July 1, 2008
Hello Everybody!
This Arctic voyage has been even better than I anticipated. There are so many great things happening that it is difficult to pick out a favorite event.
However, one of the highlights of this trip and perhaps even of my life was the walking around in the ice when the ship arrived at the North Pole. I took the Polar Plunge! That is when I stripped to jogging shorts and immersed myself in the Arctic Ocean. The water temperature was 27degrees F. For some reason when I do out of character things, I find it rather exhiliriating. My wife does not always agree and when I called her on the satellite phone, she was rather astonished.
That same day we were at the Pole, I really enjoyed the 90N Pole Ceremony. I felt very special to actually be one of the few people to actually stand at the magnetic North Pole. I do not know anyone else off this who has visited the North Pole. The photo confirmation of this speical day will always be treasured.
J. Bledsoe, USA