South Pole solo
Simon
December
4
Camp: South 81-14.816 west 79-45.034
Distance: 10.1 nautical miles (about 18km)
Time: 9.5 hours
Weather: back to blue skies and 15km knot head wind
Snow – absolute slogg fest. Tough day at the office!!
Every Mark needs a Simon and every Simon needs a Mark….that’s what Glenn Capelli, a great mentor of mine, summarised after I told him what we had done together. Meeting on Cho Oyu and then going onto the North Pole, Everest (twice), then Matterhorn amongst other things, we have had some great adventures together. We are complete opposites in many of our strengths and weaknesses, therefore compliment each other wonderfully.
Today is special day of celebration for Simon. After Simon had a terrible bike accident he spent 38 days fighting for his life. His beautiful wife Sonia and 4 boys, direct family, close friends (many of them Vic Av Bike Riders), office employees, local community, medical colleagues and professional advisors.
Being the person that he is, he pulled through and made a miraculous recovery. Today there is a celebratory party for everyone who has been part of his recovery and his life. It’s events like these that help everyone understand what matters. It brings a tear to the eye to recall the kindness and compassion of those who rallied around to offer prayers and support.
Simon we are blessed to still have you and you are blessed to have the people who are at your party in your life.
I am sorry I can’t be there in person today, but our adventure instincts remain connected.
Two songs for you today - the “hold on” part of this song was one that I sung for you while I climbed Vinson Massif while you were in a coma, wearing your North Melbourne Football Jumper – “Everybody Hurts” by REM. And the second one is for your party today…and you better play it loud. It is by the Beastie Boys “(You’ve Gotta) Fight for your Right (to party)”. You certainly did big fella!!!
A big bear hug your way
Mark ‘Georgie’ George
categories: South Pole Solo
Comments
Had a very good day. Talked about your current adventure and the difficult conditions that you have. I expect that you will come to better conditions soon. I started the day off with Eminem Lose Yourself and Moby Extreme ways. Both songs reflect our adventures. Simon
Eliza in grade 4BD wanted to leave a comment on behalf of the 26 students in our grade. The comment is…..wait for it……….”Good job! Keep on going!” Loki says, “Eminem Rules!” Peter’s message is, “Suck it up and keep on going!” Hannah says, “Keep on trying and push yourself to the best of your abilities!”
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