Last week I touched base with Andy Woodward of Antarctica Tents to have some gear made up for this summer.  Andy has been in the busniess for some time now, and is renowned for his ingenuity when it comes to designing and making equipment that can stand up to the rigours of an Arctic (or Antarctic) expeditions. 

Andy lives in a rambling old house in Newbridge-on-Wye in Mid Wales, and much of the house (plus most of the yard) is dedicated to designing, making, repairing and servicing tents, clothes and stoves from all over the place.  It was fascinating to see so much stuff floating about from expeditions and people that I'd met, heard about or read about, including quite a few old friends.

What came out of the visit most strongly was the number of people that we both knew, had followed in their explorations and had explored with.  The world of expeditioning in the world's most remote places is a small one indeed, and strong bonds are made in this game, knowledge is passed on and advice is freely given. It's a good world to be involved with, and we're looking forward to Andy joining us in Greenland this August.