The Goliath Expedition

Well, February has come and gone and unfortunately Karl is still in Alaska. The extensive preparations for the return to Russia are now complete and he is only waiting for the six-month permit to re-enter Chukotka (which is expected soon), and the one-year visa. Regrettably it appears that the goalposts have been moved for obtaining a visa and it’s going to be a more complicated than on the last couple of occasions. The ‘beast’ will be sent ahead separately to meet Karl at the end of this next leg. Karl in the meantime will set off with his sled, walking out of the Chukotka Region and down towards the road system (the Kolyma Highway). The pressure is on now to gather in all the required paperwork and get back onto the ground in order to cover the required distance before the winter snows and ice thaw. With the sled and enough of the winter months left he should be able to make it to Bilibino within a week and reach the ‘Road of bones’ before the snows run out.Once the thaw sets in the area will be criss-crossed by wetlands and unbridged rivers.

Recently Karl has been down to Portland, Oregon and Sun Valley, Idaho to give a series of lectures at venues and schools. The trip was organised by companies supporting the expedition, Zamberlan footwear and ESS (Eye Safety Systems). It was an ideal opportunity to spread the expedition’s profile, raise necessary funding for the return journey and make new friends and contacts. Could we just add a few words that may hopefully rectify the misconception that the breaks in Karl’s walk across Chukotka are unnecessary rest periods. The plain truth is that if you want to walk through that area then this is what it takes. That’s the reason it’s hardly ever visited by outsiders. As expeditions go we are extremely limited by the fact we have only Karl on the ground, no backup team and very tight budget.