Expedition Loap Solo 2006

česká verze Crossing of the largest European glacier Vatnajökull - solo and unsupported

PAVEL BLAŽEK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT ME

Born: 21.3.1975 in Pardubice. Address: Chrudim Motto: Who doesn’t risk, doesn’t live!

Even as a child, I was always fascinated by forests, rock walls and places far away. My dreams came true when I joined an outdoor club which was managed by Lubomir Loss. Thanks to his positive influence I learnt to love and respect the nature and had a chance to see a lot from our beautiful Bohemia land. I could also fulfill my never-ending desire to travel and explore new places.

In 1990, rock-climbing became one of my abiding passions, together with traveling. On sandstone walls in Suche skaly (Dry Rocks) near Turnov and in Rock Town in Adrspach I felt real fear for the first time. At the same time though, I felt an incredible feeling when I overcame that fear. It was something like a victory over myself. I was so keen on this sport that even my injuries such as broken discs in my spine, broken forearm or frostbitten finger tips didn’t put me off. My desire to climb and travel brought me to Tatra Mountains, Dolomites, Alps and during last five years also many times to Rocky Mountains in the USA where I have done a number of ascents in summer as well as in winter conditions.

Expedition Loap Solo 2006 is a result of a few years of preparation, planning, training and it’s supposed to be fulfillment of my dream to organize a solo crossing of the largest European glacier Vatnajokull. Traversing this glacier will be also a huge experience for me and there’s no doubt I will use this experience in my future expedition to which I have been invited by an association Cesty na sever (Journeys to the North). Aim of this coming event is to reach magnetic north pole in spring 2008. It is a very first Czech expedition into those regions!

I am currently living in a town called Chrudim. I devote all my time to preparations for the expeditions mentioned above. I enjoy running and roller skiing a lot, it is not only training for me but also fun. I’m not oblivious of rock-climbing either; I try to go at least twice a week. Among my big hobbies belong web design and photography.

LET ME SAY THANK YOU

This expedition would never be possible without a support and help from many people. I would like to thank, above all, my family, sponsors and everybody who has been helpful and supportive during my preparations. I truly appreciate it!

I would like to single out these people. Thanks to:
Denny Niernberg, Michal Kodad, Veronika Maxerová, Petr Boch, Blanka Cabicarová, Pavel Linhart, Trudy Robinsons, Jan Rudzinskyj, Irena Lněničková, Šárka Prokopová (Loap), Vít Hněvkovský (Humi Outdoor), Miroslav Palata (Enervit), Lucie Matunová (Adventura), Eva Ťoupalíková (České noviny), Radim Jelínek (Český rozhlas), Libuše Tomanová (iDnes), Tomáš Roubal (Montana)

ANSWER TO THE QUESTION WHY???

To realize this expedition was first, above all, a matter of my own personal ambitions. I’ve been rock climbing since I was 15 and I’ve been always fascinated by ability to survive in extreme winter conditions. My wish to try something what I was only reading about in books until then, made me come to conclusion to organize my own Polar expedition.

In 2004 my obsession with this went so far that I decided to devote all my time to preparations. I was gradually becoming convinced that we all should do our best to make our dreams true, even though it means sometimes a big risk and uncertainty. Expedition Loap Solo 2006 is still pursuit to find my own limitations. However, it should be also a proof that even though some plans may seem unrealistic at the beginning, they can be eventually realized.

I no longer consider only ambitions a reasonable excuse for me to realize this project. My desire is rather to have a chance and show that no matter how we live and how much money we earn, we do have strength and potentiality to achieve what we dream about. Whatever the dream is!

TWO YEARS OF PREPARATIONS

Few notes from two years of preparations.

Training: As part of my training, I've been trying to run or roller ski every month at least the same distance as I will have to cover while crossing the Vatnajokull Glacier.
Finance: I ruined all my savings and (surprisingly) came to conclusion that to make living by organizing expeditions is not easy indeed!
People: I've met many great people who have helped me many times without hesitation.

MORE TO EXPLORE

PAVELBLAZEK.COM

This website is about expedition Loap Solo 2006. If you wish to know more about me check out my personal website at www.pavelblazek.com.

CONTACT INFO

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This expedition is not about setting a record or about being first in something. It is much more important for me to give an example that inside, we have strength and abilities to reach our goals. I would like to show that with our own will, our goals can be achieved, even though it may seem almost impossible at the beginning.