Hedrich finally has to call it a day
Published on 01.01.2008 - Opération Pole Sud
At the end of last week, Charles Hedrich still wasn't sure about the decision to take for the rest of his adventure. Now, though, there's no doubt about it: he has decided to abandon his trek.
Last week, the Frenchman was reviewing all of his options. Ask to be re-supplied with medication? Not really feasible because it had to be the right antibiotic and because there weren't any at Patriot Hills. Drop into one of the scientific bases close to his route to ask for help? All of these bases have been closed for a number of years and there's no one on duty for this type of refuge in the Antarctic.
So Hedrich decided to call Patriot Hills to ask for a Twin Otter to be sent out to him. He was still suffering terrible pain from his urinary infection. He then spent five days securely cocooned in his tent, with only the fog to keep him company. But with his satellite link, he was able to keep track of world news and, according to his website, he took a keen interest in the relationship between Nicolas (Sarkozy) and Carla (Bruni)!
The Frenchmen was ferried back to Patriot Hills by the ALE logistics team on the evening of Thursday 27th December. According to the latest news dating from 29th December, Charles was waiting for an Ilyushin and a window in the weather.
