Back to civilization!

What a journey! The team is now back, or at least en route, to their respective homes after departing Antarctica on Sunday. They had a very brief layover in Punta Arenas where they were able to enjoy a hot shower for the first time in 60 days! Ahh....

It has been our great pleasure to share this expedition with all of you, and we thank you for supporting the team with your many messages of encouragement and congratulations. We hope that you have enjoyed the daily updates from the team!

Though it may sound easy, the act of finding the sat phone, warming up the batteries, getting a good signal (which may require leaving the tent) and then attempting to sound upbeat and positive even though you are exhausted, on a NIGHTLY basis, it a lot of work. We'd like to thank each team member for his or her part is keeping us posted, and allowing us to share the journey. It's been an incredible adventure!

There's no doubt that this was a remarkable journey. If even a little bit of our team's determination, courage and passion for life rubs off on us we will be better people for it!

Again, thanks for following this expedition blog.

Until the next adventure... (which will be re-creating Shackleton's South Georgia crossing in October, 2012. Find out more by emailing Annie)

Your friends at PolarExplorers

Still at Union Glacier...

Today the team reports that they are still at Union Glacier awaiting favorable conditions for the flight back to Punta Arenas. They are with many other adventurers who were a part of the Scott centennial celebration and everyone is comfortable, very well fed and warm. Three amazingly simple pleasures after more than 50 days of being relatively uncomfortable, well fed (but the same thing day after day) and cold!

Of course everyone hopes to fly back to Punta Arenas as soon as possible. Their long-awaited return to family and friends is drawing near and they are very excited for their respective reunions. We will keep updating the blog as long as the team is in Antarctica, so check back again soon. And make sure to listen to BB's audio report recently posted on yesterday's blog entry.

South Pole pictures...

We have received these wonderful pictures from the South Pole and one from the team at Union Glacier as well as an audio update from BB describing the last couple of days. They are now comfortably relaxing at Union Glacier Basecamp and enjoying the company of many fellow adventurers.

Enjoy!

At the South Pole. Bob in red, Lisa in black, BB in blue.

At Pole.

BB at Pole setting a record!

BB and Bob

Back at Union Glacier!

Update to They made it!!

We received some additional information from the team...

Their push to the Pole was a marathon 15 hours of skiing! No wonder they are tired! When they got to the Pole they were treated to a celebration dinner complete with champagne. They ate in the mess tent that is a part of the South Pole visitor's camp. (Having a South Pole camp for adventurers is not normal. It is a result of the increased visitation that the Pole received this season as a result of the 100 year anniversary.) They also had a 1.5 hour tour of the Amundsen Scott South Pole Station, home to around 100 scientists during the austral summer and as many support staff. And of course they had a photo session with the South Pole markers. Everyone was in great spirits and VERY happy to be at the Pole.

Right now they should be en route to Union Glacier Basecamp. Once there they will re-charge their communication equipment and send us some photos. In the mean time I came upon this photo that was sent a while back while the team was en route to the Pole. I'm not sure HOW I managed to let this one go without posting, but here it is!

That's Bob, Oskar and Dennis enjoying the warmer temperatures.

It's not often that you actually see your skin on an expedition because it's usually covered in layers of grimy base layers. Here the boys look very happy & healthy but they may be surprised when they see themselves in the mirror back in Punta Arenas. Even with putting on 15-20 lbs prior to the expedition most team members will lose significant weight. As one team member on our Full North Pole Expedition commented at the end of his expedition "I didn't even recognize my own shadow!"

We hope to have another posting yet today with additional information so don't forget to check back again soon!

They made it!!!

Hooray! The team has reached the South Pole! After a marathon last day of skiing they reached the Pole at around 3 AM Chile time. They are very happy, very excited and VERY tired! When they phoned in they were currently relaxing in the heated mess tent near the Pole. What a luxury to be able to stand up inside a tent!

The audio report is very garbled from a bad connection, but the message came through loud and clear - they are there! We expect them to report in again once they've had a chance to get a little R & R. We are extremely proud of the team and their collective accomplishment. Great job BB, Bob & Lisa!!

