The Procedure ...

At the beginning of April 2002 the expedition team will fly from Frankfurt to Reykjavik and from there with a Twin Otter to Constable Pynt. From there it goes either by dogsled or by helicopter to Scoresby Sund. In the village beside the largest fjord of the world with 700 inhabitants, the last precautions are made: the dogs are examined, necessary permission at the local police are submitted. Last logistic preparations are made. The expedition 70° north begins. With 600 kilograms of equipment, 14 dogs and a Greenland dogsled the team starts to the highest mountain of Greenland. From Scoresby Sund the team will cross the fjord towards Cape Brewster and then climb the steward glacier. For the ascent on the 3-6km broad and 25-26km long glacier 2000 elevator meters are to surmount - after 80 kilometers the first practical test for the team. Here the crevasses are most closely. To navigate the dogsled accurately is essential but not easy. A concrete routing is only possible on the spot. If the ascent is made, an equally physical and psychological challenge follows: 350 kilometers of inland ice. That means snowstorms, temperatures up to minus 50°C, continuous ascent, complete isolation, hostile area. High-quality equipment, like clothing, sleeping bags and tents, becomes vitally necessary. After about 20 days the team will achieve the glacier formation Watkins Mountains. The Base camp will be build up. With appropriate climatic conditions the most experienced alpinists Peter Huettel and Michael Huebner will tackle the summit of the expedition 70° north - mounting the Gunnbjoerns Fjell. Ralf Hewelcke and Randolf Niessner will repair possible material damages and wait for the return of the others. The way back to Scoresby Sund begins. Again they have to manage 350 kilometers inland ice, snowstorms and crevasses - they will face the same strains, the same dangers as before. A duration of 50 days is prognosticated for the expedition.