Things are OK, but it’s tough going…
Published on 10.01.2008 - Interchange Shakleton South Pole Expedition 2007
The two men continue to make good progress, but the conditions they are travelling through are difficult to say the least. They still have another 127 nautical miles (235 km) to go before reaching the Pole.
What they seem to be suffering from most out there on the ice is the altitude. "They are continuing to lose weight," say the writers of the daily updates, "that is if the photos they sent back last week are anything to go by..."
Over the past few days, the duo has had to deal with a strong headwind lashing their faces at over 40 km/h and leaving them exhausted. They have been underway for 40 days now and there has been no let-up at all in the harsh weather.
On 9th January, they covered 14.5 nautical miles (28.30 km) during the course of the day, despite the strong winds and altitude sickness. The following day, they celebrated passing the 88th parallel.
If they continue at this speed, they think they should reach the Pole in ten days or less as they only have another 127 nautical miles (235 km) to go.