Check back again soon for another update!

Almost there!

The team reported in very early this morning that they had a big day yesterday, covering 34km in 14 hours of travel. They ended at S 89.42.062, W 77.49.710. They are all tired but very, very excited. They will try to get eight hours of sleep and then do the same push tomorrow.

If they have clear weather they should be able to see the Amundsen Scott South Pole station a couple hours into their day tomorrow. At first they will see a small dark speck on the horizon almost like a trick to the eye. As it slowly gets bigger they will see tiny dots moving around. These will be trucks traveling near the station to and from research areas. Finally the building itself will take shape and details such as windows will come into view. This will be an incredible feeling for them! Let's all hope they have good visibility to allow them this small treat.

Listen to Bob's audio update and check back again soon!

100 years ago today...

Today the team reports 24 kilometers covered in 10.5 hours. As they skied today they were thinking about many things, perhaps chief among them Robert Falcon Scott's South Pole Expedition. 100 years ago today Scott's expedition reached the South Pole. The team had traveled over 1300 kilometers with grueling conditions and the burden of knowing that another team may very well be ahead of them. When they reached the Pole their worst fears were realized, Amundsen had arrived first. But history remembers both expeditions and both explorers with respect. Scott's expedition was remarkable in many ways and today was a day to remember and celebrate his team's incredible achievement.

Scott's team at the South Pole.

Of course there were other things on their minds including reaching the South Pole! The team plans to push hard in the next couple of days with the hope of reaching the pole early on January 20. They are currently at S 89.23.908, W 81.35.332.

Several people have asked at what point the South Pole station will become visible to the team. If weather conditions are very clear the team should be able to see the South Pole station at least 20 kilometers away. But the terrain is rolling and the Pole will come and go from visibility.

Make sure to listen to BB's audio update and check back again tomorrow to hear about the team's progress as they approach the Pole!

In the home stretch...

Today the team reports that they have crossed the 89th degree of south latitude. Wahoo! This is a huge milestone for the team. It means that they are less than 60 nautical miles or 110 kilometers from the South Pole. The light at the end of the tunnel is definitely getting brighter!

The "Last Degree" is a popular ski route to the South Pole. Because of the increased number of skiers traveling this distance there are certain regulations to protect the pristine nature of the ice. In particular it is necessary to carry out all human solid waste (poop) within the last degree. The team has been having some laughs over this and getting used to the fact that their sleds won't necessarily be getting any lighter!

Their position tonight is S 89.10.984, W 82.05.042. Make sure to listen to BB's audio report and check back again tomorrow for another update from the team!

More of the same...

Today the team reports more of the same snow conditions making travel a bit taxing. They traveled 24.1 kilometers ending at S 88.58.027, W 82.09.137. They have reached 9,000 feet (2700m) and over the next degree they will ascend the remaining 300 ft to the Pole.

A shot of sastrugi from a few days ago.

Make sure to listen to Bob's two audio updates and check back again tomorrow for another update from the ice!

More sandy snow, argh!

Today the team reports decent weather with mostly overcast skies, and a guesstimated temperature of   -40C with wind. They started off the day with good traveling conditions and they were making great time. Soon after they hit the gritty snow once again. Lisa mentioned how it was like hitting a wall. The sleds are so much heavier and everything slows down. One good part of the day was another beautiful rainbow around the sun. And another bonus is that there was no sastrugi and no hills.

The sun and her cousin on the horizon. Also called a Sun Dog.

The team traveled 23.2 kilometers ending at S 88.45.117, W82.50.026. When we spoke with them they were eating dinner. BB was having beef stew, Bob was having sweet & sour pork (it's good!) and Lisa was having Chili. And of course lots of hot chocolate!

The hot coco is worth its weight in gold!

The audio update was not in yet at the time of this posting but we'll put it up soon! Make sure to check back!

Friday the 13th and sticky snow...

For Friday the 13th the team reported a rough go of it with very flat light and snow that felt more like sand. They made just over 20 kilometers and they ended at S 88.32. 661, W 82.34.889

Like many other substances the feel of snow can change given various conditions. Usually the sleds glide easily on snow even when they are heavy, but in certain conditions the snow can become very granulated to the point where it feels more like sand. BB comments that it felt like someone added 20 kilo to her sled. The fact that she had just switched to half skins didn't help.

