News Archive
8 September 2006
Port of Nome, Alaska
Russians say 'yes', but is it too late?
At 6.30 am Alaska time on Thursday, 7th September I received a call from Louise to say that the Russian authorities had decided to allow me an attempt on the Northern Sea Route.
Unlike last year when the ice continued to recede until late September, new ice is now forming at Proliv Vil'kitskogo. I will monitor the ice developments while I await my passport which has been dispatched from the British Embassy in Washington DC. Winds gusting to 60 knots blasted Nome on Wednesday and strong winds will persist until the weekend, keeping me in port.
My plan now is to watch the ice. Many factors affect its formation and movements - wind, currents, atmospheric pressure and ionosphere and stratospheric density.
The news from Moscow, whist welcome may have come too late. I will continue liaison with Moscow and make a final decision over the weekend.