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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
  • Gulf News

  • Hayes has resumed his Greenland journey after a short break due to inclement weather conditions.
  • Image Credit: Supplied picture

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."

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