Despite awful conditions, R. Stancer keeps moving

Published on 27.04.2007 - Mars North Pole Solo

After her first resupply, briton Rosie Stancer keeps moving towards North Pole despite the frightful ice and weather conditions she has to cope with. As she received her first resupply, her sledge is also a lot heavier.

Monday April 23rd was one of the worst day of the expedition since Rosie left Ward Hunt. In her log book, her headquarters writes: "The entire day was spent in one huge disturbed area riddled with leads, dominated by two huge leads banked with high ridges and numerous ice boulders. The conditions were almost indescribable with absolutely no flat surface to walk in.

It was as if the storm of the last few days had pulverised the ice like a blender. The height of the banks made every lead horrendous to cross and Rosie once again broke through the ice on her left side. Normally, she would get herself moving fast to warm up and evaporate the water in her clothing, but this time there was nowhere to move to. She could not even retrace her steps as the sledge following her would obliterate the path behind her leaving no way back.

All in all Rosie spent 12 hours making three miles and was weeping tears of frustration as she pushed on through the nightmare ice. Thankfully, she had spoken to her husband William and son Jock that morning, and knowing that their love and wishes were with her helped Rosie keep it together for the day".

Two days later, the conditions were getting a bit better giving Rosie hope for the next few days.