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After our North Pole extravaganza last Monday we got down to business and focused on the tough work of getting Away from the Pole. Due to the shape of the polar ice cap, which can be likened to a jaunty beret atop the earth, leaning down much further on the west side of the globe than on the east, we had long planned to make our exit down the 'easier' eastern route to Europe. Well, best laid plans and all that. While we're still confident we'll break the grip of the ice well in time to make our scheduled visit to Tromso, the exceptionally difficult conditions have left us with no option but to simply struggle south, sometimes making just 30 miles in a day, and we've had to cancel or reduce much of our 'after the Pole' science plans. Our days are filled with non-stop backing & ramming through the ice and 3 or 4 daily helicopter flights seeking to find an easier route. Travel in the arctic has grown considerably easier since the days of sled dogs and sailing ships, but we still haven't mastered this harsh place. Still, we know we'll soon be through with the 4-month science phase of this deployment, and everyone is excited about the upcoming port calls and our completion of the circumnavigation of North America, which will include stops in Norway, Ireland, the Azores, St. Marteen, a trip through the Panama Canal, and a final stop in Cabo San Lucas. For Captain Dan Oliver, Command Master Chief Pete Perron and myself, thanks for all your support. You'll hear from us again next week. Ed Note: No pictures expected until the end of September or until reliable satellite comms are established. Photos are being taken and a complete "catch-up" will be forthcoming |
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The Coast Guard Cutter Healy, homeported in Seattle, Washington.
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