Day 18–This is just a drill

November 22, 2011 6:42pm

November 22, 2011

S72°37.734 E010°37.636

Nasty, nasty, nasty. This morning held promise: while the wind still had muscle, the snow was no longer blowing off the ground, and visibility was good. The forecast called for another three days of this storm, but as always, optimism–delusion or desperation, whatever you want to call it–had us make our own judgment and pick the under dog. It felt like a sporty day, but manageable on smaller kites. By 2 PM we decided to go for it and get ready. We were pumped to put in some miles, and by the looks of it, we would also clock some good speed. I was already counting the milk money, and figured that even with a late start, we could rack forty, perhaps fifty miles for the day. By the time the tent was wrapped and the sleds packed, snow was blowing again, and visibility had dropped to a hundred feet. We deployed the nine meter kites, but immediately realized that the wind was building. By the time the six meters were out, we were back to an all out blizzard. Eric and I turned to each other; our face masks and goggles could hardly hide that beaten look. It was cold, nasty, and besides, the wind had shifted even further to the South, closing the angle we need to tack.

“Do we really want to do this?”, I asked. “Not really,” he replied. Moments later we were wrestling with the tent in the wind, rolling it out on a fresh piece of frozen ground. Our home, sweet home. We traveled a distance of exactly thirty one meters today! As always, one cannot get mad at the weather; but occasionally, just occasionally… you can at least pretend!

4 Responses to “Day 18–This is just a drill”

  1. Though but in spirit, many of us are with you, Sebastian. Your optimism in going forth when one would rather retreat, is beyond any inspiring frontier I have witnessed.

    -Adam QK
    USA

  2. Carla Morton says:

    I don’t know how you do it. So impressive. You guys are rock stars.
    Happy Thanksgiving!

  3. Karin says:

    Don’t be too mad! Just think about the beauty you are able to witness! You both are the true heros of our time.

  4. BASILE says:

    Sometimes, we have right to be in a bad bad mood… OK!
    J’aime beaucoup les 31m… It’s funny and not. So today is a no royal day!!!!
    Best wishes

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