Rosie

Rosie's around the world run adventure, Welcome to the website of Rosie Swale-Pope. Nearly home after four and a half years non stop.

November/December/January/Feb 2008 Latest news. Regular updates every Weekend.

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23rd of February 2008, hi everyone, Rosie has had a lot of excitement this last week, conditions have been very bad indeed. At several times she close to having Icebird blown away by the extreme gusts of wind. Which would have been absolutely disastrous. I had a great chat with Rosie last night and she is completely on top of everything. She has done a really great news update which I hope you enjoy. Regards James

Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2008 14:23:19

From Rosie

Subject: Brief report31

Another storm is coming. I have to beat it.!! I was lucky when Icebird capsized. Safest thing would have been to let go of her, but I couldn't do so. I would have lost her. We were being blown sideways into a deep gully at the bottom of mighty and icy Skardsheidi mountain. The wind gusting more like the blasts from a gun shot, than just the Hammer of Thor as it belted us. - I could NOT stop!!

Wednesday was just the typical winter Iceland weather. if you didn't feel the power and hear roaring and howling you could still think you were in a fairyland, These mountains of purest white are wrapped in a thousand images of shining flying snow. This is extraordinary and I've seen it nowhere else. I feel that being in Iceland in winter is not only the penultimate stage of my run, it is also like having run around the world to get to a different planet. So no wonder I've worn out 43 pairs of shoes!. Rocks are handy for tethering oneself as there are no trees, but this time, I could see nothing at all that was solid!

The highway ran between the mountain and sea.. I definitely did have fear that brave little Icebird would end up sailing! - or FLYING!!! I couldn't hold her even after I'd righted her.. We were taking off!!!!- SO I SAT DOWN IN HARNESS!!! - found that SITTING ON THE GROUND BEHIND A NICE BIG LUMP LIKE AN ANCHOR WORKED JUST FINE. - After awhile, there was a little lull - and I was able to get going against. The only damage was that the shafts had got bent.

The next time it happened was a bit more awkward as I got blown too near the main part of the highway, where the trucks were jackknifing and cars all over the place. A kind driver whose name I will never know helped pull Icebird to a solitary small tall building, perhaps an electricity sub station. The only building for miles. He did not think I could make it to the next town, maybe for days, and came back with food for me. Before disappearing again suddenly as if he and his vehicle had just been imagined. I am so grateful . I had not even time to ask his name to write and thank him, before he went!

That's what people in Iceland are like. I think they are Vikings, with golden hearts! Or just maybe this wonderful Icelander was one of the elves!!! They are well known in Iceland..!!! Anyway, I did get going that evening., I towed a rock that work as sea anchor to d prevent the capsizing. Icebird got slightly damaged again in all this excitements Her brake doesn't work and needs a new cable, and her shafts got more bent, but the latter have now been mended.

In all, Icebird is proving. To be pretty tough. She's great. I've had ALL kinds of help and encouragement people along the way, wherever there ARE people, including weather forecasts all the way from Grace in Greenland re Iceland, as well as good local updates from organic Icelandic farmers on the fjords. Kjristen and his Swiss wife Dora, keep cows that are Viking Cows - A pure bred for all those hundreds of years.. The toughest cows on this planet!! - Except maybe for those in Siberia - see my Russian Notes at the end!!!

I have get going The Forecast emailed tome on the Blackberry tells that weekend weather will be fairly bad. Storm force wind from the North East will be heading us. I have errands still to do It does pay a little time to get going. The battle of the day is won or lost according to the preparation before one sets off.. I have to heat water for my 'hotwaterbottle'' - It was a great through when I discovered how good it was to keep a couple of clean new Coman fuel bottles to use as hotwaterbottles for my feet, Unlike the traditional rubber hotwaterbottles, these are exactly the right size to pop iinto my shoes or boots, or pull over my socks for a little while to warm the footwear before setting off!

It's an EXQUISITE sensation to put on the warm socks!! I'll never take anything like this for granted again!!!! This is total decadence! I. The Weather is not so cold out of the wind, but the wind chill is quite nasty. My toes having been playing up a bit. So, I must end - just want to say I headed off yesterday from a sweet, friendly place, called Borgarnes. And the 'HAMAR GOLF COURSE AND HOTEL- where they would take no money, mended Icebird, did my laundry..

Dried out all my wet or frozen possessions - and treated as if I was a film star instead of a weary wet and cold hooligan. I even had a volcanic hot tub soak... I LOVE ICELAND.. Borganes was also the first place with food shops, after 10 days of slow going in the wilds. Next 'landfall' will be Akureyri' which is about 150 miles away. There are two mountains to climb with Icebird.. I'm going to try ballasting her. I shall figure it out! Before I end this, I feel like telling everybody that I have been thinking very hard about my book - ..and have found a few old Russian notes as follows- I share them with you because Russia has been on my mind. It's like a hundred years since the run through Siberia, but is as vivid as yesterday. The hardship of life there is especially devastating in memory, It puts my 'Dances with Storms' in the happy and free, beautiful and Iceland into true perspective! Maybe, I am reminded of Siberia because Iceland is not just a country, it a way of thinking.

The spirit and philosophy of Icelanders though in such different ways to Siberia, brings it back. Less than a hundred years ago was desperately hard in Iceland too. For incidence, there's an account in one of the museums in town, about a farmer who broke his arm and made an iron cage with bolts to hold it in place, so that he could still scythe the hay, enabling his animals to get by in the winter.

I guess the spirit wherever one finds it in the world can be defined by one word -- COURAGE -. ' NOTES FROM RUSSIA One thing you learn from people in Siberia is not to give in to despair too easily. A realist has to be an optimist! they always tell you. - It's the song of every village where life is hard, and it is a lesson that is inescapable, even with just makeshift knowledge of Russian..

Only dreamers can afford pessimism. For real, even the most critical problems need to face, and attitude is God's gift as an emergency cure. The mind is one's own path. Nobody can shut off this freedom unless one let's them. I met the people born in Stalin's concentration camps. They said that few survived told jokes in the midst of hell to try to keep going, when they hjad built the Road of Bones at -60 to -71.29 Celsius in rags, eating a diet of 2 loaves of bread a month and a few grams of dried potatoes a day..

Stalin didn't need gas chambers He let the cold and hunger do the job. I met the sons and daughters of those that made it, as they are still living in the area today, far too poor ever to leave. The average life expectancy is 57 and heading down again, because the old age pension for Moscow is just 10 dollars a month, and that's only if you have a home. As I learnt from the homeless people in some Siberian mountains, you have to make the tea from tree bark and spend all summer hunting for berries, and desperately fish, and plant what they can under rough shelters to overcome the conditions.

I understood and saw much more hardship than I could bear, yet I was often so inspired too. Isn't it strange how those with least in life can give you the most? I met some of the finest people I have ever known. Including some actually on the run from the law today, and held to be most dangerous. But they were great to me. They all made a mark on me for ever, even though I was just passing through.

The Siberians often laughed and swore that their minds had stayed free, so they are rich! So they just get on with life.. They make beat up old shacks into steam banoes, or, to wash in... They have to use the outdoor latrine even at -60, but laugh about their private parts freezing in the process, and hang a picture in there sometimes to cheer you up!. Above all, Siberian people hate to be gloomy..

They just hate to look as if they need help. They don't have many clothes, but they keep everything mended and spotlessly clean. Pride and honor mean everything I just don't know how they do it. you can see hunger in Siberia, but you won't see a dusty house. Usually, they somehow manage to keep the children fed.. They have all kinds of good tricks. Making. plastic greenhouses out of tiny pieces of plastic, even ancient old shopping bags, acquired from somewhere, on a distant shopping trip, to grow the vegetables better.

As for the 'farming', Sometimes they can keep a cow or two, but the cowshed gets very cold. One family I met had made a nice coat for their cow out some of their precious bed blankets - to make her warm and cosy, so that she'd be encouraged to keep on giving a cup of milk or so for the children all through the winter!....... So! I have thinking about this. All that happened is overwhelming.. It certainly has changed my life. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR WONDERFUL COMMENTS.. I love them. MUST GET RUNNING!!!!!!!!!!   Rosie   End.





16th of February 2008. Hi everyone. Once more Rosie has plunged into another grueling stage of her world run with gusto. As you will see from her report Rosie has 1237 km to travel across Iceland. And conditions are going to be very tough with a lot of cold weather. Communication is a little difficult she wanted me to say as she needs to conserve battery power in cold conditions when she is out in the snowy wilderness. Here are the latest news reports that she has sent me. Regards James

From Rosie

... I am among Thor's wild giant snow covered mountains and volcanoes in Iceland! All is well.
Icebird and I feel small here, and rain, sleet and stormy weather make the going slow. Each step is serenaded by Nature's mighty orchestra, the thunder of ice breaking up, and the raging waterfalls just released from winter prison. - and above all, the HOWLING North East wind.

There's so much more to say, but I have to do it bit by bit, as the nights are still so long, and it's cold, and I have the instinct just now to keep going..and going............. It is so very exciting to be at this stage of my run...'   Rosie

14th Feb 2008

ICEBIRD HAS ARRIVED IN ICELAND!!!
!! Many thanks to DHL IN REYKJAV IK AND WORLDWIDE for a fabulous effort,, to Geoff Hall in the UK, who co coordinated DHL, and to Bob Collins who sent tracking reports that helped so much. Also - very special thanks to Grace Neilsen in Greenland for all the assistance n getting me through Greenland, and on to Iceland tomeet my famous rig!

My gratitude forever to Russ and Mel O'Brien in Salisbury, Canada- who built Icebird's crate with such huge tender loving care!!!!!! They called it Icebird's O'BRIEN GARAGE. The 'O'brien Garage' nearly blew DHL REYKJAVIK away, The box plus ICEBIRD weighed over 600lbs, I think FORT KNOX could be another name it! But it saved Icebird, who can't be dismantled. She arrived looking like a star in perfect condition!!

