#HemingwayGoesArctic - Arctic Trek 2023

Thanks for taking the time to visit my Arctic Trek / Dreams Come True JustGiving page.

As part of my personal development, challenging oneself to be outside of your comfort zone helps you learn more about yourself.  I turned 50 in 2020 and I wanted to do something meaningful that my family and I remember for years to come. In doing so, to find a way to give back to those less fortunate than myself and challenge myself in the process

I had planned to leave on Feb 26th '21 however due to Covid, and delayed again from 2/2/22. The expedition has been moved to 2nd  Feb '23. I'll be in a team of 16-18 people to go trek nearly 70Km to the Arctic Circle.

Day 1 : We'll make our way to Northern Finland from the UK  

Day 2 : A day of acclimatisation on the frozen river (temperatures could be as low as -30 so they could take a little getting used to!) as well as pulk, snowshoe and equipment familiarisation. We’ll also carry out a kit check and safety brief.

Day 3:  We set off from basecamp (fortunately after a hearty breakfast a a good nights sleep at the basecamp hotel) for our first 28Km trek, hiking in snow and the "fresh" air ! The walk will take most of the day and the route will follow the frozen river before heading west where there are a couple of rolling hills before descending again to a frozen lake where we'll set up tents for the night!

Day 4 : Packing up camp and out sleds (Pulks) after breakfast and start trekking.  We embark on a 20km stretch of glorious white wilderness. The trail takes us further into the wilderness. The terrain gets slightly more hilly as we enter the forests - and then break out the tents again 

Day 5 : Legs may be sore but lungs will be clear, eyes will be bright and enthusiasm will be high for the final 18km. The day will end at the Arctic Snow Hotel where we'll get the chance to brave a snow bath and we hope get rest in our Ice Igloos, where an alarm call will hopefully alert us to the Northern Lights blooming overhead!

Day 6 - It's pack up, say goodbye to the Arctic and transfer back to the UK.

Through the work of www.TheSiliconCup.Com, I've been supporting Dreams Come True for a number of years; seen and heard first hand, what a different we can all make to the families who have terminally ill children and young adults; or those who have life changing illnesses and face hardship.  

Helping families fulfil a dream, regardless of how big or small gives people hope and happiness in darker times.

So this trek helps tick a bucket list item for me and will give hope and make a positively impact many families supported by Dreams Come True. 

So get onboard, donate towards my goal.  Every penny raised from this campaign, will go directly to supporting families. Together we can all help change the world for a better place and change lives of those less fortunate !

Thank you for your support

CHRIS