setting up tents, and I’m happy to do them. But when services we rely on don’t work, like with the Garmin inReach tracker, it’s immediately irritating.

Preparations and Prospects

Despite these challenges, I’m continuing with my to-do list. Originally, there were 80 items on this list when organizing the expedition; now there are only six left. A fun item on this list is launching the summer tours. If all goes well, the summer trips will be online by the end of today.

If you are interested in a Greenland expedition but would prefer not to go yourself, you might consider joining us in Southern Sweden in the summer. I hope to see you there!