Day Twelve: 130 miles travelled, 585 miles remaining
A Christmas miracle – for the first time on the expedition, I had sunshine all day long – not a cloud in the sky. So far on the journey, I’ve spent so long looking down at my compass and at the deep snow that I wonder how often I’ve forgotten to look up. It wasn’t all plain sailing as the winds were piercingly cold, but all in all, a good day at the office. The deep snow remains and I’m told it only improves when I reach the Thiel Mountains, around 200miles away.
Given it’s been a happier day today, it feels right to answer a few questions on the kit that has made my expedition! I’m using a Acapulka sled (the best in the business!) handmade in Germany, made of glass fibre. Two rope traces attach from the sled to an in-built waist belt that forms part of my backpack (also by Acapulka). The backpack is more than just your average satchel, it’s my lifeline. It keeps me warm, it keeps wind off me but also it stores my water, snacks, satellite phone, emergency shelter bag, down jacket – all essential items in case of an emergency or crevasse fall. Without this calibre of gear, the journey simply wouldn’t be possible.
As for skis, they are more than a mode of transport, they are my inspiration. My Liv Arnesen Asnes skis are utterly beautiful and as I’ve said many times, they feature her (Liv’s) face on them and they’re very special to me. As for footwear, I’m using half mohair skins on the bottom of skis for traction (it is uphill all the way to the South Pole) and my boots are Polar Advance ALFA boots. Classic old school style polar explorer looking boots using a 3-pin Voile binding on the skis.
Anyway, enough about me, I’m not the only one out here! Huge congratulations to Colin O’Brady – today he completed the first ever solo, unsupported and unassisted crossing of the entire Antarctic continent in a time of 54 days. Incredible!
Time for bed. Good night!
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