Page 39 - 2009 AMA Summer

days, until their arrival at the West Coast was impaired by crossing through a major icefall. This took upwards of three days moving through very close, technical glacial country, the team moving un-roped for speed and agility. It was by far the most testing and dif- ficult terrain encountered during the expedi- tion and is a considerable credit to those who took part. The expedition leader felt guided and confident in his team and the route chosen. There were some big smiles when they exited the crevassed zone and arrived at the first land for 25 days.
The route did not give up. After thinking that each day was the last hard day, the next would be harder. The journey across the foot of the ice sheet and around the Mitt Lake was hazardous and challenging. Rivers that were supposed to drain towards the sea were now draining under the ice sheet, 180 degrees the other way! Global warming had changed the route beyond any recognition from that of
The team move through some close country
Nansen’s time. A river expected to be deep wide and powerful had a trickle that might have come from your bath running in the middle; a weird and strange place. After a final 18k walk out through dwarf birch and alder, itself a challenging journey in its own right the team were at Nansen’s Tentplace. They had achieved the aim and shared cel- ebrations with a Norwegian team who had arrived about 20 minutes before.
After this they walked the 5km or so to the pick up taking some of the Norwegian heavy kit with them as they had an arranged a boat pick up. The vessel seemed something like a cruise liner and we settled back with beer, fruit, crisps and chocolate to enjoy the ride to Nuuk.
What then? The team enjoyed trying to replace some of the lost weight and worked hard at the all you can eat buffet breakfasts in Copenhagen. Upon return they were met by TV cameras at the airport
James Woodhouse steps onto rock for the first time in 25 days
and again at a press-call the next day. They have been featured in media and press and have attracted the praise of Sir Chris Bonnington, and there is even a planned Channel 4 documentary based on the footage shot by the expedition camera- man.
This was a major overseas expedition of the like not often attempted and it was extremely successful. Despite the difficult terrain and the constant danger we only lost one shovel and three ice screws and managed to conduct some major scientific research for the Universities of Edinburgh and Bangor. As always though the real measure of success is somewhat closer to home – all of the team returned, returned well and returned friends, or friendly! There were some outstanding personal perfor- mances during the expedition; the level of physical, mental and spiritual demand is sadly beyond the capability of this writer, so I shall say in short, “We nailed it”.
The view from the bottom of the ramp down to Austmandalen and the route out
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