Author Archives: thegentlemanexplorer

Return to Sarek – Part 1

The first time was called folly by some.  The second time has been labelled madness by many.   Counsels unheeded, I venture back to the icy heart of Sarek national park, in the Swedish arctic.  Would lessons hard learned change the outcome of this formidable challenge? Return to Sarek Adventures are called such because they areContinue reading “Return to Sarek – Part 1”

Sarek Expedition – Part 3

Sometimes things don’t go to plan…  Not one bit.  Even the most diligent preparation can end in tatters at the drop of a hat.  However, with a rejuvenating cup of tea and firing up of the grey matter, most things can be overcome. The Heart of Sarek I had finally reached the Rapa valley whereContinue reading “Sarek Expedition – Part 3”

Expedition Footwear – How to Ruin or Save Your Trip

Every trip, whether it’s an Arctic expedition or summer hike through the Carpathians, has those key pieces of equipment that either made you wonder how you ever did without, or were the bane of your life for the entire duration.  Here is my champion and nemesis of my expedition into Sarek National Park. Throughout theContinue reading “Expedition Footwear – How to Ruin or Save Your Trip”

Sarek Expedition – Part 2

Battling frozen fuel, unpredictable storms and waist high snow; Arctic adventures can be trying at times.  However, a British approach to tea breaks, and an eye for the beauty abound, can reward even the weariest explorer. The Lesser of Two Evils It was only day three of my two-week expedition and I had just spentContinue reading “Sarek Expedition – Part 2”

Sarek Expedition – Part 1

Armed with a sled, 60 earl grey tea bags, and 6 months of preparations, one gentleman decides to seek solitude in the icy heart of Sarek National Park, within the arctic circle.  With the mercury dropping as low as -35, only the fluffiest mittens will do. From Hardangervidda to Sarek Polar expeditions had long beenContinue reading “Sarek Expedition – Part 1”

Training to Face an Arctic Challenge

Training is the least glamorous and most tiresome part of any adventure.  However, without those hard miles put in on those rainy days, most adventures would flop surer than a tortoise at the London marathon.  Here, you can revel in my suffering as I whip my unwilling body into expedition shape. For me, the worstContinue reading “Training to Face an Arctic Challenge”

At -35°C the Right Equipment is Rather Essential

Armed with a sled, 60 earl grey tea bags, and 6 months of preparations, one gentleman decides to seek solitude in the icy heart of Sarek National Park, within the arctic circle.  With the mercury dropping below -35oC, only the fluffiest mittens will do. With temperatures below -35oC often found during February in Sweden’s NationalContinue reading “At -35°C the Right Equipment is Rather Essential”