globe

Answers to your questions...

Many of you asked about Santa and reindeer... this should answer that...

Name: Nerissa
Q: How do you prepare for your expedition?
A: We do a lot of skiing, and we haul tires to build up the strength to drag our sleds across the ice. (click on 'Live from the Pole' at left to see photos)
Name: Kayla
Q: How long have you been wanting to raise money for charity?
A: For many years... I believe it is important that we all do what we can to help those less fortunate. Whether we donate our time, money or just encouragement, it can make a difference in the life of someone in need of support.
Name: Martha
Q: What is the name of the city and island your group is flying from?
A: We are flying from Longyearbyen, Svalbard (click on the map at left).
Name: Bob
Q: What is your name?
A: My name is Doug. (You can find the names and photos of all of the team members by clicking on 'Live from the Pole' at left)
Name: Jamil
Why do you decide to go on these trips even if they could be so dangerous?
A: Sometimes we help with scientific experiments, sometimes we explore distant lands to bring back photos and video to share with students, and other times we simply enjoy the adventure and pushing the limits of human potential.
Name: Elethea
Q: Do you get paid for this?
A: No, we don't get paid. Sometimes sponsors help us out with our expenses. Q: Is the little boy in the picture your son? No, he is seven year old Cronin Wilkes. He recently visited Antarctica.
Name: Sam
Q: Do you get paid for this job?
A: No. (see answer above)
Name: Angela Shin
Q: Is it cold?
A: Yes, it is very cold. The temperature at the North Pole averages around -40 degrees in January. It has been between -20 and -30 recently. The coldest temperature recorded was -90 degrees F (-67.8 degrees C).
Name: Kelly
Q: What got you interested in this sort of stuff? When did you start it all -- like what age?
A: I first became interested in exploring at the age of 14 after reading about the Antarctic voyages of Ernest Shackleton.
Name: Adrianna
Q: Why are you doing this?
A: It's my way of making a difference. (see other answers above)
Name: Alexis
Q: What was the name of the city and islands the group is flying from.
A: Answered above.
Name: Bob
Q: Is it cold where you are?
A: Answered above.
Name: Erla
Q: How cold isit there ? Are you scared?
A: If you research and prepare, you know what to expect, and how to deal with it. I think people are afraid of the unknown. I believe that the secret of not being scared is to know what you are up against, and not be surprised.
Name: Emre
Q: Hey how's life... is it fun around thes places?
A: Very.
Name: Dustin and Zack Dundas Central
Q: Hi, how's it going? How many polar bears have you seen?
A: No polar bear sightings yet. Usually, polar bears are not found very close to the North Pole; however, this year has been unusually warm, so it's possible that they will travel further than usual in search of food.
Name: Hannah
Q: Is it fun? Show more pictures of monkeys, please!
A: Yes, it is always fun. Next trip to Nepal, I take some more monkey photos and post them.
Name: Ally, Abi and Riley
Q: Have you got frost bite yet? What has been your biggest obstacle so far?
A: A little minor frostbite can be expected on this type of expedition. It is important to keep your body covered at all times when out in subzero weather. It's as important in the Arctic as it is anywhere the temperature drops down low, or there is freezing wind chill.
Name: Ryan C / Ryan M
Q: Aren't you scared?
A: Answered above.
Name: Matt
Q: What is the main idea presented in one of the videos shown?
A: I believe you are asking about the video that shows the ice melt in the Arctic at different times of the year. In recent years, scientists have discovered that the ice is thinner, and there is more thawing going on.
Name: AJ
Q: What is the name of the island and city the group is flying to?
A: We are flying from Svalbard to Ice Station Borneo -- which is not an island -- rather a floating base on the frozen Arctic Ocean.
Name: Stephanie
Q: What was the name of the Artic explorer from the past?
A: There are many... Some notable ones are Nansen, Peary and Cook.
Name: Brandon
Q: Hi, where are you in the Artic?
A: We will be skiing from Ice Station Borneo on the Russian side of the Artic Ocean ( 89 degrees) to 90 degrees, or the last degree to the geographic North Pole.
Name: Joel
Q: How many people are you up there with?
A: There are seven members in our team. Five from Canada and two from the U.S.
Name: Samantha Dennis
Q: What have you done so far?
A: I've been to both the North and South Poles a number of times; and I've also climbed and snowboarded many mountains around the world.
Name: Curtis
Q: What are you doing up in Antartica?
A: I'm currently in the Arctic. I was down in Antarctica earlier this year exploring and shooting video of the region and the wildlife.
Name: Joel
Q: Are you very cold there?
A: The temperature is very cold; however. we have special clothing and tents that keep us warm.
Name: Raven
Q: Why did you choose to ski to the North Pole?
A: Answered above.
Name: Andrew
Q: Hello, how are you?
A: Fine.
