Lake Baikal 2007 - Dispatches

Northern Rock is the Expedition's Principal Sponsor.

www.northernrock.co.uk

Northern Rock, a specialised mortgage lender, is currently the 5th largest UK mortgage lender and the most cost efficient UK mortgage lender based on key performance ratios.

The company is based in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, and operates an extensive sales network throughout the UK.

For savers, Northern Rock has a wide choice of branch, postal, telephone based and Internet savings accounts. Funds are also raised via securitisation, covered bonds and the wholesale money markets.

Northern Rock's roots go back to the 1850s in Newcastle upon Tyne. In October 1997, Northern Rock Building Society converted to a public limited company and is now a member of the FTSE 100 Index of the UK's leading companies. As part of its conversion, Northern Rock established The Northern Rock Foundation which receives 5% of the company's annual pre-tax profits but is entirely independent of the bank. The Foundation is one of the UK's largest charitable funders.

	www.berghaus.com Gear, gear, gear that's what it's all about really. Berghaus make the right products for the outdoors - full stop. Respected names like Sir Chris Bonnington and Allan Hinkes use it. Clothing, rucksacks, footwear and accessories - they have it all. Trust is earned.
	www.tiso.com Chris Tiso has 14 shops in the UK, that stock the best in outdoor clothing and equipment. They have an ethos of offering exceptional customer service and work closely with some of the premier names in the industry. Their expedition service can supply and advise on specialist equipment
	www.hilleberg.com Hilleberg has over 30 years experience making tents of the highest quality. The flagship Keron tent is the number one choice for all serious Arctic and Antarctic expeditions.
	www.lundhags.se Tradition, comfort and quality combined with an in-depth knowledge of Nordic skating made Lundhags the No. 1 choice for crossing smooth ice.
	www.dhl.co.uk When nobody else could overcome the difficulties DHL came up with the answer for getting goods to Siberia. "Scobie" in the WAM department was a complete star.
	www.multimat.uk.com Tried and tested to -50°C on North Pole expedition the company has based it's products on 20 years manufacturing experience. From adventure racing, to advance base camp, to expeditions, this is No. 1 choice.
	www.humanedgetech.com The ultimate lightweight solutions for simple, fast and dependable communication for use on expeditions. Practical solutions developed for use on Everest, the Oceans and the Poles. IT WORKS!
	www.thepoles.com Probably the worlds leading website for information about Polar travel and Extreme Expeditions run by people who've done it!
	www.GVsnowshoes.com Canadian based GV Snowshoes have been making quality snowshoes since 1959 and are official suppliers to the Canadian Armed Forces. We used the top of the range model Polar Trail on this gruelling journey. The energy saver pivot system proved its worth in the rough ice.
	www.conceptair.com Since 1989 Concept Air has won more World Ice and Snow championships than any other brand in the whole world. For high performance and durable kites look no further.
	www.mumm.com Breaking new boundaries has always been the essence of Champagne G. H. Mumm. From early 19th century Antarctic explorers such as Charcot to 21st century sailors such as Dame Ellen MacArthur they are always pushing the frontiers.
	www.ukairsports.com Inspired by this adventure? UK Airsports supply the equipment to get you started in snow kiting, and other exciting forms of free flight, or maybe just some airtoys for the less adventurous!

Dawn (click to enlarge)

No Wind! (click to enlarge)

Thin Ice (click to enlarge)

Our thanks also go to the many individuals who have helped and supported us - THEY KNOW WHO THEY ARE.