65 Degrees North expedition ready for the off

The 65 Degrees North expedition to Norway are now less than 24 hours away from the start of their six-day adventure. The training is over and reality is about to hit home.

Group leader George Matthews says the 10-strong team are raring to go but they were given a reminder of how the weather can turn after the first two days of training were completed under blue skies.

The third day of training was a morning of consolidation with the last opportunity to develop uphill and downhill techniques and diagonal gait before final packing.

Georges reports that the forecasted high winds and snow arrived as we boarded the train for Finse and was at full power by the time we arrived.

"Disembarking from the train into a full on blizzard with nil visibility was a valuable reminder that blue skies and minus 5 cannot be guaranteed," he said.

"A detour to the hut rather than the hotel in ‘challenging’ conditions provided a stern test of the group’s determination and sense of humour - all passed with flying colours demonstrating impressive teamwork.

"The group are now settled in Finse with the storm still raging outside. Equipment and clothing is being dried out in preparation for the start of our challenge tomorrow. More snow is forecast but winds and temperatures are forecast to abate throughout the day. The group are raring to go."