I am so very excited to have her back. It is also totally fantastic and amazing to be in the same time zone as GREAT BRITAIN “ for the first time for nearly 5 years! It blows my mind completely! I just can't believe it Icebird and I have had the most brilliant welcome here in Reykjavik Icebird was wheeled right inside the gleaming beautiful Loftleider hotel after being invited to stay free of charge.

Late today I set off, and am now camped by the side of the road ion the way out of town. I'm all curled up in Icebird! a - planning to have a little sleep, and then get going I am so very, very happy.. This my little home.. . I'm parked outside a flower shop after asking the owner's permission to be there. I think this will be a busy day for them! Reykja ik is definitely a romantic city, like a northern Paris!

I have exactly 1237kms to run to get to the north east point of Iceland.

THEN I'll be coming back to Britain!!!

The night wind is gusting up. ..I can hear Icebird's harness shaking - ICEBIRD IS IMPATIENT TO BE OFF TO THE ARCTIC COAST!!

I think it will be a wild run!

I can hardly sleep for excitement - so I might as well set off right now!..    Rosie End.

8th of February 2008, hi everyone, Rosie is weather permitting, flying to Iceland tomorrow or the next day. The weather conditions in Greenland have been extreme. But Rosie has found it an extraordinary and awarding experience. She has had very warm kindness and hospitality and particularly wanted me to thank Grace Nielsen who has sent me these wonderful photos and wrote me this charming piece about Rosie. DHL have been really helpful. They have been sponsoring Rosie for the movement of her equipment, throughout her a whole run and have sent Icebird to Iceland. These four little messages are from Rosie's satellite phone.

HI EVERYBODY, I AM IN KULUSUK, EAST GREENLAND POSITION N65 34.763. W037 08.993. POLAR BEAR IN VILLAGE 2 DAYS AGO.(CONT)

KULUSUK VILLAGE APPEARED LIKE GHOST IN THE WHITE BLIZZARD BLOWING SNOW AS I WALKED THERE YESTERDAY BUT HAS POPULATION OF 300 V SWEET..

MERRY AND VERY TOUGH PEOPLE SUPPLIES SHIPPED IN ONCE A YEAR IN AUG, AS SURROUNDED BY PACK ICE OCT THRO TO JULY. R (SATPHNE

PLAN 2 FLY ICELAND, WEATHER PERMITTING. 3 CHEERS DHL FOR FABULOUS HELP. ICEBIRD WAITING 4 ME IN REYJAVIK. MANY THANKS. ROSIE

Thank you Grace for these photos this piece you wrote about Rosie. Regards James

Greetings to all of Rosie's friends from Nuuk, Greenland. We, the staff at Nuuk Tourism, have had the great pleasure of assisting Rosie during her visit here to our capital city. Rosie flew into Nuuk on Thursday, onboard a local 50 seater prop plane from Narsarsuaq in the South of Greenland. Rosie would probably have loved to have been able to walk the distance, but alas that would have been impossible.

There are no roads or even paths connecting the cities in Greenland. The terrain is some of the most rugged wilderness in the world, and the only way to travel is by boat or by air, so Rosie arrived by air. I instantly spotted Rosie coming off the plane. A lone foreigner, amidst a group of local passengers, beaming a wide smile across the tarmac from the plane to the airport building, she was easy to spot.

Although we had spoken with Rosie on the phone, on several occasions before her arrival, none of us were truly prepared for the whirlwind of positive energy that is Rosie. Fearless, charming and kind with a wonderful sense of humour, and as it also turned out, completely oblivious to our cold weather.

Rosie had been invited to stay at the home of a local family. We persuaded her that that was a good thing to do, so Rosie stayed there for the first night. However not wanting to succumb to frivolities of civilization, Rosie was determined to spend the following nights outdoors under the stars in her little tent, pitching it close to the tourist office. I quite irreverently referred to her very practical little one-woman tent as a body condom.

When the office closed for the weekend, I managed to convince Rosie to accept some frivolous living by pitching her tent on my porch. In this manner she was able to enjoy a few home cooked meals, a spot of television, and a hot shower, and I had the privilege of getting to know more about this amazing woman.

Every so often, when Rosie talked about a particular event in her life, snippets of other fascinating adventures would bubble to the surface in her narratives, making me exclaim: "Wait. Wait, go back! You did what?!" Often facing dangerous situations and sometimes dangerous people, Rosie never-the-less tells her life stories with a wonderful humorous twist to them, resulting in gales of laughter erupting from her attentive listeners.

During her visit here, Rosie was the highlight one evening, on our prime time Greenland national television news. The local television station in Nuuk also featured Rosie on its program, and a national newspaper is running an article about her in the next issue. Rosie had a nice meeting with the local Greenland cancer awareness group. She paid our hospital a visit and talked with staff there dealing with the cancer problem.

Every one who has come into contact with Rosie has been in awe of her achievements. Living where we do, with seven to eight months of winter weather, we could be considered a hardy people, but few of us are willing to trade places with Rosie, preferring the comfort of a cozy home and a warm bed while shivering at the thought of Rosie out in the cold, settling in for the night in the little tent, like tonight with temperatures dropping to minus 17 degrees Celsius, app. 4 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Nuuk Tourism staff spent a fun last evening with Rosie at our Thai food restaurant enjoying some local and foreign cuisine, before dropping her off at her frozen boudoir for the night.

Tomorrow, February 6th, God and Air Greenland permitting, i.e. weather and technical problems, I head out at the crack of dawn to pick Rosie up and take her to the airport for the next leg of her continuing adventure across the world. Her new journey will take her over the Ice Cap, a two hour flight to the East Coast of Greenland, and then another two hours across the water to Iceland.

Rosie leaves behind new found friends in Greenland, who will feel the void when she is gone from our midst. Rosie, we wish you Godspeed, success and safe travels, and we thank you for including Greenland in your around the world run.

Grace J. Nielsen

2nd of February 2008. Hi, here is the latest news update from Rosie. Greenland sounds like an extraordinary place. I hope you enjoy the her latest report. Regards James.

From Rosie
My first big dream in Greenland was to see the Viking settlement on the edge of the Kuussuup Glacier, in Southern Greenland.. How very lucky I was to achieve it a few days ago. The Viking settlement on the other side of the glacier is said to be fascinating in the summer. Yet in winter, with the visibility almost down to inches, it was an experience so moving and beautiful, that it will be impossible to forget for the rest of my life.
As so often, it is failure that opens doors. I had tried to get there the day before. It's only a 5 hour trek or so from the little settlement of Narsarsquaq, but I had set off a bit late and it had got dark before I was half way across the ice. My tent and my camp was back at Narsarsquaq, so was the tempting hospitality of Narsarsuaq Hotel, which is like an oasis in this tiny settlement of today!, if I wished for it! I had to get back. Because although the northern stars were so bright and the moon was shining with a rainsbow ring around, but it was cold at -29, too cold to be without my accommodation!! I missed Icebird!

So, I went back, under the moonlight, and it was a lovely night in itself. Next morning, I HAD to give it another go, as it was my last morning in Narsarquaq before flying on to Nuuk. I set off early. It it was snowing, but the plus was that the snow made things warmer, it was only -9, and the weather was supposed to clear later.

Instead, for some hours it snowed more heavily. It was quite pleasant, as the snow was a blanket against the cold, and I had my GPS, and knew the way. Robert Frost's 'The Road Less Traveled'.. has always been one of my favorite poems... and it has struck me more than once on this run around the world that the real road of life is as always in the head - AND IN THE SPIRIT.

Just as well on the world's largest island that is 80 per cent ice, and. so famous for no roads at all between its few towns I could see nothing. Except my feet! If I looked down I could just make out my snowy feet taking small careful steps over the amazing ancient ridges of solid wavelets of ice of the glacier.. It was a funny and eerie feeling. I just kept thinking.. How long has this ice on which I am walking been there? In these days of global warming, for how much longer will it survive? I was thinking how the mightiest faces of nature can be the most vulnerable.

Maybe I am walking on a time capsule. Lost in thought, I kept on through the snow, feeling happy and comfy at being on the move again. Greenland is unique in many ways. To me it is also unique as it is the only country I cannot run right across in the winter - though I might seek permission from the Danish Polar Society to try to cross the icecap in summer one day..

Meanwhile I had missed being on the move, so the trek was fun, even if I didn't see much today... Then SUDDENLY - right in front of me - like magic up off the edge of the glacier I saw some buildings. I WAS THERE!!! Visibility had not cleared...it all seemed just feet away. I didn't climb up. To see the settlement from the glacier was enough. It was so fantastic.

I could not see clearly, but I think the atmosphere of the place was even stronger through the beautiful, surprising of the indistinct outlines... No time to stop to wait for hours for the weather to clear as the forecast had predicted.. no photo shoot. I took the pictures in my mind! And today's community in Narsarsquaq who number about 150 persons are very very special too.

I loved being in the wonderful Narsarsuaq community for five days and meeting everybody.. Now I am in Nuuk!!! Thank you to Grace J Neilsen Assistant Manager of Nuuk Tourism for being superb and very generous in welcoming me in every way - far beyond the brief of her job! And, thank you to all the great people I have already met in Nuuk It is a truly buzzing vibrant fun capital city of 15,000 most friendly, charming people!!!!

I know I shall have many adventures here. I hope to run a marathon here, and do a talk in aid of the local cancer charities - I will fill every moment to bursting... It is cancer society, and to visit the Institute of nature and learn about the wildlife for the local Cancer Sc Next week - I will be tell you all about my amazing experiences in NUUK:

Next week also, I will be able to outline the full plan for the rest of the run HOME. ICELAND - and GREAT BRITAIN!!!!! - HERE I COME!!!!! - NO FUGITIVE EVER WAS SO GRATEFUL TO BE 'ON THE RUN' AS I AM!!! Even if I lived to be 1000, I wouldn't have enough time to adequately thank everybody who has been good to me... I am so proud to feel that everybody who is willing me on has BECOME the journey. it JUST HAPPENED! I AM JUST THE LEGS!!   Rosie.    END

26th of January 2008. Hi everyone Rosie should be in Greenland by now. This is the update she sent before she left. Very grateful for the fab pictures I have been sent. Regards James

Had these great photos sent me by Russell (in Picture)and Melanie O'Brien. Many thanks

This photo was sent by Lilley in New Brunswick where Rosie was recently.

