So, we are off again....the 'Killary Flyer' goes back in the water next week after a complete overhaul and various improvements to make it more 'Arctic Ready'..... This time, as you will see in other blogs, it is a somewhat more complex trip as Daragh is going under....expect some fascinating results.
I am planning to be able to leave Killary Harbour in Galway around 23rd May, always subject to Atlantic weather, and get to Greenland 3 weeks earlier than '13. This because another part of the trip is to experiment with kites and kite buggies on the ice cap and we need the ice to be in good condition, not slush. This has proved more complex in arranging than previously thought due to the requirement for a very expensive Permit and rescue/evacuation insurance for this Permit....I have bought a www.rokon.com that was originally for the Irish Defense forces, this to be used as a tug and camera platform to get up and accompany on the ice, along with an adapted http://www.libre.de/Eng/home.html
The next blog I will provide an update on the overall 3 month plan aims and objectives as this plan tightens up.
The other factor that will govern access to our furthest N point is ICE...and this is the site that publishes twice a week updates: http://www.dmi.dk/vejr/ (Note, there is a lot at present....)
An added ingredient in all of this is that I had a knee replacement in late Oct last year and while recovery is good, it does not need to be over taxed...... but goes to show that you can keep doing 'stuff' with the wonders of modern medicine!