Name: Shawn
Q: Hi Doug how are you?
A: Still fine.
Name: Heather
Q: The main idea presented in one of the videos shown.
A: Answered above.
Name: Karen B
Q: Are you glad you're on this mission? You probably miss your family...
A: I always enjoy going on adventures. And, yes, the hardest part is being away from my family for weeks at a time.
Name: Sam Clark- Grade 5 @ Prince of Wales Elementary
Q: Do you think that anyone will be injured on this expedition? My class feels that this is a very dangerous adventure, are we correct?
A: There is always danger when traveling to remote regions of the planet -- especially where it is cold and icy. We spend a lot of time preparing ourselves, so that the dangers and injuries are kept to a minimum.
Name: Kristen Robinson- Grade 5 @ Prince of Wales Elementary
Q: When you reach the North Pole, what do you think you will see? How do you think you will feel?
A: We'll see a vast expanse of frozen water. It will feel great!
Name: Kyle Trudeau- Grade 5 @ Prince of Wales
Q: What gave you the idea to have this charity expedition?
A: Answered above.
Name: Katie Sharkey- Grade 5 @ Prince of Wales
Q: Will you remember to watch out for Leopard Seals and other dangerous creatures?
A: Leopard Seals are found in the Antarctic. The only thing we're likely to see are birds (terns), and perhaps (maybe, and hopefully not) a Polar Bear.
Name: Alisha Ferreira
Q: How are you feeling at this point when you are answering my question? Do you think this is another life changing experience for you?
A: Everyone in the team is feeling great and looking forward to the adventure ahead. Most challenges in life is are life-changing experiences.
Name: Josh Williams- Grade 5 @ Prince of Wales
Q: Why is it so important to raise money for kids and schools?
A: Because there are many students that don't have the opportunity to reach their full potential due to financial reasons. If we can help them to get a good education, they are more likely to be able pursue their goals and dreams.
Name: Johanna Natasa & Jody
Q: Where else have you explored?
A: Answered above.
Name: Patricia Domingues
Q: I saw you at Cathedral High School... and I found your speach very interesting... if you can please send me a message telling me more about your adventures...
A: Thanks. Browse around my website and you'll find more about my adventures. And listen to the audio dispatches...
Name: Mariah
Q: What are two other places you have explored?
A: Antarctica and the mountains of Tibet.
Name: Jordon
Q: where did you land?
A: Longyearbyen, Svalbard (see map at left)
Name: Joel
Q: How far are u up the hill?
A: We'll be walking over the frozen Arctic Ocean, so there are no hills or land -- we'll be at sea level.
Name: Jeannette
Q: I love your work... can you please send me a message about your adventures? thanks...
A: Thanks. Browse around my website and you'll find more about my adventures. And listen to the audio dispatches...
Name: Jason
Q: What is the temperature in svalbard today?
A: 30 °F / -1 °C and mostly cloudy. But we're not there anymore.
Name: Jordon
Q: What is the temperature in svalbard today?
A: See answer directly above.
Name: Jason
Q: Where are you going to land ?
A: Answered above.
Name: Sommer
Q: Hi Doug. You are doing a really good cause i am impressed. My first question is Do your have any regrets doing this? Second question: What time is it right now there? It is 4:33 p.m.
A: We are on Central European Time, which is six hours ahead of E.S.T. So if it was 4:30 p.m. in Ontario or the Eastern U.S., it would be 10:30 p.m. here.
Name: Phoebe
Q: How cold does it usually get up there? How do you prepare for your trip?
A: Answered above.
Name: Jebadiah
Q: How long does it take you to respond on this?
A: If we call your classroom, you'll get answers right away, otherwise try to answer your questions no later than the next day.
Name: Jacqueline
Q: I would just like to say that what you are doing is great! My question is: Have you ever had any second thoughts about this journey, and if so do you regret those thoughts?
A: No second thoughts... I really enjoy what I am doing.
Name: Alexander.Bishop
Q: What is your favourite Arctic animal?
A: All we're likely to see are polar bears and terns (sea birds). I have an appreciation for all wildlife. (click on the wildlife link at right).
Name: Jessica B.
Q: What's it like to be at the coldest place on the Earth?
A: Cold.
Name: Stephanie
Q: I think that what you are doing is awesome! My question is: Are you scarred of going there? If you are there than: What's it like?
A: Answered above.
Name: Godfrey Coutto Lopez
Q: How do you feel about raising charity?
A: Answered above.
Name: Isabel
Q: What is a name of an Arctic explorer from the past?
A: Answered above.
Name: Haliey
Q: The two goals of this trip?
A: To help support students through donations and education.
Name: Maggie
Q: Who are you?
A: I'm Doug, and you're visiting my website. Browse around to find out more.
Name: David
Q: How old are you?
A: 40 something...
