Monday night, final night of preparation

11:53 pm the night before our departure on what I assume will be the most exciting travel adventure of our lives. Despite the excitement, we're tired - much of the day was spent tracking down last minute survival kit necessities such as dried food and flares. We are wondering if flares will deter a polar bear attack. The big debate of late has been whether or not to bring a rifle. On the "for" side is the protection from being devoured by a hungry polar bear. On the "against" side is the difficulty of explaining to border guards in Europe the necessity of a hunting rifle on a small plane. Against has won out.