UAE | General
Hayes takes break in historic Greenland quest
Dubai-based British explorer Adrian Hayes and his two Canadian colleagues Devon McDiarmid and Derek Crowe of The Emirates NBD Greenland Quest were forced to take a pause in their historic crossing of Greenland due to the varying weather conditions.
- Staff Report
- Published: 23:25 July 3, 2009
- Image Credit: Supplied picture
- Hayes has resumed his Greenland journey after a short break due to inclement weather conditions.
Dubai: Dubai-based British explorer Adrian Hayes and his two Canadian colleagues Devon McDiarmid and Derek Crowe of The Emirates NBD Greenland Quest were forced to take a pause in their historic crossing of Greenland due to the varying weather conditions.
"You always know that you have been in a tent with two Canadians for too long, when the conversation gets round to the relative merits of certain brands of chainsaw!" joked Hayes about the four-day pause that the team had to spend in a tent.
The team's main aim is to become the longest, unaided Arctic expedition in history. Using the power of the wind to kite ski and haul 150kg sleds for two months over a 3,500km route that has never been done before, the Emirates NBD Greenland Quest will also likely be the longest unassisted Arctic Polar journey in history. This idea derives from Hayes' belief in "One Planet Living" and people using their available resources.
The plan is to reach the final destination Qaanaq, which has never been attempted using kite skiing. The Quest has another 150km to the Arctic Ocean and then an additional 800km to Qaanaq. The next few days are critical as they need to avoid polar bears and the wind in order to reach the final destination.
"The descent to the Arctic Ocean has always been the anticipated trickiest part of the whole trip and we just hope it all comes together in what will be a difficult and dangerous few days," said Hayes.
Emirates NBD is supporting the Quest through the involvement of 20 schools across the UAE. The competition among the schools offers four cash prizes of Dh5,000 to the schools that show the most engagement and can demonstrate how they would make use of their award to make their school environment greener.
Many of the children at the participating schools regularly communicate with Hayes, via his expedition website www.greenlandquest.com.
Hayes appreciates the support that he is receiving.
"The effect on their generation will be far greater than on ours. We all need to start thinking about our own effect on the planet and how we need to change our daily use of water, energy and many other key natural resources."
Latest news
- Dubai number plates auction raises Dh27m
- Youngsters dance and raise cash for charity
- Dubai departments upgrade services
- Get yourself a free test for diabetes
- Ensuring a safety net for intellectual property
- Reader's issue addressed
- 5,552 illegals held in Dubai this year
- Man cleared because he took drugs in France
- Man charged with trafficking women
- Auditors to probe Mizin graft case
- Breaking down cultural barriers with photographs
- Abu Dhabi Crown Prince visits Islamic centre
- Transfusion centre launches new toll free number
- Smart e-Gate system launched
- Cyber infidelity creeping out of virtual domain
Community Reports
-
Mirror, mirror show me the way
Driver on Salam Street had so many boxes and fruits piled into car, he would not be able to view rear or right side mirrors
-
Parents should be more vigilant
Reader's picture highlights risk of negligence by caretakers
-
Warming up to ‘Mobilise the Earth' theme
Dubai school dedicates a whole week to celebrating Earth Day with can-collection drives, sapling plantation and painting competition among others
-
Drivers using mobiles put others' lives at risk
Speeding is dangerous for the driver and other motorists
