Messages From The Pole

Polar Race 2007 - Press Release 22nd April 2007 - Osbourne Island

Team Refuge win second leg of Polar Race 2007.

With over half the distance covered Jake Morland and James Turner (Team Refuge) have increased their lead in the Polar Race 2007 to the pole. The team, sponsored by Arch Insurance Company (Europe) Ltd., is busy making repairs to equipment and resting weary limbs at a re-supply point on Osborne Island. The last leg of the race has been the longest so far with over 120 miles covered in just a few days.

"We've taken a bit of a battering over the last few days," says Aid Worker Jake Morland. "Rather than Polar Bears, the cold has been our biggest concern. The thermometer may only read minus 20 but with wind chill that's closer to -65! Just staying warm is a battle," he says.

James meanwhile puts up with the hardship by dreaming of his arrival back in Ottawa on 4th May. "A pint of beer and food that isn't boil-in-the-bag takes my mind off bruised feet and aching bones. It also allows me to open my eyes and enjoy the surroundings."

Trekking on foot or ski over the frozen Arctic Team Refuge are learning on their feet whether reading the striations on the snow or using the sun navigate, or recognising what snow is safe to melt and drink rather than snow still salty from the seawater underneath. "It's no wonder the Inuits have so many words for snow," Jake says.

The highlight of the trip so far has been encounters with local wildlife three polar bears and two Arctic wolves so far.

"My first though was surprise, then I yelled, 'Bear! Bear! Bear!' The Bear and I looked at each other, he sniffed the air, turned and disappeared into the ice rubble," says teacher James Turner recalling a further encounter with a bear, "It was close."

Team Refuge is racing to the pole in aid of the UN Refugee Agency.

Two Polar Bears attack Team Refuge - 13th April 2007 – Jake Morland

Today, having completed over 60 of the 400 miles to the magnetic north pole, James and I (a.k.a. Team Refuge) are busy inspecting the damage to our equipment following our encounter with two very curious polar bears.

It was only day 2 of the 2007 Polar Race and we were doing well having gained the lead at a very early stage, then we spotted two male polar bears making their way towards us sniffing the air as they approached. Our initial excitement turned to horror as they began to show signs of aggression just 100m away. We did everything we could think of to scare them away, including firing a 'bear banger' just in front of them, but our efforts only resulted in them charging us twice.

Not wanting to kill these awe inspiring creatures with live ammo we backed away leaving them to sift through our belongings rather like a Labrador puppy with a pile of smelly shoes. After an hour they finally backed off, leaving us to pick up the pieces strewn across the arctic tundra.

Our tent and much of our equipment has been gnawed and slashed by the bear's dinner plate sized claws, but most importantly they, myself and James are fine. We have been trained to deal with bears and only to fire as a last resort which thankfully never happened.

Now, shocked and with clothing covered in bear spit, the race goes on and what an adventure it is.