Skins are are peices of mohair or nylon that cover the bottom of the skis to provide traction. The team started with "full" skins covering the full length of their skis. As they require less friction, and to help them move faster, they will cut the skins shorter so that they have only the desired amount of friction.

The good news is that they are clear of the sastrugi and now are skiing on much flatter terrain. Make sure to listen to BB's audio update and check back again soon for another update from the team!

Out of sastrugi hell...

Today the team reports an escape from sastrugi hell :) and slight uphill travel. The weather was overcast with some sun in the afternoon. Towards the end of the day the terrain flattened out and they are hoping it stays this way! At one point the sun had a beautiful ring around it displaying all the colors of the rainbow. The team made nearly 25 kilometers ending at S 88.21.425, W 82.48.834.

Lisa, in her audio update, leaves a great description of the sun halo. She also sends along news that her feet are in good shape! 

Bob during a break. I think that's a smile under all that ice!



The Antarctic highway's mystery tracks

Listen to Lisa's audio report and check back in tomorrow for another update from the team!

"We are in Sastrug hell..."

"We are in sastrugi hell!" That's how our conversation started with Lisa today. It's a direct quote and one that is quite descriptive! The team started off with strong winds that seemed to pull the sleds backwards. Periodic uphill travel and satrugi added to the challenge. But that was in the morning, before the REAL sastrugi began. Not all the sastrugi was huge, some was medium sized, but it required constant maneuvering around or between each wind-sculpted formation. If a person opted to go over the sastrugi there was the sudden and heavy tug of the sled and often a sharp edge of the sastrugi would catch the sled and cause additional problems. All in all they covered 23.6 kilometers but it took them 11 hours. They are camped at S 88.08.135, W 83.01.756.

Ahead they can see more sastrugi for at least a few kilometers, but they are hoping these little devils soon end. Today the temperature was one of the coldest of the expedition, -30C with a wind that was a steady 13 knots. That makes the wind chill around -48 F or -44 C. Brrr!

We've requested photos of  "Sastrugi hell" but in the meantime all we have to share is this lovely photo of Lisa's foot! It's easy to forget that in addition to heavy sleds, seriously sub-zero temperatures, and fierce winds each team member also has to deal with personal "maintenance". Pesty problems like persistent blisters take time and energy to care for. But care for them you must, because they can become big problems if you let them go.

Make sure to listen to the audio report from Bob and check back again tomorrow for another update from the team!

Nearing 88 degrees...

Today the team reports good progress having skied 25.6 kilometers closer to the Pole. They had good conditions with very little wind and some cloud coverage that hid the sun for a portion of the day. They have seen additional tracks in the snow, which they cannot identify. It is a mystery!

As the team approaches the pole they will come across more tracks. It's always exciting to see these after being alone on the ice for so long. As you ski along you wonder who these people were, and where they came from, and how long ago the tracks were made, and will they be at the Pole?

The team's position tonight is S 87.55.565, W 83.09.759. Tomorrow they will pass 88 degrees, a very big milestone! Make sure to listen to BB's audio update and check back again tomorrow for another update from the team.

Onwards in the tracks of others...

Today BB, Bob and Lisa reported more uphill travel and sastrugi. They have been skiing in the tracks of a previous expedition, and this "sign of life" is a little exciting. Their sleds are heavy but they are hoping that the ascent will soon end leaving them to the gentle rolling hills of the plateau. Their current position is S 87.41.889, W 83.12.707.

BB with insulating skirt to protect her thighs

Listen to BB's audio update and check back again tomorrow for another update from the ice!

Saying goodbye to Dennis and Oskar...

January 8th (yesterday) was a difficult day for the team. After a frustrating struggle with a respiratory/altitude problem Dennis was evacuated to Union Glacier basecamp, and Oskar accompanied him. There are many emotions that go along with an evacuation including disappointment, sadness and frustration. But it's important to keep things in perspective and the health and safety of each team member is, of course, the greatest priority. Even though Dennis and Oskar are no longer skiing with BB, Bob & Lisa, there is no doubt that after 45 days together they are still very much a team.

