An Tearmann proprietor on Arctic expedition
.jpeg) |
| Images courtesy David Hogan and the ARWA team. |
The proprietor of the An Tearmann Café, David Hogan, has just completed an Arctic expedition along with four former Defence Forces colleagues to generate funds for a Newbridge initiative of the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE), writes Brian Byrne. The project is Brú Dermot Earley, named after the late Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, providing essential support to former Defence Force members.
The expedition commenced and concluded between 15 and 21 April in the small Norwegian settlement of Longyearbyen, which serves as a gateway to the High Arctic wilderness stretching towards the North Pole. The participants, all members of the Army Ranger Wing Association (ARWA), covered nearly 100 km by walking with skis and poles, each hauling 45 kg of supplies on pulk sledges. From sea level, they ascended a total of 1,500 metres, with 800 metres of that elevation gained on the second day.
The team camped in two-person tents and faced severe winds and sub-zero temperatures, particularly during the night, when each member was required to maintain an armed polar bear watch for 90 minutes at a time. On the second day, they encountered bear tracks. The terrain included snowy landscapes and two glaciers, which necessitated careful navigation.
Averaging 60 years of age, the team managed to traverse between 12 km and 15 km daily through extremely challenging terrain. Team member Cathal O'Neill said that a secondary aim of the expedition was to demonstrate that "adventure is ageless."
David Hogan told the Diary that local residents had said that, due to climate change, spring is now arriving approximately one month earlier than in previous years. As part of local efforts to address the climate situation, electric skidoos are now replacing those powered by combustion engines, along with various other initiatives.
The expedition exceeded their original iDonate target of €15,000. Donations can still be made at this link.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
