I have set my departure date as June 27. This is about 10 days later than I believed that I would go. Why the delay? No delay at all, just adjusting to ice conditions on the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. Lots of ice still! Landfast ice breakup at Barrow is projected around the 1st of July. Then I need another 10 days to make sure that I have enough clear water to maneuver from hazards. I also have to worry about pan ice reforming. My boat will not be a great icebreaker.

I have one more major test with the Attu Voyager in the water on the 25th. She has been upgraded in many areas and all these changes have to be tested. Engine systems that were upgraded or rebuilt need to be thoroughly tested as a mechanical malfunction would be a serious and possibly fatal event. Many other systems can only be tested at the point of use and this bothers me a bit. It will be interesting as I get deeper into the journey and these systems are tested.

Logistically this is a very tough expedition. It is long, it is remote and it is bereft with unknowns. I am still unsure of how I will obtain enough sleep while in polar bear areas. How much fuel I will use and the cost? How many rubber slugs to take vs. real slugs? Will my siren based bear perimeter give me enough warning when sleeping on ice or on the barrier islands? Communications, how will this work without satellite phone coverage? In late September will brown bears bother me as they are looking for as many calories as they can find? Will my name become calories to them?

These are some of the questions that I have not been able to answer completely. These are some of the issues that I will probably not answer until the moment that they present themselves. Exciting huh! Well that is what I think too and that is why I am looking forward to this adventurous challenge.

Just prior to my leaving and after the last engine and mechanical, I will write and post a final update. On this one I will detail each system and each section of the journey. This should be interesting for anyone wanting to do a long trip and to others just watching and wondering how one prepares for a never before attempted adventure.