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:45:05 From "Rosie" Subject: Update pre GREENLAND

There were blizzards and 70 to 100km per hour winds in Newfoundland and Labrador yesterday, Early on in the day, the temperature was -29 plus wind-chill. My flight on the charter plane to Greenland scheduled for 02.30am this morning, had to be cancelled, but the plane might fly tonight, if weather permits. I am standing by for updates from Steve Noseworthy and his staff at the hanger I am fine waiting here in St John's.

I would like to say a very special thank you to everyone at Crew Gold and Nalunaq Gold Mine, and to the great Provincial Air Ltd (PAL) charter Company here in St John's. Thank you also to the Comfort Inn near the Airport, for generously sponsoring me with an extremely low Family and Friends rate - but I am so very excited that I can hardly breathe...

I'm praying for the Weather to be OK tonight. I was delighted this morning to receive some stunningly beautiful photos of Greenland from Jeff Gingras, Purchasing and Stores Manager at the Nalunaq Gold Mine To get to Greenland is a dream coming true.. It is human magic that is making it all possible for me

Also pure magic is 'ICEBIRD'S STORY'. Anne Richard, P and Supervisor at DHL Express Dieppe, New Brunswick has arranged for ICEBIRD to be sent to Greenland in an massive operation specially cleared by DHL H/Q. My 'home' will go via eight different planes and trucks before eventually flying in one of Air Greenland's largest planes to Nuuk.

It will only take about a week. It is all sponsored by DHL as has been the entire freight of my kit during the world run. ICEBIRD will have extraordinary adventures I think, before we meet again. It's marvelous that's she's so safely crated in the big box designed and built for her by Russ and Mel O'Brien. The ICEBIRD does not fold down. It's a paradox in the same way that a racehorse is at once so strong and so fragile.

Icebird has been tough against the worst cold and blizzards while I am pulling her or sleeping in her, but was likely to be exceptionally fragile in transit to Greenland. This is because the superstructure of canvas, frames and insulation does not fold down, and could not be taken apart for stowage unless it was cut, which would spoil it.

So Russ built a splendid wooden crate, after checking measurements with DHL, but It turned out to be touch and go in the end, as to whether the box would fit on the airplanes. BUT DHL do not believe in the word 'impossible'! THE ICEBIRD WENT WITH STYLE! I shall always remember the look of utter determination on Anne Richard's face as she made the dozens of phone calls from her Depot - and WON THROUGH! So Icebird is on her way!

Thanks to Icebird getting to Greenland in about a week - I'll have my own little base, and I believe she'll make all the difference re raising the vital Cancer Awareness, as opposed to just me being in Greenland with a back pack. For incidence, we are going to make a little movie to send to Martha Stewart!!! Also to the Worldwide BBC! ICEBIRD AND BEAUTIFUL WINTER GREENLAND WILL BE WONDROUS. I can never get over how my run started with almost nothing, and how it has grown and grown into a 'People's Journey', that belongs to everyone I meet I am overwhelmed by everybody's caring and help, and by how very, very lucky I am. Rosie END.

I thought I would include this e-mail that Rosie wrote about her plans for Greenland.

Dear Greenlandic media friends Here is a story about a lady who is walking around the world. Rosie plan to be in Nuuk.

Rosie will be coming to Narsarsuaq 25th January onboard Nalunaq Gold Mine´s charter from Canada and the plan is that she, after Narsarsuaq, will be going to Nuuk where she plans to stay in her vehicle “ICEBIRD”. Rosie will be pleased to talk to anyone of you when she is in Nuuk.

Dear Everybody, I will be in Greenland by the end of January or early February. I look forward very much to meeting you, and seeing the beautiful and unique Greenland in the winter! I am running around the world in memory of my husband, who died of cancer. The purpose of my run to raise cancer awareness. It is also a personal voyage of discovery, especially about the people in the cold climates.

I have spent four years running about 17,000 miles from Britain to east Siberia. From Siberia! I took a short flight to Alaska, and set off from the Bering Straits to Nome and up the Yukon River in winter to Manley Hot Springs and Fairbanks. Then through South Alaska West Canada, and across America and to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia! -I'm heading for Halifax - ON MY WAY TO GREENLAND TO SEE YOU.

Re practical matters, my cart/sled is exceptionally well insulated. It is even better than the tents/sleds I lived in under way at -40 and - 50 all winter in Siberia, and Alaska where it became colder. It was -62 during the nine days I walked from the Bering Sea to the Yukon on the Kaltag portage trail. I have GPS, Sat phone etc, and good down clothes and bags., and all my equipment is tested, and trusted.

The equipment that has made through has become my best friend However I only wish achieve a modest plan in Greenland. My aim being to learn and meet you all. It has been a big pleasure to made some very friendly contacts in Greenland. Crewgold and Finn Mortenson have been so good as to give me valuable information and encouragement, which has already been a great help.

I hope to be able to fly to different places in Greenland, bringing my good winter tent accommodation, and to bring the little yellow sled ICEBIRDto Nuuk so as to use it as a little base. Though it is small is is VERY comfortable in the cold, It is my little 'home' very pretty and small, and I am used to living in it. Another reason to bring the is that I'd love you to see it - and want to be have pictures of ICEBIRD in Nuuk for my forthcoming book.

From Greenland, I will travel to Iceland to run west to east across north Iceland. Then, I fly to Scotland for the last stage -I will run the length of Britain back to my hometown Tenby in Wales - THE END OF THE JOURNEY! I would be very grateful if you have a moment to look at my world run website, as there's a lot of info on it. The address is:- www.rosiearoundtheworld.co.uk for background info. I would love to hear from you, and I would welcome your kind ideas I am privileged to be achieving a dream. I have always wanted too visit you.. Greenland in winter must be one of the hardest but most special countries on God's great Earth... . Best wishes, Rosie (Rosie Swale Pope.)'

18th of January 2008. Hi everyone, they huge thank you for all the support, encouragement and practical help and kindness that Rosie has been receiving. With the conditions it is very tough going. But Rosie's really excited and determined as she is working under bit of a deadline to sort out all the thing she has to do for the next stage of her journey to Greenland. Thank you to everyone who sent me photos. Much appreciated, regards James.

Thanks to Finn K. Mortensen for photo.

Subject: Last miles on this vast continent - and onward....to adventures in Greenland - which is a continent in itself to me, as well as being WORLD'S LARGEST ISLAND!!!!!

FROM rosie As I write I am running poignant l ast steps on US and Canadian continent... Finale was yesterday in Truro - as I love Truro in UK, and small towns are always so special, so it was a great end to fantastic welcome.

BUT the Rosie Party this evening is about 12km further on in Brookfield at the Brookfield Fire Hall tonight. I shall be telling stories about my run in aid of Truro Hospital, So - the last 12km are extra ..and are very precious to me. I am right now running through Millbrook native community about 5 m or 10km to Brookfield from here. Rosie

Subject: Got there! WONDERFUL WELCOME IN TRURO NOVA SCOTIA YESTERDAY. The Mayor of Truro, my friends the Snow Bear and lovely crowd greeted me. Though I was offered several hotel rooms, I slept in Coop Car park where Manager Peter and all the staff made a fuss of me and were great as I had to go on a bit towards Brookfield as that's where the Rosie Party is happening. I will be telling my stories of my to help Truro hospital at 7pm.

Before that I have a mountain of preparation to do for Greenland. Ruith Matheson is going to help to ferry me around... Have to go to ban. Check insurance, get ready! Tomorrow Mel and Russ are going to collect Icebird and me to take us back to Salisbury where Russ has built a wonderful crate or 'mini garage' in which to send ICEBIRD to Greenland DHL on Monday.

So this is first is very short reports. Must get going. Karen and Snowbirds are also going to write a report. Please dear Jim correct the above vv carefully as I can't see!! Am writing in ICEBIRD, torch frozen - and there isn't time to check it!

Welcome by Mayor of Truro brings poignant thoughts of TENBY!!! Greetings from Mayor of Truro to people of Tenby!! Love to everybody. I have lots to do today Friday before heading for Greenland . Thinking of you all. Rosie.

These pictures was taken on Tuesday Jan 14th, 2008. Pam Harrison, Margie Patterson, ROSIE, Joanne Hamilton, Kay Retson . She is well and we had a fun talk. We are promoting peace around the world and your mom proves to us that it is possible.

This is in the Wentworth Valley of Nova Scotia. It was cold and the snow was stating to fall. We had another storm but I think she was able to stay near a small store and have safe shelter. So glad she decided to stop in Truro, she will make that by Wednesday or Thursday. This will give her time to do what she must and rest in some homes before she flies to Newfoundland and then off to Greenland.

My sister Myrna Matheson and friends met her in Alaska. Ruth Matheson (pink jacket) met her in Alaska and will become a big help for the next part of the journey.

Pam Harrison

Hi James - we had the pleasure of meeting your mum today just outside Truro, Nova Scotia. I am originally from Hampton, Middx but have lived in Canada for the past 12 years. I was following Rosie's story through Runner's World, and had told my three children (aka the Snow Bears!) about her long ago. I couldn't believe it when I saw her on the front page of the local newspaper this morning..I had no idea she was so close!!!! It was just wonderful to meet her, the children were thrilled, and we hope to see her again before she leaves this part of the world. She asked me to forward these pictures for the website...if you need any other info, just write back!
Thanks -

Karen Christie

12th of January 2008. Hi, here is the latest report from Rosie. The weather conditions are quite tough at the moment it very cold and when I spoke to her she then was in dense fog, which is quite hazardous when you are running on the road with a small cart behind you. As you can see from her news update, she has received some really vital help that will enable her to get to Greenland with Icebird. She is in great spirits and is running towards Halifax with great momentum. Regards James

Subject: Report 26 from Rosie

THANK YOU. SO VERY MUCH to Gerard Bagnell, General Manager of Nalunaq Gold Mine, Nanortalik, Greenland for wonderfully arranging for me to fly to Greenland on 24 January. It is a big big dream come true

THANK YOU ALSO TO FINN MORTENSEN FOR. EXCEPTIONAL KINDNESS IN SENDING INFORMATION ABOUT GREENLAND, and to my great sponsors DHL, who have generously freighted precious equipment to me all around the world. Joan Ryall of DHL Halifax is going to send ICEBIRD to Nuuk.

