The Goliath Expedition

Just let you all know that I reached my first way-point, the mining camp, on schedule on 9th September. It was a hard kick-start for my body, carrying a fair bit of weight (approximately 36kg/80lb) and I had some issues with muscle strains in my legs and back in the first few days which were a little worrying. But after a first week of ‘hell’ the body got broken in, things improved and I maintained the pace. This first 200km is just a warm-up though. I’ve been looking at the best options for the next move up to Komsomolskiy, (474km). The weight and volume of the 26+ days of food was a worry, however, there is transport headed north from here, not sure just when yet. It’s able to drop off some supplies at 167km, a small manned station and also at 359km where there are some field workers. Being able to ship food/ fuel to these points will help greatly in lightening the load. Everyone in Egvekinot and Amguema has been extremely helpful and the truckers on route have dropped off food for me as they passed. Geologist working at the mining exploration camp and this main camp welcomed me with open arms. I shall take 4-5 days off here to allow muscles to rest, my blisters and open sores to close. Weather has been very good for the first weeks, however, is changing rapidly now and the temperatures are dropping. Winter will be here soon. A real concern is making it close enough to Komsomolskiy before it snows too heavily. Beyond there it’s another game altogether by the sound of it. Perhaps by then there will be enough snow for me to use skis and some kind of sled. That would allow me to carry the month’s worth of food and fuel I will need to make it the 500+km to Bilibino.

Going north-west, going strong.
Karl.