The plane that picked up Dennis and Oskar was on its way to the South Pole and they were able to join the group for the visit at the Pole. Upon return to Union Glacier, which is much lower in elevation than the recent position of the team, Dennis started to feel better. He is in the good hands of the basecamp doctor and he will be able to get some long overdue and much deserved rest.

After Dennis and Oskar were picked up BB, Bob and Lisa packed up and continued on their way. It was late in their day but they skied a few hours making almost 10 kilometers.

Bob phoned in an update today, about yesterday. He shares his feelings about Dennis' and Oskar's departure and what he will miss the most as he continues skiing without them alongside.

Final resupply...

Today the team traveled the short distance to their final resupply at S 87.23.825, W 83.28.792. There they came across the black flag that marks the depot and the remaining food for the expedition including a celebratory dinner, which Oskar and BB cooked up for all.

Lisa and Oskar would like to share that their mother's birthday is tomorrow or today depending on when you read this (January 8). They send their best wishes and lots of love from Antarctica. They took a couple special photos as a birthday present! Happy Birthday!!

Two crazy Swedes singing Happy Birthday to their mother!

Lisa and Oskar.  "Love to Momma Strom!"

And this photo was taken a couple nights ago, when they still had warmer weather and could eat outside. This photo was simply titled "Dinner".

A good looking team. They appear so warm and relaxed!

Listen to Dennis' audio update and check back again tomorrow for another update from the team!

Almost at next resupply...

Today the team reports that they are almost at the next resupply and they expect to reach it tomorrow. This will be their final resupply. They traveled more uphill today, though not as steep as recent days, and they passed more sastrugi, though these are only in the 1 foot range. The plan tomorrow is to get to the resupply in the morning and spend the afternoon reorganizing.

Their current position is S 87.21.0441, W83.42.751 (the .42 may be off a little... the connection was a little jumbly)

It's a vast ocean of snow and ice!

Make sure to listen to BB's audio update and check back in again tomorrow for another update from the team!

Passing 87 degrees!

Today the team reports colder weather (finally!) and uphill travel. The temperature was around -20 C without wind and -30 C with wind. Now that's more like it! We were beginning to think that they weren't actually in Antarctica! In addition to some uphill skiing the team encountered more sastrugi. They were expecting this, but it doesn't make it any more fun. Luckily their sleds are light because they are nearing the end of their third ration. In a couple days they will be resupplying with their final rations of the expedition.

Sastrugi. Imagine running into this in a white-out!

BB gives a wonderful audio report about their day as well as some introductory thoughts on the last weeks of the expedition. They still have many miles to go, but the light is at the end of the tunnel. With almost three degrees left to ski it is a small light, but with each step it gets a little brighter.

The team ended at S 87.10.397, W 84.32.789. Make sure to listen to BB's audio report and check back again tomorrow for another update from the team!

6900 feet and counting...

Today the team reports more climbing but otherwise good traveling conditions. Blue sky, no wind and -20 C. The team covered 24 kilometers in 10 hours of travel. Their current position is S 86.58.093, W85.26.086

They climbed to approximately 6900 feet, which means the have a little under 2500 feet left to ascend. The South Pole lies at 9300 feet but due to the atmospheric conditions the physiological effect of the altitude is closer to 12,000 feet.

With the increase in altitude the team can expect a small but steady decrease in temperature. In general the temperature decreases approximately 3.5 degrees C with every 1000 feet gained in elevation in a dry climate (it's less for a a climate with more moisture).

Listen to today's audio report from Bob and check back again tomorrow for another update from the team.

Half rest day...

Today the team reports nice weather and 15 kilometers of progress. They slept in to get a little extra rest and were off in the afternoon. Their current location is S 86.45.336, W 86.4.226.

