As the Duchess sat in an airport waiting to begin her Arctic journey, Sarah once again was confronted with a harsh reminder of the public scrutiny. It would seem that an article couldn’t be written about her without mentioning the scandal she found herself embedded in a little over a year ago. Trying so hard to pick up the pieces, it was almost as if she would always be reminded of another piece in the corner, under the rug or near the chair. The task seemed long and daunting yet she has always kept going…and this little reminder wasn’t about to stop her from her journey.
Arriving in Yellowknife, Sarah was hit with a wave of nostalgia. Admitting that she still loves Andrew as much now, she wandered the city and thought of what could have been. I am certain the wedding of William and Kate was bringing back so much for her…how could it not? Her only hope was to focus on the expedition and try to get to a good mental place.
Her expedition leader, Ray, pulled out all of the supplies and went through everything meticulously while Sarah tried to take it all in. While he double checked everything, she found herself struggling with self doubts. I couldn’t help but wonder if Yellowknife was a good call or if it simply was too much to emotionally handle? Being that this trek was all mental, she needed to be in a good place.
The challenge was to take place over 2 days…one day out, set up a tent, get a good night’s shiver and then head back into Yellowknife the following day. They bundled up and headed out and it was already -20°F. “It’s the end of the old Sarah and the beginning of the new” Ray reminded her as she stopped to look back at the lights of the hotel where she had spent her honeymoon with Andrew. Continually looking over her shoulder, she walked on…appearing to grow stronger with each step. “It’s great to be happy,” Sarah yelled out into the nothingness.
However, she had no idea how hard and dangerous this challenge would get. About 5 miles in, Ray noticed the sky was red a possible indicator of bad weather to come. With 2 miles before camp, Sarah was exhausted and cold. Not sure what she had gotten herself in to, Ray delivered the hard news. Their calculations were off and camp was actually further than they had thought. The fun was over and their pace had slowed. Now 6.5 hours later and 14 miles in, Sarah felt like giving up. Ray then decided it was best that they set up tent. Being that Sarah’s eyelids were covered in snow….I was thinking that was probably a good call. “You didn’t come here to be comfortable. You came here to be uncomfortable and to challenge yourself” Ray reminded Sarah as the reality set in.
With the tent firmly in the ground and a warm meal inside them, Ray and Sarah tried to get a little sleep. Before I go any further I think it is important to take a moment and give a little shout out to the film crew. Not only did they have to do all this, but they had to carry a camera and work the entire time. Way harder – just saying. Well done, Oprah Winfrey Network! NOW for the reason I bring that up. Around midnight Sarah realized she had to pee. Although she was able to do so without waking Ray or getting frost bite on her bum, I realized she had to wake the camera person. I could hear it… “Seriously? Are you SURE you need to go?” Only to be followed by a long pause and a defeated internal “DAMN!” However, Sarah was proud she was able to pull it off without freezing to death.
As they woke the following morning, the weather had turned. It was now -35°F and windy. They weren’t sure they would be able to travel. They had the supplies to survive, but the non-travel plan was to wait it out in the tent all day. I couldn’t believe how proper Sarah was when Ray broke the news. No cursing. No yelling. Not even a raised voice. Partially frozen , she simply replied, “alright Ray.” Once they finished breakfast, the weather seemed to let up a little. They were at a pivotal point…should they stay or should they go? Not wanting to spend another night in the freezing snow, Sarah opted to go for it.
With the wind at their faces, the resistance made pulling her sled even more difficult. She was chilled to the bone. “Why on earth am I doing this?” she questioned herself. But before she could even recall the reasons, things got worse…they needed to cross an area where they could possibly fall through the ice into freezing cold water. One wrong step could mean death. Still having 10 miles more until they would reach Yellowknife, it was clear that their return trip was far more difficult. Trekking on, Sarah was an incredible trooper.
Soon after, she shared with Ray that her face was really cold. Stopping to analyze the situation, he realized that her mask had frozen and she was starting to get frostbite on her nose….which is serious people. Taking no chances, Ray called up Dr. Affleck who had been on standby. He quickly arrived via snowmobile. After a few adjustments to her gear, the doctor took off and Sarah and Ray set out to finish what they had started. With 6 miles left, she had nothing but time to think. Her thoughts were all about her wonderful daughters. As I watch their mother, I could only imagine how proud they would be. As they hit the ice road about 5 miles out, Ray gave her the option to stop and ride into town. However, Sarah chose to keep going…despite the -38°F. She held her head high and made it to the start, symbolizing a new start for herself.
How could a trip like this not put things in perspective? Everything else is trivial. She can handle anything! At the end of road she stopped and smiled. She had done it. “I dedicate any of my achievements to Andrew and the girls. They’re the blood in my veins and I’m the blood in their veins.” Like a good mom, she called her daughters to let them know, “I did it, guys! I did it! Every footstep I took I thought about you.” It was clear that her daughters were relieved and incredibly proud.
So many new memories and emotions in such a sentimental place. As the episode came to a close, Sarah reflected back on the challenge and what it meant to her. Her lessons she took from this…never give up. Even if you take baby steps, you will make it. “You mustn’t give up” and accept yourself for who you are. “At this moment I’m me” and that is enough. Sarah….you rocked Yellowknife and should feel incredibly proud. With that said, I am just taking a guess here, but something tells me that you won’t be setting a foot in snow for quite some time.