AND, THANK YOU RUSS AND MELANIE O'BRIEN for outstanding help with computer/letters, and much more! Thank you. NOVA SCOTIA TOURISM INFORMATION CENTER, where I am now - and where I got the good news.

MOST OF A L L - THANK TO MY VERY BEAUTIFUL GRAND DAUGHTER LUCY STANWAY, FOR BEING ONE YEAR OLD THIS SUNDAY! I love you dear Lucy, Evie. Pete, Michael James, Janina, Marianne and the family in Ireland, Catherine, Nedd and clan in Scotland, Nancy and Victor, Patty and Rich, Diana and Kevin, Bob, and ALL my family and friends everywhere. I can't wait to see you all again.

Reports may be a bit sparse. It is a race to Halifax, just 214km away now. Also, I'll soon be out of network with this great little Blackberry. I shall send reports if I can borrow a computer, but mostly I'll be in the wilds. The Satellite phone, such a faithful friend in Russia and Alaska, will be back in play, but messages have to be brief. I promise to let you all know each week that I'm safe and my location. The pen may be frozen. the batteries low. That doesn't matter. I'll be living the story. I will be thinking of everybody. Rosie END.

Above right Photo courtesy of Sari Boudreau, St. Croix Courier .

4th of January 2008. Hi everyone, Rosie will be on BBC Radio Five Live, tonight between 12.45 and one o'clock in the morning. On the Stephen Nolan show. maybe tomorrow night the same time as well. It has been an absolutely incredible week for Rosie. The conditions are extremely bad with huge snowdrifts and blizzards. And temperature down to -30. But her equipment is holding up well. And he has been given great kindness and hospitality from those she has met on her way.

I hope you enjoy Rosie's latest progress report, written while curled up in 'Icebird' her mobile trolley home. Regards James

Date: Fri, 4 Jan 2008 21:41:04

From Rosie Subject: Report 25

There is silence. The most beautiful sound in the world. I have to dig myself out, as the snow has mounded up outside. I keep the shovel inside Icebird for this purpose. It's worth it! A little crescent moon sits on its end. Facing west, as I head off to the east. Each on our own path. Don't know if the Moon has its own dream. But I am following mine.

It is very cold. That's Ok. The storm is over. Yesterday was the 4th highest snowfall in one day in the recorded history of New Brunswick. 52 inches in 24 hours, with very high winds and blowing snow. I later learned that the Canadian Government even had the order the mighty snow ploughs off the highway after two of them ended up in the ditch. They could see nothing in the whiteout.

I proceeded with my head wrapped and bowed against the blast. The 4 lane Highway was just a white narrow snowy track, with maybe one percent of usual traffic. I was afraid to stop, as it was snowing so heavily and not ploughed, and I thought I could get struck if I rested. I did pull up on one of the lonely turnoffs.

It is amazing how very lonely and immense everything feels in a blizzard. Icebird ended up totally buried. After that I kept going The next night I found a truck parked outside the driver's house and they thoughtfully gave me water, so I didn't have to spend my fuel melting. snow for drinks. Their son wasn't very well. They asked if I needed anything else, but truly I didn't need anything. I wanted to stay in Icebird to keep an eye on her.

I bless great equipment I have. I would not exchange the Peter Hutchinson sleeping bags for six hundred gold bars! - not even if someone else carried them all for me. The cold became -30 today. I'm very grateful to Russ and Melanie O'Brien and charming eighteen month old son Liam - and to their golden Labrador Honey O'Brien! -for exceptional hospitality, and for spoiling me and my chariot.

Icebird is melting and drying out in a beautifully warm garage! It's a huge crossroads of my run. Selina Nylander contacted Crewgold who own a goldmine in Greenland. I'm extremely excited that they just may be able to assist Icebird and me in getting there. Thank you so much to Selina and to Lorraine Rabie, who is based at the Company's UK offices.

It was marvelous to talk with her on the telephone this morning. She very kindly said they'll see what they can do. Nothing is decided or certain, but it's great to have some allies in Greenland. I'd love to visit their mine in Nulanaq, and meet the amazing people who work there. I'm busy making plans and sorting all the logistics for the last part this whole long, long run. I will be able to tell you more next week.

Meanwhile, I'll be on BBC 5 Live tonight at approx 12.45. Thank you all again for the brilliant comments and encouragement. Rosie

Hi, received this a lovely e-mail with photos, the top left and ones below. Many thanks James

Hi James,

We had the pleasure of meeting your mom on the evening of Dec. 29th. Another snow storm had just passed through and it was now freezing rain. We looked out the window and saw a tiny light coming down the road. Rosie was looking for a safe place to pull off the road for the evening as the Icebird was extremely hard to pull in the slush and heavy snow. Don went out and helped her bring the sled up our driveway, safely out of harms way from the snowplow. After a cup of hot tea we had persuaded her to stay with us for the evening. We really enjoyed having the opportunity to hear of her amazing travels and adventures along the way.

There are many people who come in and out of our lives but only a few who leave a lasting impression. Rosie is one of those few. As well, there are no coincidences in this life, only opportunities, if we choose to see them. Rosie was meant to stop at our house on that stormy evening to teach us the importance of enjoying every moment of life! We will be sending positive thoughts your way for final leg of your journey.

Best wishes

Eileen, Donald and Lisa Elder
Riverbank, New Brunswick

3rd of January 2008. Hi, Rosie and myself, were on Stephen Nolan's radio show briefly last week. There was a very intense phone in debate that had overrun a little. So Stephen kindly said that Rosie could be on the show again next week, to do her adventures justice. Stephen's next BBC Radio Five Live Show, is this Saturday from 10 o'clock P. M. to 1 o'clock in the morning. Rosie will be on some time between 12.30 and 1 o'clock. His radio show can be listened to from the BBC website anywhere in the world. Regards James Swale

29 of December 2007. Hi, I have a great news update from Rosie and pictures. You might be interested to know that Rosie is going to be live by phone on Stephen Nolan's BBC Radio Five Live Show, between Midnight and one o'clock am, tomorrow Sunday the 30th of December. The show is on the medium wave nationally in the UK and can be listened to online at the BBC web site. Stephen Nolan is doing a review of the year show and the radio station has been following Rosie's progress throughout the year.

Here is the full update. As well as Rosie's progress report, I have some charming e-mails and photos which have been sent to me which I have included in the update. Regards James

Date: Sat, 29 Dec 2007 16:42:37 -0400

REPORT 24 From Rosie

You never get used to it. You never can stop your heat jumping when you're alone at night, and hear a noise outside. There was the time that the man with the axe ran at me in the forests of Siberia. though he turned out to be quite nice. There were the murderers on the run, also in Russia, who kindly ended up teaching me how to light a fire during a rainstorm.

More recently, in Gary Indiana, I was greeted by a strange individual wearing a balaclava in the hot summer, who said he was homeless and asked me for three dollars. but when I explained what I was doing he wanted to give them back to me. He even very badly wanted to take me to a Women's Shelter in Gary, which he said would be good as I looked thin. 'They'd feed you up and they'll give you something for yourself!' So people are amazing. So are the wildlife.

There were of course all the bears and wolves, who kept an eye on me up north a couple of winters ago. all my experiences have been positive. So far! I am left with the most unusual treasured memories. But at the time it's taut. You have to be ready for anything. The sniffing and scratching sounds outside Icebird last night were most peculiar and eerie. Something was digging frantically. Icebird was buried in the snow. We'd been sheltering from the storm. It had been a struggle for a long way through the blizzard before we found a place to pull off, and be safe.

The weather had not been too cold, but one couldn't see through the sheets of snow, and it had been a dangerous situation. The snow plough and truck drivers are really great, and were as careful as could be, but it was still tricky. It had been such a relief to pull in at last. I had lit the little stove and heated the water for a drink, and for my precious hot water bottle it's marvelous to it have to toast my stomach, and to help dry my socks that are in the sleeping bag with me.

Also my half frozen trousers. But I had to get out of my cozy den now. the noise outside was getting louder. Whatever it was seemed to be scratching far too close to Icebird's glorious shiny yellow canvas.. I had time to THINK about this, as the tent zip had frozen solid. It took a little warm water from the thermos to unfreeze the zip, before I could stick my head out to see! I gazed at my beautiful visitor.

I was astonished to see a little coyote, looking so very pretty, his thick tawny fur covered in snowflakes. A front paw had quickly stopped digging an extremely fine hole right beside me. I couldn't understand why he was so unafraid. So cheeky and bold. He just seemed, like me, to have been expecting something else. It seemed unbelievable to see a coyote in a deserted car park on the edge of a little town called Hampton in New Brunswick.

Yet the snowstorm had turned it into a white wilderness. The worst was over. no blowing snow or wind. Just snow from the sky to the land, shutting everything into an extraordinary wild intimacy. I felt lucky to share it with the coyote. For an instant. Before he changed his mind about all his digging, and scurried out of sight.

I ran all day as the weather cleared, thinking of Michael the Moose, and the coyote, and that Icebird rather well as a wild life hide than i remembered the smoked salmon I had lost yesterday , after I had stopped and fancied eating some of it. I must have dropped it outside close to Icebird, while rearranging my bags. I suddenly knew exactly where it was now. I must get going today. I am nearly at a town called Sussex, New Brunswick.

It is snowing hard again. Every mile counts. I still have about 1,400 miles to go. I'd just like to say I had a fabulous Christmas under the stars and moon in Icebird, back in St John. Christmas Eve and Christmas saw the weather clear and bright. I am deeply touched by all the sweet gifts , and for the warmth and friendliness along the highways, everywhere in New Brunswick.

