We did 8.5 miles today. We are currently at south 89.26.818, west 82.311.165.
Certainly we had a much bigger flavour today than what we’ve been seeing over the last few days. It’s about -30 degrees Celsius today and with the wind chill, it’s in the –40 to -50 range. The wind was coming initially from the south and then from the southwest. Really changed the whole feeling of the day.
Because of the cold and because of the wind, we opted to do only did four pushes and three stops, meaning each push was longer and the stops were shorter.
This takes me to one of the single most important things that happens when you’re on a trip like this, and that is systems.
Dale and a teammate ski on day 10
Despite the cold weather, the team is still in great spirits!
Systems
It is critically important to know where everything is in your sled and that you are highly efficient to reduce your energy output.
Layers are critical in terms of dressing so that you can open, vent feet and close up, and keep body heat in.
On a day like today, which was very, very cold, I had four layers on the bottom and four layers on the top. I had a balaclava as well as a cold avengers face mask, a buff, and I had three sets of mitts. With this, I was able to keep myself warm and prevent chapping from the wind, which I started to feel on my legs and therefore at one of the breaks I actually added a fourth layer.
Certainly now you have a much better idea of what Roald Amundsen and Robert Falcon Scott went through in their incredible race to be the first to the South Pole in 1911/1912.
Amundsen, as everyone knows, was the first to achieve the South Pole and was able to get his crew out safely in its entirety. Robert Falcon Scott also achieved the pole but unfortunately his entire team perished on the return journey.
It’s not had to imagine how difficult it would be at that time period.
Right now, we have the most advanced gear available. We have high-tech satellite systems for safety, we have GPS. Totally different in 1911/1912.
They would have navigated with a sextant. They also would have looked at the position of the sun. It’s remarkable that they ever actually achieved the pole.
We know they did because the tent that Amundsen erected at the pole and left is still there, although it’s currently under many metres of snow.
Truly heroic, epic adventurers and my hat goes off to them in light of the challenges that we face today.
Everyone continues to do well and we look forward to talking tomorrow.
A big shout out to Rhonda and Dr. P – great news you got transplanted!
Question & Answer with Dr. Ross
Thank you to the followers of the blog and Facebook page for your questions. Here were some we received today, followed by Dr. Ross’ answers.
How is Diego’s skiing technique coming along?
Olympic caliber!
How do you monitor your breathing with the low altitude?
We have an oximeter, which tells us our oxygen levels and heart rate.
How much further to go?
Approximately 34 nautical miles.
How many more days at this pace until you reach the South Pole?
Four days, pending the weather.
3 Responses
That was a cold one folks! In Montreal it was +2 degrees today, imagine! You are all amazing… 4 days to go, this is pretty on schedule! Wishing you the best weather ever for the rest of the trip!
Questions:
Are you still following that other group you met 2 days ago I believe?
What is the best meal you guys had so far?
Do you know how many people “visit” the South Pole per year?
How many time have Keith and Bryan come to Antarctica?
Request:
Hoping really hard to get news and a picture of Michel in your next post! xxxx
What great GREAT fun thinking about Amundsen and Scott and the Test Your Limits Team! I love the whole thing… the quest, the gear, the camaraderie, the exquisite beauty of nature. Ahhh, and the transplant thing on top of it all. Okay, so it doesn’t get any more brilliant than what you guys are doing. Thanks for the great read every night, the thrill of knowing you’re out there, and the inspiration!
Cheering you on from my unnaturally warm home…
Sue xo
Can’t even imagine what the type of cold feels like. Four more days and counting. Good luc with the pace. We are all following closel and sending wam prayers your way.
Phyllis