Journal

31 July 09

Base camp is now empty and the fires are away on their own individual programmes. Two fires, geology and glaciology are at mountain base camp (MBC) and at differing stages of their adventure phase, fluvial hydrology are on the same side of the fjord with their science programme in full swing. Social sciences have packed in a varied programme with the initial phase of their research started and some shorter overnight excursions successfully completed.

Glaciology fire was the first to arrive at MBC and start training for the ice phase on the glacier. MBC is between 3 and 6 hours walk from the fjord. The climb is initially steep and daunting but the time variation depends on factors ranging from enthusiasm to weight carried, time of day and therefore temperature. A shuttle service is necessary to get the fire complete with all their equipment and rations in situ for the approximate 10 day period that they spend either in MBC training or on the glacier itself. Our next blog should contain a fuller account with pictures of their adventures. Geology fire arrived 2 days ago and so with Glaciology on the ice, they are completing their training in order to start their own adventures.

Fluvial Hydrology has a range of field experiments under way. Amongst their requirements are hourly readings ranging from water depth to temperature and flow rate. Samples are taken and filtered to secure the sediment that is then carefully bagged and tagged so that samples can be tracked. In the UK these will be analysed. Initial results will be available by the end of the year but the production of academic papers is a longer process that will take up to 2 years. Like all the science work our fires are undertaking their contribution has genuine academic merit, that starts from the understanding and work of these 17 year old YEs.

Superimposed on our programme YEs have an opportunity to study the archaeological remains of the Norse settlers from the 10th -15th centuries. It is remarkable and almost beyond comprehension to think of these early inhabitants carving out a living in the bleak surroundings of Tasermiut Fjord. Ally and Irene have made a comprehensive study of the Norse culture and influence; starting in their native Orkney Isles which was pivotal in the westward spread of Viking and Norse culture from Norway to Greenland via not only Orkney, Shetland, Iceland and the Faeroes. Sites abound here and whilst, to the untutored eye, they are little more than piles of rubble and rock, a little analysis and imagination allows the identification of Longhouses, animal corals and religious sites. Being on site brings this to life and allows YEs (and not so young leaders) to learn in a way that engages as no classroom, computer or text book ever could. 

So we are now in full swing, the expedition is a reality and already, we the leaders, are witnessing the learning and impact on the YEs. Whether it is organising and preparing for a camping phase, developing new skills and virtues or understanding their science programmes the change in just over 10 days is already discernable and on occasions humbling. From the YE who gave a “Master’s level” (Pete’s words) explanation of a scientific experiment to the forging of team work and perception of group dynamics at both Fire and expedition level we are all emerging as better people. Perhaps most importantly, many are reflecting on their days through journaling and recording their experiences and feelings as their adventures gain momentum. Radio check each evening is the end of most peoples days and the time when we catch up on the adventures of other fires.





From Isuma Fire

Since we have been in Greenland our fire has been pretty busy, the first days in base camp we got used to sleeping, cooking, living and using the toilets outdoors. Some thing’s were maybe a bit of a shock at first but we have all got used to everything now! We did some workshops on river crossing, first aid, communications equipment, boat safety and also some preparation for our science studies. We have also worked on our outdoor cooking skills: we have perfected the art of making oatcakes on the stove and we will be baking bread later today. We were then ready to start trekking and took a boat across the fjord to Tirringnertooq Valley where we pitched our tents, explored the valley and had a beach fire.

After five days of continuous sunshine rain appeared the next day, just when we had to cross a freezing cold river! The incoming tide made our journey harder but we eventually arrived in the next valley: Klosterdalen with a really picturesque water fall and ‘Ketil’ the highest vertical rock face in the world! Ally Sangster and Irene Brews arrived the next day and helped us look for and examine Norse Archaeological sites. We found seven in total including long houses and a church. They also set us a challenge of writing our own Saga’s which will be performed in base camp before the end of the expedition. The journey back across the fjord was quite dramatic as the mist came down and the wind picked up it was doubtful that the second part of the fire would make it back that day, we might have had to ‘borrow’ another fires breakfast! We did however get across safely and were glad to get back to base camp and our supply of powdered milk which we had forgotten to take with us.

We also went on another three day trek up the valley, walked up to the snout of a glacier and trekked up a very, very, very steep mountain. The view from the ridge was definitely worth it and we could see all the way over to the next fjord. Today has been a day of washing, repacking and preparing for our time on the ice, which starts tomorrow. We are also planning to meet up with the Glaciology and Fluvial Hydrology fires to conduct interviews as part of our social science plan.

Sadly one of our fire had to return home due to health issues, if you’re reading this Phil: we all miss you and our choir is just not as good without you!

Written by
Rebecca Van Hove, Rachel Jones, Louise Bradley, Andy Hewitt, Ed Whittle and Rob Adkins