I arrived in St John on Christmas Eve. It was a fairyland of snow and Christmas lights and the nearly full moon, shining over the harbor. Many kind invitations to spend Christmas day were offered to me. I am very grateful, but in the end I remained steadfast to my plan. The only way to have Christmas with everybody, was to stay at home in my Icebird. I didn't have turkey. I ate spaghetti and cheese, but I had a great time. It was so special.

All I wanted came true. I wanted to be with those I love. Icebird, stopped near the harbor in St John became the center of BEAM ME DOWN SCOTTY in a big way. I traveled the time zones with all my heart to try to reach family and dear friends by phone or email, as much as I could, thanks to my fabulous Blackberry. By the time the battery got too low, the day had passed.

Then thousands of people still seemed to be visiting me in my mind and memory. They all fitted into Icebird. No trouble at all. Please continue to help me to find the short cut from Canada to Greenland. ICEBIRD and I can pay our fare. so let James know of your ideas. I am getting to Greenland anyway. However the only route as of now is to go all the way back to Boston. Then by way of Iceland to Greenland, which is not straightforward.

There must be freight that has to go from Canada to Greenland. I want little Icebird and I to join the freight! If you very kindly has thought and comments about this, please put them in the Public Comments. the Private comments are hard for me to access when I am on the road. Many thanks. I know it will all work out. There have been very much bigger difficulties than this to overcome. I have faith that this run is meant to succeed and has a power and strength, thanks to all the caring and love from everybody. HAVE A V E R Y HAPPY NEW YEAR! Rosie END.

Dear James

My name is Carole McDonald and I live in the small village of Prince of Wales
along Highway 1 just outside the city of Saint John, New Brunswick.

I had an opportunity to listen to an interview with Rosie when she crossed
the Maine US border into St. Stephen NB, Canada. I was fascinated with her
story and amazed by her incredible courage.

On Christmas Eve I was privileged enough to actually meet Rosie in person. My
sister Brenda and I drove out of our village onto the highway where we tried
to entice Rosie to return to our home for some rest and refreshments. Rosie
declined our invitation due to her being behind on her schedule and the need
to ensure the safety and security of Icebird.

We were thrilled when she graciously accepted our offer to bring her some
coffee, soup, sandwiches and treats.

My 75 year old mother Geraldine and our 13 year old niece Dayle joined us in
my car with Rosie who stopped and shared a half hour of her precious time
with us. She was able to change her shoes and socks and my sister convinced
her that she should take her coat since Rosie's was wet.

We felt blessed and truly humbled by Rosie's courage, grace and kindness. I
was in awe and know that she will be an inspiration to me, my sister, mother
and niece.

We have spent many hours reading Rosie's website and would like to provide
you with these pictures that were taken and mean so very much to me and my
family. I took the pictures of Brenda, Geraldine and Dayle with Rosie while
Dayle took those that I am in with Rosie.

Our thoughts and prayers will be with Rosie as she continues her journey
through New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and then onto Greenland and
Iceland. The world is a much better place for having Rosie in it so we ask
God to bless her and keep her safe.

Carole McDonald

Labour Relations Officer

From the 20th of December

Today my family was very fortunate to have been able to meek Rosie. She had stopped at a store down the road from me and bought a gallon of water but sadly had forgot it there, so her unfortunate incident was our good luck. Rosie stopped here and asked for some water. We invited her in and today being Mikeys birthday she tried calling him but was unable to get through to him. She then asked our daughter, Sarah, who is 7 to try to call Mikey and with him a Happy Birthday, she became very excited. when we got through Mikey had gone to bed but she was able to talk to Eve. Sarah now has a new friend and has been telling everyone about her. Rosie had some supper and told us all about her travels while we dried her sleeping bags and then was off again. Rosie visited with us for about 2 hours and we were touched but her journey and all that she has done and what she is still doing. We are now making plans to come to Whales when she finishes her journey and we wish her all the best.

All the Best,

Brenda, Daniel, and Sarah Henry

also Jodie, Emilee and Tony.

Date: Sat, 29 Dec 2007 16:42:37 -0400

RE PORT 24

24th of December 2007, hi, I hope everyone is having a wonderful Christmas. Conditions are very difficult at the moment for Rosie, what with the snow and cold conditions. Thank you to the many people who have been so kind to Rosie and given her so much invaluable help on her journey. Rosie will be spending Christmas out in the wilds of Canada. And she is very anxious to keep making good progress to keep on schedule for her return to England next year. She is in great spirits as always. This lovely photo was kindly sent in by Lilly and family who met Rosie on the 23rd, many thanks James.

Subject: Report 24! - from Rosie on the run in Canada!!

A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE FROM THE ICEBIRD AND ME!

Icebird and I will be on the road for Christmas. I'm planning Christmas Decorations, blizzards permitting! I had a grand welcome in Canada from the Canadian Customs Officers, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and many, many other lovely people, including the HUNDREDS of school kids who were searching for me in St Stephen, and found me all at once. So we had a kind of spontaneous party..

I answered what seemed like a million questions about my journey by magic. I had lost my voice during the storm, and could hardly talk! ,It was such fun! To be in beautiful New Brunswick, Canada is another BIG step forward! - but I did the last miles in USA with a lot of sadness. It is a country that has been so very kind and generous to me The run across the USA has left part of me with those I love there forever.

I had an exciting time in the blizzards in Cooper Mountain during these last miles through Maine. It was the 'short cut' to Canada, that the deep snow made rather longer. It was marvelous to be able to keep going at all through the snow blowing horizontally and the whiteouts.. It was possible to see nothing but the wild ghostly shapes of trees, bent over in the storm. Icebird did very well.

The skis do not work yet., The snow was very soft and fresh. I am hopeful that they will work when the it becomes more packed. Meanwhile, ICEBIRD runs on wheels through soft snow fairly well. The fact she is light also meant that when I became buried under the snow while camping one night, I was able to dig myself out in the morning and actually lift the cart out.

The week's highlight was my fantastic grandson Michael's birthday on 19 Dec. He became 6 years old! I was thinking about him all day.. - I managed to call on this B lackberry and to sing Happy Birthday - in a voice that was still a bit creaky, but I hope it was Ok. I am so pleased to hear he likes his Indian Spirit Stick. What made the day for me was that I saw my first Canadian east coast MOOSE on Michael's Birthday - So I called this little half grown moose, who came to say 'hello', and to check Icebird, Michael, as it was definitely HIS birthday moose! For a moment I'd thought the moose might offer to harness himself up and pull Icebird for awhile!! No such luck. Michael disappeared away into the trees. His hooves kicking up an extra snowstorm as he galloped off.

Right now, I am in the pretty little town of St George on the Magaguadavic River - It means 'River of Eels, but it looks like a icy River of the Gods, pristine and exquisite. Thank you to Hal and Janet Mersereau for their wonderful hospitality. Also thank you so much to Dentist Dr Krista McCarthy who fitted me in even just before Christmas to xray and check a tooth I thought I might have damaged during a fall. I thank her so much for sponsoring me. She did not charge me.

The dentists in my life with Dr Jay Jorgenson and his pioneering work on me at the forefront, are truly exceptional and fabulous. My teeth, my weakest point have guardian angels. My voice is better too! It was pretty peaceful when I lost it!!! I don't know what will happen or where I shall be by Christmas Day. But Christmas is meant to have surprises! An old man I met on Christmas Day during a run across Cuba many years ago said that he was a Christian though they couldn't celebrate much in Cuba. He also said - 'EVERY DAY IS CHRISTMAS! Every day should for loving and giving'. Rosie.       END

16th of December 2007. Hi apologies for the delay in posting the update. I am having a little technical trouble with my Internet. I have a new update from Rosie and also a statement from her regarding when she will be arriving back to her home town of Tenby in Wales UK. I have been sent some great photos from Miriam and David showing them bringing Icebird and taking Charlie away, the 1000 miles to their home in Shipshewana, where they are looking after him. The next web site update will be before Christmas, but I am not sure of the exact day. Regards James

Thank you to Michael for photo

Subject: Report 23 ON THE RUN!

From Rosie

14 December 2007 'Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons' These words are on a little card from the local hospice near Machias in Down east Maine .I woke this morning, And - kept thinking - 'I'm going to start to untie those ribbons!'..The snowy ribbons of TODAY! It has started snowing heavily, but very prettily over the Machias River..

Machias is a native American word meaning 'Bad Little Falls', as there are some quite thunderous, dangerous falls nearby The river is not yet frozen, being tidal. It is in a snowy half world, between water and ice.., - I HOPE TO GET GOING FAST! My position on the faithful GPS is N44 43.280. W067 26.689. I've been able to dry my clothes and have a great night's rest at The Inn at Schoppee Farm (schoppeefarm.com) thanks to hospitality by kind Julie and David Barker and their family.

My first night under a roof for a week. ICEBIRD is marvelous, but even the bed in this beautiful room is much larger that the whole of the tiny BIRD. It it is wonderful to have space to sort and check all the equipment before the effort ahead.. It's only 32 miles to Canada, if I take the short cut route over the hills, along a narrow highway, but should be OK for ICEBIRD.

I want to make it before the storm hits this weekend. I'll going to dedicate these very special LAST 32 miles in AMERICA to the local hospice. This is just a small way top say a VERY big thank you to all the people who have been so good to me in gallant seafaring DownEast Maine!

As for my plans, I'm fiercely, fiercely pushing onwards with all my might for Greenland - and beyond that to winter Iceland. The more I think about it, the more the decision to put the 1st June on hold as homecoming date, was the correct action. I WILL go to Greenland in winter. Also, I will go through Iceland in winter, Because I wish to learn of the lives of the few people who exist in these harsh places at the most harsh season.

That's my brief. I have to keep time in hand because of difficulties, but I shall not be back in the UK any later than is necessary in order to do the above thoroughly. I care very deeply about doing this whole run with honour. That means I must do the last part as painstakingly as I did winter in Siberia. Siberia and Alaska were very tough schools. I don't regret it, and I will not regret anything that lies ahead now. I will keep the website fully informed regarding UK date of arrival.