Name: Jeremy
Q: Is it hard to walk to the North Pole?
A: Yes. We have to haul all of our supplies on a sled, that we drag behind us all the time.
Name: alexhowlett
Q: How many hours have your crew been walking for, and how many fish have caught?
A: We won't be fishing on our expedition. Hopefully, it's solid ice all the way...
Name: Miranda
Q: HeyI think that your doing a really great thing!I was just wondering if you have seen any polar bears or Penguins?
A: No polar bears yet -- and hopefully we won't see any. As for penguins, they are found down in the Antarctic -- the opposite side of the world.
Name: Riley
Q: I think what you guys are doing is pretty cool. Anyways, what are you looking forward to during this trip?
A: A fun and successful trek to the North Pole that benefits education and creates more Arctic awareness.
Name: phil kolb 7-2
Q: Would you ever kill a polar bear for food? If you were to run out I mean?
A: No.
Name: Phil Kolb 7-2
Q: In the Spectator it mentioned that you were once a professional soccer player. Which team did you play for?
A: I played a lot of soccer. One of the teams were the LA Exiles.
Name: Olivia
Q: Is it hard to ski all the way to the North pole?
A: Answered above.
Name: Kim
Q: What are you planning to do if you run out of food or something happens to it?
A: It's not likely, that we'll run out of food; however, if for some reason we did, we could probably still make it to the pole (since we're less than a week away), or we could have ourselves air lifted out, if it was a life or death emergency.
Name: weston and nickgrade5princeofwales
Q: Is it just ice or does it have snow also well good luck!
A: What we refer to as the geographic North Pole is basically a frozen ice sheet on the Arctic Ocean. It doesn't snow much there, but what little does come down, stays due to the extremely cold temperatures.
Name: Ronan
Q: Do you think this expedition will inspire other young explorers to go to the North Pole?
A: That would be great; but it would also be nice if more people took the time to learn more about the Arctic, its wildlife and climate change.
Name: Brian Furtado
Q: What would happen if you ran out of food?
A: Answered above.
Name: Brock
Q: How long have you been adenturing / exploring?
A: For about 15 years or so...
Name: Monica
Q: What are you going to do when you get to the North Pole?
A: We'll all feel a sense of accomplishment, for both achieving our personal and charitable goals. We'll call in on the satellite phone and give a dispatch and tell everyone our thoughts.
Name: John
Q: How many days have you been out there?
A: This expedition is for 10 days.
Name: Giuliana
Q: Why did you want to come on this trip?
A: Whenever I have the opportunity to guide people to the North Pole (or anywhere), I look forward to the adventure -- it's fun and rewarding.
Name: Hope
Q: What was the year the first Borneo station was set up?
A: 1993. Visit ICEAXETV to learn more.
Name: Monica
Q: What would you do if someone got hurt?
A: In an extreme emergency it is possible to be picked up by a rescue helicopter.
Name: Dan- Grade 5 @Prince of Wales
Q: How far do you plan to travel each day? If you don't make your goal, will you have enough food to extend the trip for a a few days?
A: We hope to travel 10 to 12 kilometers per day. We always plan to have enough food for several extra days.
Name: Cody Lam
Q: Wouldn't the ice be cracking since it is not really cold any more?
A: Cracking of the ice, and open areas (or 'leads') increase as the Arctic climate warms. This is our biggest obstacle in skiing to the North Pole.
Name: Ashley
Q: I liked your presentation at Cathedral.
A: Thank you.
Name: Rachel- Grade 5 @ Prince of Wales
Q: Where do you stop at night to rest and sleep? What do you do at night when you are not asleep?
A: We set up tents to sleep in at night. When not sleeping or skiing, we read or just hang out and talk to one another. Usually we're pretty tired at the end of the day, and just go to sleep.
Name: Max
Q: What is like up there, have fun and good luck!
A: It's a beautiful place... Thanks.
Name: Ronan
Q: Why aren't you bringing any non-manual transportation vehicles?
A: We have to cross over sections of cracked ice and open water (leads) that would be impossible for snowmobiles or something like that. Plus, the goal is to reach the pole through human strength and endurance.
Name nstoup
Q: Doug, If you take off your coat and lie in the snow... How long before you will freeze to death?
Ms. Stoup and her kids
William Penn HS
A: The human body is mostly water, so it freezes pretty fast when exposed to temperatures below freezing. If a person were to be totally unprotected in temperatures way below zero, they would freeze to death in a matter of hours. If they were partially protected, they would probably first develop frostbite, and then eventually freeze completely. That's why we have special clothing and tents to keep us warm. Everyone on our expedition is protected from the cold.
Name: Meaghan
Q: Does the group work well together, or do you argue a lot?
A: We all get along very well, and are having fun.
Name: Alex Shaw
Q: Where do you go if you have to go to the washroom?
A: Outside... and it's very cold!
