July 23

Dispatch 9
24-hour standby

LOCATION: 89.26N 04.16E

The weather conditions improved during the day. There were clear skies above with the exception of some alto-stratus.  The ground visibility remained good with thin, ground fog that occasionally hugged the ice. The surroundings looked pristine in the white-ish light.  Late in the day, however, some thicker, ground fog rolled in, covering up the sun. This is not what I want to see.  At least it is clear above the fog and, if the helicopter comes, I will most likely shoot one of my 9 red flares straight up through the fog to mark my position.

I started my 24-hour standby today, but didn't anticipate the helicopter to arrive for I figured the icebreaker is too far south and still out of range. The helicopter routinely scouts one degree latitude or about 70 miles ahead of the ship. 

The helicopter normally scouts at 9:00AM and PM.  Tomorrow morning would be more likely a time for a Russian appearance - weather permitting.

I am now listening for the sound of the helicopter engine.  Because I  am anticipating this, I sometimes think I hear its engine in the SE direction.  This is not surprising as I am hoping to hear something and my mind, making the effort, makes me hear the sound. 

Actually, I am very much at peace with myself and the surroundings.  I am savoring every moment here. In my standby mode, I nap a little when I feel tired, then walk or eat something or maybe set up the antenna and transmitter and send out my weather report and receive information from the outside. When I send up this journal entry, I most likely will receive the location of the icebreaker. This will give me more of an accurate idea as when to expect something to happen.

The surroundings around my camp have changed since yesterday's wind storm.  During the quieter moments today, I heard the delicate sounds of water lapping against ice. My eastern and southern frontier are now more water than ice. The strong winds caused the ice to 'relax' and open up making the area seem more like the lake country of Minnesota. This is called rebound. This loosening took the pressure off of the individual ice blocks and gave them space to float. The whole topography of the area has changed. A couple days ago, I took a self-portrait of myself next to a newly, formed pressure ridge. This area is now a big lake.

Fortunately, the temps have remained below freezing, thus locking up the moisture and preventing it from turning into fog. It's fog that could be a problem for me on this pick-up. I have no concerns, however, for I am just waiting here and seeing how all of this unfolds. My world may suddenly change when I hear the sound of the helicopter which has my friend Victor aboard.

I must sign off now in order to conserve batteries.  Who knows - maybe the next report will come via the ship.

UPDATE:

EVENING WEATHER REPORT FROM WILL'S CAMP:

The weather improved over the day with very favorable visibility.  But this late PM and early AM some fog has rolled in which is thick enough to cover the sun. It is clear above and there is a slight ceiling to the fog. Winds picking up some from NW - drift is still slow.

IMPORTANT NOTE FROM POLE SOLO OFFICE:

The Sovetskiy Soyuz is approaching 89 degrees North and at 13:00GMT today, July 24, the helicopter search party will depart for Will's camp. Will has been advised to shoot a flare and use red smoke as soon as he hears the helicopter.