This is possible only thanks to brilliant James. It means everything that all those I love support me. Evie says 'There'll be plenty of opportunity to fix 'a good homecoming, once you are closer! I love them for it. In the end, I care about doing the job right much more than I do about big welcomes. I think I am so very, very lucky to have all the support and love I get from everywhere.. It is the truth, that the love and caring from my very large and very beautiful world family has changed my life as much as have all the experiences, with wolves, bears, the extreme cold. Rosie END.

STATEMENT/ PRESS RELEASE/SPECIAL UPDATE. FOR
www.ROSIEAROUNDTHEWORLD WEBSITE By Rosie Swale Pope . Thank you to my kind friend Ann Rowell, to the Mayor of Tenby, Tenby Town Council and everybody in Tenby and in Great Britain, and the world far and wide _ for always supporting me through thick and thin, and for already making wonderful plans for my return.

I have been thinking very hard about this. I have to tell you how sad I am that I can no longer guarantee that I'll be in Tenby by 1st June. I WILL be there as soon as possible after this as I can. The trouble has been that arranging Greenland and sorting all the logistics from here on has taken longer than expected. It WILL Work, but takes time.

I am nearly at the Canadian border. I have only about4OO MILES before Greenland. I'll be leaving for Greenland by one means or another, from St Johns on Newfoundland Island. I still may have to go St Johns/Boston/Iceland/Greenland. Hopefully I might get a berth for ICEBIRD on an icebreaker or freighter from Canada to Greenland direct.

I have some helpful people working on this for me. It's going to be cold and quite dangerous ahead. I am determined to be careful, and SUCCEED. I do look forward to this extraordinary experience. It is at once very humbling, and very exciting that every time I feel my journey is nearly over, the most amazing experiences suddenly seem to be still AHEAD! I have to be ready for anything. IT WILL BE WORTH IT.

I walked around Wales years ago with Clive, and wrote a little book about it called WINTER WALES Why the WINTER? The reason why, is as true now as it was then. I think winter is the time when you see reality. How. DO the few people living in southern Greenland, in Nuuk, really manage through dark winter? How about the farmers and fishermen on the Arctic Coast in Iceland.? I WANT TO FIND OUT I love Tenby - Tenby doesn't have to have a party for me when I do get back -Tenby IS a party! , Rosie END

Dear James,

Here are the pictures of Good-by Charlie and Hello Icebird. Photos of David, myself and Rosie and Rosie and Dan and the Icebirds maiden run. I do hope these come thru. If not let me know and I can try to send them another way.

It was very interesting to finally meet the woman Lila has been talking about. We had a nice lunch and then off to switch her "Mobile Homes" around. A quick unload and explanation of Icebirds features, moving gear from Charlie and loading him on the truck for the return trip. A trial run around the parking lot and Rosie was off!!!

The "Mobile Home" switch took about 30 minutes. It was 14 degrees and the wind blowing in from the harbor made it feel much colder. We got in a heated truck and took our gloves off and warmed our hands in front of the heat vents!!! But all we could think about was Rosie running in this cold and she didn't even take time to put her gloves back on!! Se was very excited!

Even as we drove home in a snow storm, we kept thinking about Rosie running and sleeping in this weather.

Rosie is such a positive and upbeat person you will always remember. We will certainly think of her every time we step into the cold winter weather. She has definitely enriched our lives.

Lila's over the road truckers,
Miriam and David

Photos taken by Dave and Miriam, many thanks James

8th of December. Hi everyone, a big thank you as always for the photos that I have been sent. I have a great report from Rosie, it has been an extraordinary week for her. Icebird is absolutely wonderful, a huge thank you again to Lila's sister Miriam and brother in law David for the massive journey they undertook to deliver Icebird and take Charlie away. I will hand you over to Rosie. Regards James.

Pictures courtesy of Cyndi Wood, of The Ellsworth American, many thanks

From Rosie
Subject: Report 22. ON THE RUN! 7 December 2007 en route to Canadian border

The first photo of ICEBIRD under way will be exclusively on the MARTHA Stewart Show this morning, across the entire USA. THAT'S A FANTASTIC LAUNCH, Thank you so much to Martha! I need to say again that this run around the world means NOTHING as an achievement. Unless it does some good!

The Eskimos of the Alaskan coast seeing me with my gear, once sympathetically asked - 'Are you on the run from police?' I said, 'Not yet!!!! The State Troopers have all been wonderful' I AM 'ON THE RUN!' - for a reason!!!!! The publicity is so useful for raising cancer awareness, and for the other causes that mean so much to me.

Foremost among these are the Kitezh Community for Children in Russia, and Paul Newman's A Hole in The Wall Gang Camp. The children in Russia have been rescued from especially appalling situations. Russia is far away now, but I shall never forget the hardship I saw there.

Most outstanding and vital work is being done against all odds in Russia through the Kitezh Community for Children. Right now, as I get ready to go out into the darkness and cold that's nothing compared to the suffering of innocent children, I would like to specially honour two dear and generous friends on opposite sides of the world, who have greatly helped the Russian Children. They are true heroines. Nancy Rodriguez is the President of Food Marketing Support Services, Oak Park Illinois.

FMSS is the only USA company who has sponsored Kitezh to date. They lead the way for others to follow! FMSS is a famous company started many years ago by Nancy at her kitchen table, It is now highly esteemed worldwide, and still run from the heart.. Catherine Addison lives in peaceful pretty Fulham, London. Catherine has ALWAYS unstintingly helped me personally from DAY ONE. She also arranged for her wonderful church ALL SAINTS FULHAM to substantially sponsor KITEZH.

Catherine is a lady who can do anything. She is the BEST fly fisherwoman in the world, and is so great in every way. She is assisted by a special mentor called Professor Nedd . There will be a chapter about him in my book It has been another extraordinary week The first storm of the winter brought blinding snow and high winds. Icebird coped magnificently.

Just before the snow, Icebird arrived all the way from Shipshewana right on schedule. Lila's sister Miriam and brother in law David magnificently drove for 20 hours from Indiana to achieve this. They took Charlie back with them. Dan Fox and his friends and staff at Foxy's Restaurant, Belfast helped so much. Fox's Restaurant, overlooking the Atlantic was apt as the historic spot WHERE ICEBIRD AND CHARLIE MET! Miriam, Dave and lucky Charlie got back to Shipshewana safely, before the blizzard hit MAINE.

Thank you to all the local people who looked out for me. Among the many great Mainers, THANK YOU to the Pollard family, to the fantastic Snow Plough operators/ 'KINGS OF HIGHWAY. They did extra sweeps to help ICEBIRD. Also, much gratitude again to the very thoughtful kind MARTHA STEWART herself! Not only did she arrange for me to visit her exquisite Maine home, Martha invited me to stay. It was not on my route, but I was fetched and taken there, and put back on the road in exactly same spot next day. So I didn't lose precious time, yet had this wonderful experience.

They were fabulous to me. I was looked after and spoilt in every way like a princess, by Peggy, Gretchen, Cheryl, Bryan and Blake who care for this former home of Henry Ford's son Edsel Ford. It is in the midst of snowy fairyland forest overlooking the ocean. It seems most special because it is a big home with the intimate spirit of a small cozy place. Tonight I'm curled inside Icebird, which is as beautifully made as a mansion, but really is tiny- and is sweet. It is insulated with silvery foil, and I'm cuddling my hotwaterbottle. So I'm fine even though it is cold outside tonight. Soon, I'll be up and running under the bright stars and crescent moon. Rosie End.

Hi James,

I'm a reporter for the Ellsworth American in Ellsworth, Maine and I recently wrote a story on your mother. She asked me to send copies of some photos I took for use on your web site. They were taken on the Bucksport Road in Ellsworth on Tuesday morning around 11 am. If possible, please attribute to the Ellsworth American. I am also sending you a link to the story in another email. It was wonderful talking with her!

Thanks,

Cyndi Wood

The Ellsworth American

207-667-2576



Dear James-
Yesterday, we met your dear Mother and had the opportunity to be with her for a little less than 24 hours. My name is Peggy Knox and I work for Martha Stewart at her estate “Skylands” in Seal Harbor, Maine.
I received a phone call yesterday from your Mom that was so completely out of the blue that during our conversation, I thought she was putting me on...... (I hadn’t heard of her and her incredible journey, nor had I been given a “heads-up” from Martha that she might be calling) (Sometimes I get phone calls from random people trying to get in touch with Martha or get her on some radio program or try to get to see the house etc...I’m always on my guard.) She told me she was running around the world, which I didn’t believe. Then she told me her name...which spoken with an accent and in conjunction with this wonderful Maine cell phone reception, sounds like Rosie “Slow Poke”. I thought FOR SURE someone was pulling my leg. ANYWAY.....I finally understood after much jaw dropping that she was INDEED RUNNING AROUND THE WORLD... and went and picked her up in Ellsworth (about 20 miles from here) per Martha’s request and brought her back to spend the night.
What a gift she is. What a joy it was having her here. She will probably tell you that we met 2 aliens along the way. One when I picked her up and one when we dropped her off. She is so special. She was so thankful and so happy for everything. It seemed like she couldn’t thank us enough and we hardly did anything. I wonder why it is that I met her. I’m not sure. I know there is a reason, and it may not be clear right now, but I felt so bewildered by her presence, as many are, I’m sure.
Here are a couple of pictures from our visit.
“The girls” from Skylands in the driveway. L to R: Cheryl, Rosie, Peggy, Gretchen
Peggy and Rosie as she restarts her journey in Ellsworth after a cozy night in Seal Harbor.

Best to you James.
I will be following closely now.

