Antarctic Odyssey

From 10.11.2009 to 30.01.2010 - Status: success

Antarctic Odyssey

Major Meagan McGrath, aerospace engineer with the Canadian Air Force, has requested unpaid leave to embark on two adventures: to reach the South Pole from Patriot Hills and to attempt to climb five of the world's highest mountains, without oxygen.

Meagan McGrath is no beginner in the world of great adventures. Born in Toronto in 1977 and a major in the Canadian Air Force, she is the youngest Canadian woman to have scaled what are known as the 7 summits including Mount Vinson in December 2004. She has always wanted her exploits to serve as a lesson to anyone who does not always dare or to everyone who does not always have the means to make their dreams come true. "As a member of the FC (Ndlr : Canadian Forces), I believe it is very important to be a role-model and for me, it's a way of making it in the world," she explains. "I also believe it is important to have a dream, to set personal goals and try to achieve them. In my case, it's mountaineering; it might be something different for someone else. I want to show people that regardless of what they want to do in life, they can make it if they are prepared to put in the effort required."

This time, Major McGrath has requested a year's sabbatical from her superiors. Her aim is to reach the South Pole, solo and on foot from Patriot Hills followed by an attempt on the five following mountains, without oxygen: Lhotse, K2, Broad Peak, Shizshapangma and Cho Oyu.

She is scheduled to depart for her trek to the South Pole in about mid-November from Patriot Hills. She will attempt to cover the 700 miles without outside assistance and without using traction kites.