David Hempleman-Adams, Expedition Leader 15 July in Murmansk
So we are in Murmansk. Last night was the survivors dinner for the crew that brought the yacht from Bristol. Lots of Vodka and lots of relief
Now Northabout is in the Commercial dock. A small yacht surrounded by huge container carrying freighters.
Our latest news is we have problems on two fronts
Ironically whilst the NW passage is now nearly open way ahead of schedule on the north east passage the route is Solid ice right up to the land and is the worst for many years. We are trying to predict when to leave as it will take 10 days to get to that point. Will it have changed by then. We don’t want to be stuck in the ice waiting. We also don’t want to miss an opportunity when we are sat in Murmansk. What to do !
Secondly we arrived with our treasured permit. Now they tell us the rules have changed ! We need a different one and need to open and close it in providencia which would add 4 days to our trip At this moment in time I would take it but Immigration customs and coast guard vie for the number of boxes to be ticked.
Another Groundhog Day