Peggy Knox

Hi Peggy, thank you very much for your lovely e-mail and photos. Regards James

1st of December 2007, hi, slightly belated update this week. It is a very exciting time. A huge thank you to Lila's sister Miriam and brother in law Dave who are driving up on a massive journey to bring Icebird all the way to Rosie. Regards James

From Rosie

This expedition is in the midst of a huge transition Tomorrow ETA noon, Saturday 1st December 2007, the ICEBIRD will rendezvous with CHARLIE along Highway 1 on the North Atlantic Coast. I shall be between Belfast (a charming town in Maine!), and Ellsworth, a bit further on. Co ordinates as I write, stopped by the side of the road Friday morning, are N44 25.97. W068 59.61. CHARLIE and ICEBIRD's meeting may even be as historic as the one between Stanley and Dr Livingston so long ago! It will be very special.

Lila's sister Miriam and brother in law Dave, are going to drive ICEBIRD ALL the way from Shipshewana, Indiana. to meet p with me in Maine. It is a distance of well over 1,000 miles. Then, they are going take the lucky CHARLIE back with them to Shipshewana. In Shipshewana, CHARLIE will be expertly crated. From Shipshewana's nearest town with a DHL depot, CHARLIE will be sent courtesy of DHL's magnificent sponsorship account for my expedition, all the way safely back to his home at Technique Composites, Derbyshire UK. Where he was built, and will take his holidays.

Thank you so very much again - CHARLIE's designer Steve Holland, builder Giles Dyson and absolutely brilliant, kind sponsors RUNNER'S WORLD. RUNNER'S WORLD as everyone knows, have sponsored Hercules, Charlie, and now it is RUNNER'S WORLD's ICEBIRD too. This as well as very much other help over the past extraordinary four years.

The ability to live anywhere. pulling my home is a sacred freedom. One thing leads to another. There have been different carts and sleds, because there has been no other way through. The only way for me to survive, sharply learnt from the beginning, is that this self supporting run uses evolution not as an experiment, but as a necessity. Every type of climate is ruthless and utterly specific all around the 360 degrees of the northern hard latitudes.

The Eskimos in Alaska have a 100 different words for SNOW, because there are that many types of it, they say. There are 100 different kinds of cold and ice too! So ICEBIRD has been WILLED into life by Lila and Rick Philbrook and all their amazing friends in Shipshewana. They tell me they have aimed to combine the toughness and lightness of the aluminum trailers the Amish horses pull behind their carriages, with some of CHARLIE's greatest features.

One of these is the valuable three wheel system, which on ICEBIRD has evolved to be able to have skiis added when necessary. I have faith in it. Above all, ICEBIRD is a work of enormous love and care. The lightness alone is a gift. Can't wait to see it! Rick Philbrook says 'ICEBIRD' is too SMALL! Lila says, 'ICEBIRD' is too BIG. Weather reports have the definite final say! I won't wait long for the test! Deep snow and high winds are predicted.

The local snow ploughs are ready for the fray. I THINK MY WINTER BIRD IS COMING JUST IN TIME I'll be thinking of everybody who is encouraging me marvelously everywhere. Thank you all so very much. I better close now, and get on with the organizing! . More next week from: 'ON THE RUN' By Rosie Swale Pope That's going to be the title of my book. It has named itself in the end. THE END Rosie.

I also received these two lovely e-mails from people who have recently met Rosie. Just fill you in Geoffrey or Geoff flew out from England to meet Rosie and bring her new cold weather equipment. Geoff Hall has been responsible for organizing the sending of all Rosie equipment and countless pairs of running shoes, which is often no easy task when Rosie has been running out in the wilderness. Rosie is hugely appreciative of this help. Regards James

Dear James,

My name is Nettie-Mae Alexander and my family and I live in a small town called Chelsea, just outside of Augusta, Me. I wanted to let you know that we met your mom (and Geoffrey too) on Friday, Nov. 23. We found them both to be such delightful people and we feel privileged to have had a chance to meet them. Imagine, walking all the way around this big world and your mom should stop right on our doorstep! I must tell you, though, our first sighting of Geoffrey had us wondering. We don’t often see people abandon their vehicles and then go off running in the direction they just came from. What’s more, he was dressed in shorts! You won’t find many people dressed in shorts in Maine at this time of the year. When he returned not only was he still wearing shorts; but, he had a second person with him (Rosie) and was pulling a strange looking cart behind her.

We were astounded to find out who they were and what Rosie was doing. After a cup of tea and some fascinating stories from Rosie, they departed for a nearby hotel where Rosie would have the luxury of a warm room to do her writing. Charlie was left with us for the night as were Rosie’s 2 very damp sleeping bags. In the morning Geoffrey and Rosie returned, had a light breakfast with us and packed Charlie up with some new provisions for the continuing trip. Before leaving, Rosie visited our family cemetery (right here on our property). My mom also died of cancer in January of 1999. We all wish that Rosie and Geoffrey could have stayed longer. Our short visit with them was just magical - a once in a lifetime experience for us; and when they departed we felt as if we had known them both forever. Indeed, Rosie and Geoffrey will always have friends in Chelsea, Maine, U.S.A.

The attached photo I took of Rosie Saturday morning as she was preparing to leave. The weather has warmed a bit since then, which should be helpful. This week is supposed to be fairly warm with night temps dipping to just freezing or slightly below (30-32 degrees F.). There’s a soft rain tonight, but the temp. is up to 40 degrees F. No snow yet so that’s a blessing. She’s probably closing in on Bangor by now, I imagine. After leaving Bangor civilization is going to get more sparse. If there’s anything we can do to help - please let us know. Feel free to post this for those who are keeping tabs of Rosie’s progress, as we also shall continue to do.

God bless and grant Rosie a safe return home to you,

The Alexander Family (Philip Sr., Phil Jr., Marion and

Nettie-Mae)

Good evening James,

My family had the pleasure of meeting your mum tonight at Foxy's
Restaurant in Belfast, Maine. What an interesting and charming lady. She
had everyone in the place listening to her stories. My 16 year old son had
his laptop with him, so we logged on to her web site and checked that out
also. I have attached a photo of your mum and my son, Tyler Johnstone.

Mum had a Foxy's signature steak for dinner, and Dan, the owner, put her
up in the Belfast Harbor Inn next door. Icebird is supposed to arrive
tomorrow, so we'll probably see her again.

She looks great and appears very strong.

Dennis

Dennis Nardone
Grade 8 Math Teacher
Troy Howard Middle School
173 Lincolnville Avenue
Belfast, ME 04915
207 338-3320 X222

24th of November 2007. Hi I am delighted to be able to show some pictures of Icebird Rosie's new sled/cart, kindly sent in by Lila Philbrook, who along with friends and family and local businesses have finished making Icebird. I know many of you will find the e-mail Lila sent in the very interesting, so I have posted it below. Also, just putting a call out if anyone happens to be driving from Indiana up towards Maine and has the space to transport Icebird to Rosie, that would be very handy indeed. On the off chance anyone could take it please drop me an e-mail. Also I have a great update from Rosie first.

Subject: Report 20

'I can't open my eyes because my eyelashes are frozen together,' is still the best EVER excuse for staying in bed a bit longer. It's not that cold yet. The weather has been 'to ing and fro ing'. Having fun while making up its mind. It has been snowing and sleeting, over the last few days in Maine. Until last night, when the snow turned to deluges of rain. Then everything froze in a hard frost

There are the most beautiful ice diamonds all over Charlie's interior this morning. These diamonds are NOT forever. They definitely are NOT 'A Girl's Best Friend'. Being likely to get shaken off, and to melt down the back of my neck and over the kit. To melt them FAST, is the way to avoid this! I reach for my great little camping stove, 'The Omni Primus' or 'The genii', as I call it nowadays. Just like that. By magic! The genii heats the hot drink, and the steam melts the ice. Housekeeping continues with catching and wiping all the drips.

Everything is still pretty easy in .Maine in November. All the tricks from winters in Siberia, Alaska and Canada, are coming back. Just to train me up for the time when it will all become a lot more crazy. Right now, I've been having a very special week The ICEBIRD is born! As you can see from Lila's photos, the new cart looks extremely exciting. Charlie will be VERY pleased to hand over and head back to the UK for a rest, and to begin writing his book. Charlie, just loves being a VIP, and the snow here is beginning to annoy him. Greenland is coming along. I am grateful to my kind cousin, Astronomer John Ponsonby who has spent a lot of time in the very far north, He has given James very valuable information for me.

Also thank you to the great Greenland Authorities and travel organisations for getting in touch via email, asking how they can help. THANK YOU my dear friend Ann Rowell, in Tenby, who is always the first one on the case whenever it matters the most, for researching Greenland for me too. The best way so far has been researched by this run's very splendid ally Geoff Hall.

I do not have to go by way of Copenhagen. After running to St John's Newfoundland, I can backtrack to Boston, fly Boston to Iceland quite cheaply, and from Iceland go expensively to Greenland. It will be worth it. I am hugely grateful to Runner's World who are going help re cost. They are ALWAYS there for me through thick and thin. BUT!!!! It would be SO VERY VERY MUCH BETTER, IF A WAY CAN STILL BE FOUND DIRECT FROM CANADA OR THE US - to Greenland.

One feels that since it is relatively close _ THERE MUST BE A WAY If anyone reading this thinks they can, help please contact James. It really would make all the difference. Today - will be a DAY OF DAYS IN ITSELF! Geoff is flying out all the way from London to bring me vital winter equipment - down clothes for -60 from Peter Hutchinson and team, shoes from Andrew Sainsbury, Managing Director of Saucony, Bivvi from Terra Nova, sports supplements from Olympic nutritionist Dr Brian Welsby, and other equipment.

They will be part of the great fight against the cold along with other treasures. Especially blissful to use, are the brilliant little handwarmers recently sent to me by Nancy Rodrioquez, President of Food Market Support Services in Oak Park, Chicago Thank you also so much to artist Mary Jane Dillingham and to all her large and very charming family. Yesterday, they kidnapped me off the roadside to have Thanksgiving Dinner at there home.

Then with tremendous understanding, they said goodbye so that I could make use of the wind that was at my back. A fair wind. Kindness from far and wide. Geoff is going to rent a car after landing in Boston and will drive for hours to Maine _ to rendevous with Charlie and me hopefully around midday today on Highway 9, near Augusta. It is truly great of him. END Rosie.

