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Expedition Update from Tasiilaq

Today, Tuesday, August 12, we are spending the day in Tasiilaq with our expedition team. It was a beautiful but busy day. After a good night’s sleep, we started with breakfast. Despite a slight jet lag due to the three-hour time difference, we were awake early.

Communication and Safety

This morning, we reviewed the communication protocol. We discussed what to do in case of an emergency or accident, including the procedures for Search & Rescue and the use of the satellite phone. I also explained how the Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) works and how to activate it. Our team has five inReach trackers; I myself have two: the inReach Mini and the inReach Messenger Plus. I want to send photos with the latter device, and after some problems, it seems to be working now. In addition, we reviewed safety procedures for situations involving polar bears, extreme wind, and cold. When temperatures are minus 25 degrees Celsius or colder, it is important to be well prepared.

Preparations and Unexpected Events

Around ten o’clock, our pallet of materials arrived at the Redhouse. We started filling jerrycans with heptane at a gas station in the harbor. In total, we need 33 liters; we give 7 liters to the owner of the Redhouse. During our grocery shopping in the supermarket, the fire alarm suddenly went off. Although I initially continued to check out, we were asked to leave the premises. Within minutes, police, ambulance, and fire department arrived. Fortunately, nothing serious was the matter; probably something had burned in the kitchen.

Tents and Personal Equipment

We spent the rest of the day preparing tents and personal belongings. The tent poles were partially placed in the tents so that they can be rolled up for transport on the sled. Susana was busy repacking her food into daily bags, while other team members organized their belongings neatly in large bags. I also had a meeting with Kathinka, another IPGA guide from Ouslund Explorers in Norway. Our teams are currently the only ones trekking from east to west Greenland; we are going from Isortoq to Kangerlussuaq, while Kathinka is going to Nuuk.

Looking ahead to Tomorrow

After this intensive day, we are going to bed early to start the expedition rested. Tomorrow we will check the weather forecast to determine if we can leave on Thursday. We will also test the weapon we have with us, five kilometers away in Flower Valley. Thank you for reading this blog update. Until next time!