[ Media Center ] North Pole Solo Expedition Fact Sheet Expedition Overview Explorer: Wave Vidmar Expedition type: Polar, solo, unsupported (no food or equipment re-supply) Start Date: Late February 2004 Estimated Duration: 60 days Projected End Date: ~ May 1, 2004 Stats Minimum projected temperature: -54°F (provide °C as well) Maximum projected temperature: -15°F Weight of gear/food in sledge: 280lbs Breakdown: 130lbs of food, 60 lbs of fuel, 90 lbs of clothing, equipment; tent, sleeping bag, skis, communications, batteries, defense, etc. Clothing Clothing is a 'layered' system whereby, rather than wear one very heavy, insulated layer, clothing is worn in layers to allow better adjustment for workload and cold protection. Nutrition Nutrition is specialized, as approx. 7,000 calories a day will have to be consumed to maintain strength and body mass. The calories are also consumed by the body to generate its own heat. Hygiene Hygiene is difficult and dangerous on the Arctic ice, as anything wet will freeze in a matter of seconds. Even sunscreen can be dangerous at such cold temperatures, as it freezes flesh because of the moisture in the cream. Dangers Polar Bears - Polar bears have been known to swim hundreds of miles. Their 'range' is generally considered around 600+ miles. They can smell 20 miles across the frozen arctic ice. They have no known predators (except man). They actively hunt their prey and have been known to follow explorers for several days. The threat of polar bears will be constant during most of the expedition. Defense is a shotgun or very powerful handgun. Falling into ocean (thin ice) Cold weather injuries Frostbite, broken bones Insufficient supplies and equipment failure These are common problems that failed expeditions faced. Wave is benefiting from the experience of previous explorers to bring with him all essential items while minimizing weight and bulk. Arctic environment No land, will be on floating ice throughout the duration of the expedition Ice varies in thickness from 17 feet to less than an inch, average several feet thick Ice will be moving from Russia towards Canada/Greenland There is no 'pole' at the North Pole, since the 'North Pole' is actually just an area with floating sea ice constantly moving over it. Other wildlife of this arctic region is: Arctic fox (they follow polar bears), killer whales, sharks, ring seals.

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