Name: Mrs. Honsinger's Grade 5 class
Q: 1.What wild life have you seen? A: None yet.
2. What happens when someone gets hurt? A: Answered above.
Good Luck!
We look forward to hearing from you!
A: Thanks for following our adventure!
Name: Danielle
Q: What if you get tired pulling all of your supplies?
A: We did a lot of preparation to be in good shape to haul our sleds. We take 5 or 10 minute breaks at intervals during the day.
Name: Nicole
Q: What kind of food will you eat and where will you get it?
A: We have an assortment of items from energy bars and trail mix to cheese, soups, noodles and dehydrated foods. We had to pack everything in advance in our sleds.
Name: Rebecca Janssen
Q: What's the closest canadian point to the North Pole?
A:The closest Canadian point is Ellesmere Island; although at times, Canada has claimed sovereignty over everything up to the pole itself.
Name: John
Q: The name of one of the seas that touches the shores of svalbard?
A: Svalbard is touched by the Greenland, Barents and Norwegian seas.
Name: Ashley Bidnyk
Q: What you are doing is so brave.
A: Thanks... it's also a lot of fun.
Name: Judy Crawford
Q: Caitlin - What animals have you seen? A: None yet.
Chris - What happens if you get stuck there? A: Answered above.
Rachel - Might you get frostbite? A: It is possible... read answer above.
Bailey - Are you afraid of the dangers ahead of you? A: No, we are well prepared.
Riley - How thick is the ice? A: It is two to three meters in some spots and very thin and melted in others.
Name: Alanna Nichols
Q: I WANT TO BE LIKE YOU ONE DAY TO.P.S. MY SCHOOL IS GREENSVILLE. YOUR COOL!!!!
A: Thanks for following our adventure.
Name: Carol Giang
Q: Do you think you could make your trip?
A: Everyone is confident about reaching the pole.
Name Mikayla
Q: How far are you going?
A: 72 kilometers or approximately 45 miles.
Name: Oskar Peckart 6
Q: How do you power your computer and electronic equipment? Have you got wet yet?
A: We power our equipment with solar battery chargers. And yes, the team has gotten wet.
Name: Courtney Weavers
Q: Has a polar bear ever threatened to eat you?
A: During the Pole Track expedition last year, we were stalked by a polar bear for many miles. It tore open one of our sledges, and we had to fire flares to scare it off. No one was hurt.
Name: Alexandra
Q: Doug, are you using dog sleds to get one place to the other? What is guiding you? Map, computer? I Go to Sts.Peter & Paul School
A: No were are not using dog sleds, we pull all of our supplies ourselves. We use GPS (satellite) to guide us.
Name: Karen
Q: How long will it take to get to the north pole?
A: About a week
Name: Hope
Q: Hey... why didnt you post my questions?
A: Here's your posting. I believe your other questions were either answered above, or didn't apply to this expedition. Thanks for writing and following though...
Name: Lisa
Q: Is it fun when it is light out 24-7?
A: It makes it hard to tell the time and fall asleep at night.
Name: Kaylee
Q: I luv that you're doing... such a wonderful thing!!!
Hope u have a awesome trip...best wishes Kaylee
A: Thanks!
Name: Samantha
Q: What is the name of two other places that you have explored?
A: Antarctica and the Himalayas.
Name: Corinna
Q: What are you doing right now?
A: Answering your question.
Name: Shania
Q: What do you do in a avalanche?
A: Well that's not a problem at the North Pole. If you want to learn more, go to: http://nsidc.org/snow/avalanche/
Name: Ray
Q: Hi hope u have a great trip!!!
A: Thanks!
Name: Sophie
Q: What kind of special clothes do you wear to keep warm and dry? Are these clothes expensive?
A: We use many different brands of clothing, tents and gear... Names like Baffin, MSR, The North Face, Leatherman, Black Diamond, Wigwam, Outdoor Research, Smith, Solomon, Kestrel, Life-Link, GU, Suunto, Backpacker's Pantry, Kobold and more...
Name: Andrew H.
Q: What is the best part? Is it skiing down the hills?
A: No hills up at the North Pole... It's a frozen ocean. It's bumpy though...
Name: Jenna
Q: What is your favourite part of each expedition? Mine would probably be snowboarding down the mountain!
A: Snowboarding is a lot of fun... so are polar adventures... I like them both.
Name: Jeremy
Q: Are you closer or further away from the sun when you are in the geographical North Pole?
A: The North Pole is leaning (closest) toward the Sun when the northern hemisphere has summer, and it leans away from the Sun when it is winter in Canada and the U.S. That's why there is light 24 hours a day. Also do a search for 23.5 degree angle of the Earth.
Thank you for all of your questions...
Listen to the audio dispatches to hear some of your answers, and to learn more about our North Pole adventure. --Thanks, Doug