The plot thickens...

Ah ha! It seems that the 'new' expedition to Rockall is actually two of Islandman's team who parted ways with him in Denmark earlier this week. The plot thinkens...

A busy place, Rockall...

I was browsing the web for more info on Rockall and came across another expedition which seems to be departing imminently. This will be Russell Hunt's 2nd trip. I wish him the best of luck. Good job Islandman is not now heading there as it could all have become a bit busy in the North Atlantic!

Who owns the Hatton-Rockall Basin? The Mystery deepens...

I finally managed to contact someone useful at the UN regarding their meeting in March to discuss the above topic. I was refered to the Statements of the Chairperson of the Commission (CLCS/70) which 'clearly' sumises thus:

"The Commission decided that, in order to ensure expediency and efficiency in the light of a large number of submissions, two new subcommissions would be established. The Commission noted that the submissions made by ... the United Kingdom in respect of Hatton Rockall Area, and Ireland in respect of Hatton-Rockall Area were at the head of the queue. Recalling its decisions with regard to those submissions...the Commission decided to further defer the establishment of subcommissions for the consideration of any of those submissions. It was also decided that, since those submissions remained next in line for consideration as queued in the order in which they were received, the Commission would revisit the situation at the time of establishment of its next subcommission."

So, I hope that's much clearer now!

Mission Impossible?

Unfortunately it appears that Islandman has had to cancel his expedition for this year: http://missionrockall.com/latest-news

Latest update

Well, long time no blog!

Just been informed by Island Man of his dates for this year's attempt on Rockall. Keep a close eye on his website for the attempt: http://missionrockall.com.

In regard to my own attempt on The Rock, plans are still creeping ahead: I still await the superstructure for the RockPod from the manufacturer. This is being delivered for free by tagging onto the next delivery to my area, so I must be patient. I have also reconfirmed that the sponsored hatches for the RockPod will still be available when I require them. Once this structure arrives, I can get on with the task of building the shelter, which is the first step to bringing the costs of the expedition down.

I am also heading out to the Outer Hebrides next month - part business, part pleasure. The wife and I will be taking a tour of the islands, but I also hope to get out to St. Kilda and to talk to local boatmen in regard to transportation to Rockall in a further effort to cut the expedition costs.

The final bit of news, is that after a couple of training trips to Aonach Eagach and The Cuillin Ridge, Jim and I are due to head to La France in August to attempt Mont Blanc in aid of Help for Heroes. Please consider sponsoring us at: www.justgiving.com/montblanc-2011 and pass the link on to your friends and family!