[The Ice Project]

IF THE ABOVE image doesn’t shake you out of your Saturday morning torpor and send you screaming in the direction of the nearest park, gym or swimming pool — you may well want to take a moment to check your pulse.

The picture was taken near the tiny Canadian hamlet of Resolute, where temperatures dropped below minus fifty this week. Cork adventurer Clare O’Leary and Kerry explorer Mike O’Shea are currently camped out in the isolated Inuit community testing their gear (including specialist dry suits, obviously) ahead of an assault on the North Pole.

Resolute [Google Maps]

Their expedition — if successful — will be the first ever Irish walk to the geographic Pole (far more people that that have actually visited the top of the world, but for the walk to be properly considered it’s accepted those taking part must set out from land).

It’s been a busy few weeks for the pair since they flew out of Ireland on 14 February laden down with over 150kg (23 stone) worth of luggage.

They spent the first week further south in the town of Iqaluit adjusting to conditions of a mere minus thirty, before flying on to the wilderness of Resolute last Monday.

D-day for the off is next Wednesday — O’Leary and O’Shea have secured a charter plane to fly them up to their start point, from where the epic 780km ordeal will commence.

Full trip details… Here’s why the first ever Irish trek to the North Pole could be the last ever by humans

Back in 2012: Irish North Pole duo forced to turn back after facing €120k bill

Tangentially related: So, what are the chances we’ll see an Irishman (or anybody) head to Mars?