Cape to Cape Expedition
Cape to Cape Expedition
Inchoun - Russia (Инчоун)
3rd M
1st April 2008
Well the tank arrived back at 10.30am this morning and we got on our way again about 11am. We have done about 70km but didn't stop until 3am as it was snowing quite heavily and Oleg and the guide thought it best to get through the mountains.
We have had a couple of hair-raising moments. One where two of the Land Rovers wheels went through the ice - as we were being towed we were simply pulled out. Then we had to cross a mountain that was so steep that the tank could not pull us up and we ended up using the winch to hoist ourselves up. But we are through the mountains now and are hoping that we can reach Uelen tomorrow. Everyone is very tired. The guide is very good and certainly know the way along with knowing the snow conditions. He is directing Oleg in the tank as to what snow to drive on and what to avoid.
Nicky has organised a charter flight on the 10th April from Providenya to Nome with Bering Air and we think we will be able to get there by there. From what we gather we can go by snow machine to Lavarentia (about 150km south of Uelen). This is where the helicopters are based. Supplies to these remote towns are delivered twice weekly by helicopter. From there to Providenya we will go by helicopter.
The Land Rover, the outriggers, floats and other equipment is going to be stored at customs in Uelen (or that was the plan). We are not duly concerned as all along Chukotka we have been offered garage space for the Land Rover in the towns where we stop and so we are sure we can find some storage.