James, this is the story about the new Icebird.

Three weeks ago Rosie's weekly web posting stated her cart, Charlie, was in need of some repairs. Rosie has pulled Charlie thousands of miles, he served her well, but she has worn him out. So I called Rosie and said, it's time I build you a new cart. She said, "is that possible?" I said, "Of course it is. If it were impossible it would only take longer." This is Shipshewana, there are many aluminum carts built here, the Amish people pull them behind their bicycles. And I know the best fabricator in the area.

I asked my husband, Rick to design a new cart for Rosie. With his designs and measurements from Charlie we were off to meet with Sam Wingard of Wingard Sales. Sam along with his brother Dave Wingard and Ervin Lambright joined in the planning. One great feature designed, is the fenders that will turn into skies as necessary.

Rick Philbrook and Orva Graber from Wana Ride bike shop, decided BMX wheels and high pressure tires were what was needed. Rosie's has now named the cart "Icebird". The next stop for the cart was Legendary DeSigns, where graphic artist Lyle Bontrager and Leon Yoder, owner, created and made the new graphics. They also added DOT approved reflective stripes around the entire cart.

On to Denny Troyer's "The Canvas Shop" where we selected yellow marine canvas for the top. As I was attaching the insulation to the cart, Arlene Miller designed and made the canvas top. With a little vents in the top for ventilation, for when Rosie has to cook inside the cart.

Also a small window with a curtain in the back flap, sometimes you just need to peek outside. Icebird then went back to Wingard's for final shaft fitting and a flag pole holder. The final destination is to my barn for the interior finishing. My neighbor Darlene Miller, sewed the cover for the insulation foam/mattress. And I made the storage pockets that are attached around the inside for gear, etc. We have stuff and surprises in the pockets for Rosie.

This started three weeks ago and Icebird is ready for delivery. Our next hurdle is getting Icebird from Shipshewana in Indiana, to vicinity of Maine, where Rosie is. This is not impossible, it is just taking a little longer. We are looking for a volunteer for this trip of 1000 miles. Anyone?

Lila Philbrook, Shipshewana, Indiana

17 of November 2007, hi Rosie has been really busy lately with absolutely loads of planning and sorting things out for when she goes to Greenland. As Rosie mentions in her news update below a big thank you to the Amish center of Shipshewana, who are building her a wonderful new ice and road sled. Rosie made many friends there and there are a lot of people involved in making different parts of the sled.

Also I have a video link of an interview of Rosie which is well worth a look.

Hi Jim. My name is Helen Couture, I'm a producer of the newsmagazine show 207 in Portland , Maine . We were thrilled to have the opportunity to meet your mother yesterday while she prepares for the next leg of her journey here in Maine . Rosie joined us on our broadcast. What an extraordinary woman! We thought you might like to watch the video of her appearance and perhaps add the link to your website.

http://www.wcsh6.com/life/lifestyle/207/video/article.aspx?storyid=74773

We'll be rooting for her and thinking of her during our cold Maine nights!!

Helen

Personal news update from Rosie.
'If you will the wish, the rest will follow my grandmother often used to remark during my childhood in Co Limerick, 'IT'S ALL TO DO WITH THE WILL.' When we couldn't afford a pony, she encouraged me to train my pet cow Cleopatra to wear a saddle and a halter. I rode Cleopatra to Pony Club. We entered the 'showjumping' class, and I discovered that even sweet and amiable little Irish cows can't jump over the moon. Or win the Grand National. Except in fairystories! But we tried! And we got a rosette for her tail.
Today, after all those years, I still think my grandmother's philosophy is right. The difference is that today I know that it isn't myself, but the people who inspire me by 'willing the wish' for the run to succeed, who give me so much strength. Those who live there tell you that the State of Maine, has a 'magnetic field' under it. The people who leave Maine, ALWAYS come back. It certainly has been a pretty special place for me. I had been traveling day and night. I hadn't been in a bed for a month. That's fine. I am used to sleeping in Charlie, which I like.

The conditions at this time of year are easy. BUT! It was very, very nice to be welcomed to stay at the South Portland Marriott, having been invited through the Marriott and the Shaner Hotel Group to be there at an extremely minimal. Family and Friends price. To sleep in crispy white sheets. To soak in a glorious bath full of bubbles and bath oils, and rest. Most of all, to have use of phones and internet, without having to eke out batteries in Charlie.

Just to have electric light instead of torchlight by which to work, is something I'll never ever take for granted after this run. It's great to be able to get a good amount of preparation achieved in sorting a mountain of logistical challenges that must be solved regarding kit, route and winter ahead. I have not have a single problem to which someone has not offered some solution, but everything needs to be organized.

Plus, I want to thank all the many guardian angels for all they are doing to help everything go well. My marvelous daughter Evie often says 'Mum, there's a circle of hands around the world, bringing you to the end.' That's true Here's the state of play re the biggest challenges So far, we have found NO route by air or sea from USA to Greenland during winter.

The hit one between the eyes news is that I might have to fly ALL THE WAY to Copenhagen, as there are winter flights to Greenland, FROM THERE! Iceland might work instead but Greenland Air say that route is especially expensive. Greenland is vital. Greenland is the 'Everest' of my run. I am so grateful to Runner's World for support in this as in everything. They are absolutely great. So is DHL, who have often saved the situation ALL ROUND THE WORLD FOR ME, by getting the equipment and sleds and carts to me, and making progress possible even at -71 centigrade.

Thank you to Steve Holland, Giles Dyson and sponsor Runner's World, for Charlie - Charlie is not being retired, but he is shortly going to be flown to the Uk to his builder and designer Giles and Steve for a little tender loving care. Charlie's leaks etc are superficial., but it is a good chance to get him repaired, as Charlie and I would have to part when winter comes. It was ok along the very well ploughed Highways in Canada, but he'll get stuck in Greenland as he was not built to be a sled.

He is a thoroughbred, but even he can't handle Greenland. So like an answer to Charlie's prayers, the ICEBIRD is being born.. ICEBIRD is a light aluminum sled/all terrain vehicle is being generously made right now in the Amish center of Shipshewana. He truly will be as much like gold dust as aluminum in the journey ahead There was no stopping my kind friend Lila when she heard Charlie had to go to the Uk. She feared I'd be homeless !!! ICEBIRD will be ready soon - and will made of aluminum and has skis on his wheels. .

There will be more about this in a couple of weeks. Meanwhile, thank you so muchI Rick and Lila Philbrook, Sam and Dave Wingard, Ervin Lambright, Legendary DeSigns, and my Amish friends Vernon and Darlene Miller and their little son Adrian, and Amish harness maker Sue, and others. Shipshewana is such a delightful town - horses are everywhere! Planning ahead, Charlie my proud British buggy, will fly the Flag down Britain. Hercules hero of Russia - and brave little Icebird will ALL be gathered for the finale and then, I really WILL be cloned as family and friends can pull the carts too!

ALL will join in the run down Britain celebration!!!!^ ... . The kit they carry is nothing compared to the memories they a carry. A special thank you to the Amish people who are often so shy, will be represented with the brave littler Icebird. I hope. Some of the Russian children from the Kitezh Community may be in the UK to pull too! Another HUGE new ally that will help me so much to write about all this is this beautiful new Rogers of Canada Blackberry. It is very generous to Rogers of Canada. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH.

Tomorrow I'm off again, It is just 200m to the Canadian border From there I travel to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland Island to St John - EASTERN MOST POINT OF MY RUN ACROSS the ,North American continent and Then GREENLAND HERE WE COME! Somehow! If anyone knows a shortcut to Greenland please let me know!   Rosie.

12th of November 2007, hi, apologies for the slight delay in posting Rosie's news update, here it is. Also for anyone interested in listening to Rosie's recent radio interview here is the direct link to the interview which can be downloaded

http://www.wili-am.com/audio_archives.htm

Regards James

I've been checking all the wilderness equipment out - The GPS is working fine - My co ordinates this morning are N43 02.83. I am in Portsmouth New Hampshire - the third oldest township in the USA, settled in 1630. It has a wonderful seafaring tradition just like Portsmouth in the UK!

The Atlantic waves are crashing onto the beautiful beaches with names like Rye. The sea spray mixes with the golden swirling forest leaves and the first snow flakes this year is an unforgettable picture. It's easy to feel I am almost home - but arguably the hardest winter of my run lies ahead. My route is going to take me to Newfoundland, Greenland and Iceland. It could be harder than Siberia.

Iceland's north coast has temperatures that in winter can fall to -60, but there is also 24 hour darkness, and there are the terrifying lava desert and ice field storms, where the pumic rocks get torn up and whirled around by the storms, as if they are just dust.. And offshore lies the Arctic Ocean, with icebergs, polar bears - and nothing between that and the North Pole!

But! People living along Iceland's North Coast - the hardiest of all farmers and fishermen manage!!! I guess I'm just as excited about the fact that I am heading for Newfoundland and Greenland, but I have never been to these places before and I have been to Iceland. I ran across Iceland from its northern point during an assignment for Runner's World some years ago. It was in summer - in 24 hours I saw the deserts and glaciers, and the fire beneath the Iceland of the great volcanoes - but nothing of those images stays in my mind so much as the sight of the extraordinary green patches of very neat and beautiful little farms - right in the middle of nowhere.

I met some of the people and they were great, but they could not explain, because it would take more than their explanations to make me even begin to understand how they manage to keep the farms together at all through the winter. I have chosen this route! also of course as it is the natural continuation of my circle around the world.

I am overwhelmingly grateful to many, many people. Among the many - thank you as always to Runner's world - for sponsoring me with the GPS, the sat phone, the buggies and for so much else and for financial support. Thank you Ann Rowell - for everything you do. To Rogers of Canada, who very generously are going to replace my blackberry. to Saucony - who so far, have given me the 41 pairs of shoes I have worn on this world run and thank you to Peter Hutchinson fo PHD, and all his team. They are sending me another fabulous mustagh jacket - and a lot of other equipment which comes from their exceptional PHD mountain software range.

T