Dennis, in his audio update, gives us a lesson in latitude and longitude. He reminds us that each degree of latitude is 60 nautical miles, or 69 statute miles, or 111 kilometers. When they phone in their report every day the most important item we listen for is their latitude. We can tell a lot about their day depending on what number we hear. The lines of longitude, which converge at the South Pole, provide far less information, if any at all. When very close to the South Pole they will be able to cross all the lines of longitude in a few steps. Of course the two coordinates combined give us their position. 

Lunch break with Thiel Mountains in background.
This was taken a few days ago.

Parallels of latitude are not always precisely the same distance apart. For instance, near the equator each parallel of latitude is approximately 110.57 kilometers apart. Near sixty degrees north or south each degree of latitude is 111.42 km apart. Near 75 degrees each degree of latitude is close to 111.61 km apart, and near the poles each degree of latitude is close to 111.69 km apart.

Of course longitude is much different. At the equator each meridian is separated by 1 degree, or 60 nautical miles, or 111.3 km. At sixty degrees each meridian is separated by half that distance (30 nautical miles, or 55.8 km). At seventy five degrees north or south each meridian is 28.9 km apart, and at the poles, where they all converge, there is no distance between them.

All that matters to our team is that they keep taking steps forward, one at a time, and whenever those steps add up to a degree there is reason to celebrate!

Make sure to listen to Dennis' audio update and check back again tomorrow for another update from the team!

More uphill...

Today the team reports more beautiful weather and lots of uphill travel. The sleds are getting lighter which helps with the ascent, but it still made for a long day. They are happy they did not have large sastrugi to deal with, but they are told to expect more sastrugi in the coming days. The team skied 24 kilometers and ended at S 86.37.434, W86.29.884. The temperature was -21 C with a light wind.

We know from BB's audio report that there is a lot of good banter back and forth amongst the team members. In her description of the day she jokes about Oskar skiing in circles and needing a confirmation that the 24 kilometers were in fact South. Having a sense of humor on an expedition like this can be a great release of stress. A good laugh reminds everyone that it's important to have fun, even on the toughest days. We love to hear their private jokes, even if we don't get them, because it assures us that the team is still having fun! (BTW, the 24 kilometers were in fact south)

Dennis enjoying the good weather.

Make sure to listen to BB's audio report, and check back again tomorrow for another update from the team!

Happy New Year & South Pole traditions...

Today the team traveled 23.1 kilometers in white-out conditions, but the day ended with sun and an opportunity for Bob to reflect on the simplicity of expedition life. The temperature was around -17 C with a 10 knot wind that added a bit of chill.

Bob, in his audio update below, mentions a precaution the team takes in white-out conditions to help ensure they don't lose sight of each other. It is amazing how quickly the blowing snow can reduce visibility to nothing. Even a couple meters between people can make it very difficult, if not impossible to see one another. Skiing with the tips of one person's skis just off the back end of the next person's sled helps ensure that everyone sticks together.

Speaking of sticking together, it looks like our crew is bound together by party streamers! We love this picture as well as the enthusiasm and spirit of the team. If we all take even a little bit of their determination, courage, and love of life into the new year with us, we will all be better off as a result!

Today at the South Pole a special ceremony took place. The annual moving of the Geographical South Pole marker. Every New Year's day a team of surveyors from the United States Geological Survey locate ninety degrees South with precision. They fix the spot with a metal pole topped with a special sculpted marker, roughly 8 inches in diameter. Each marker is... "designed, selected and machined by the handful of hardy souls who keep the scientific enterprise operating during the six months of cold, darkness and total isolation that are the hallmarks of a polar winter."

This year's marker, a bronze sextant, commemorates Amundsen's historic expedition and the "Heroic Age" of Antarctic exploration. On the side and bottom of the marker there are 47 individual degree marks representing the number of people who wintered-over at the South  Pole in 2010.

On New Year's Day next year, this marker will be roughly 10 meters from the "new" South Pole marker freshly placed at 90 degrees South. That's how fast the ice is moving north towards the ocean.

The team's current position is S.86.24.550, W 86.58.935. We hope you listen to Bob's audio update below. It cuts off at the end, but this seems to be a problem related to embedding the audio file into the blog, and not the call itself. We are trying to get the full call up soon! Check back again tomorrow for another update from the team!