// Trip Reports  

Report name	Trent College - Arctic Norway - June 2010
Date submitted	Jun-10

The group all assembled at London Heathrow full of anticipation for their adventure to the far north. We flew on time from blue sky towards some very fine and uncharacteristic weather beyond the Arctic Circle. This was not to last.

Trent College, from Nottingham, have participated in a number of Adventureworks expeditions. They are very active in the outdoors with many expeditions to their credit. It was no surprise, therefore, to find them undertaking an ambitious project in Arctic Norway.

Ready for the Arctic Photo AG,

In the event, the group of 15 Year 9 students had a very fine expedition. – even if this was often the opposite of their itinerary. The High Arctic offers such a challenging environment, especially with regard to the weather at 71 degrees North. Our programmed visit to the husky dog sledging centre saw temperatures soaring. This meant it was much too hot to run the dogs. An interesting demonstration following a play session with the dogs ensured. The dogs had enormous energy and power but were very friendly and approachable.

We now left Alta on remarkable roads to Saltnes. This is a tiny hamlet with amazing views across Jokelfjord and the sea. A walk in warm sunshine with big packs saw us wild camping for two glorious days. A walk around the bay and some bridge building/river crossing saw the team begin to knit together.

Moving on from here we drove again to the settlement of Oksfjord. Here we caught a ferry to Tverrfjord. Our intention was to camp wild and trek up to the ice cap at the head of the valley. All went to plan until a vicious storm hit our camp on the first evening. Within minutes tents were destroyed and equipment scattered. Snow and lumps of ice were falling from an angry sky – and this near sea level. The group dealt with this crisis with remarkable fortitude and maturity. The camp was evacuated and we all returned to the vehicles. A night in a ferry waiting room was an interesting variation on wild camping.

Returning to Alta our travel options were reduced as a result of the storm. Nevertheless we made the most of our remaining time.

A trek into the local forests found us at an isolated lake. Here we fished, built shelters, made a fire and generally worked upon our bushcraft. Sadly the fish were not biting but toasted sandwiches on an open fire were some compensation.

A visit to Alta museum proved very interesting. There are exhibitions on the Northern Lights and a variety of rock carvings which are of considerable historical importance. These depict early Sami life and culture. So significant are they that the area has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

By this time temperatures had dropped and we revisited the husky dogs. This time we were able to run the dogs and a very exciting and dramatic series of journeys through the forest took place. Attached to wheeled sledges considerable speed and acceleration was experienced.

A brief period of retail therapy in Alta followed and 15 young people had completed their week in Arctic Norway. We all felt regret at being unable to visit Northcape but very privileged to experience the wild North and the extreme weather it can produce. In fact, in many ways this provided a greater challenge and certainly a more exclusive experience than a headland many hours away.

A final evening of relaxation and packing saw an early night in preparation for the journey home. In all, the expedition proved a major success, with team members showing progression in their co operation and ability to work together. They are away now to their various homes but will, I am sure, remember the summer of 2010 and their epic Arctic adventure.