South Pole solo
How Bizarre
December
11
South 83 39.167 west 79 28.676
Distance: 11.3 nautical miles (including a detour) - 20.9km
Time: 8hours (pulled up early as tired)
Weather: windy at first and abated throughout the day
Snow: still yuk
How Bizzare
After walking for 1 & half hours this morning I noticed a speck on the horizon. Was it a tent? I decided to go and investigate. Then I could see the twin otter from ALE doing fly buys to find a place to land. As I kept getting closer (and further off my path) I realised the speck was a modified 4wd.
I could see it had broken down, the twin otter was dropping in a spare part, and immediately guessed it was the brake callipers ripping the rim of the wheels apart.
I found a guy trying to fix the car, a cameraman and the expedition driver.
They were shocked to see me as I was to see them and I said good day, do you have a bit of trouble? They informed me it was as I had guessed, their brake callipers were broken. (funny I did not even know cars had brake callipers!)
They did tell me that in a few days time the ice would get better for me as they were on their way back to Union Glacier – they were trying to break the world speed record of getting to the pole – 79 hours
I told them not to run me over on their way back and also to race me!!
Google – Thomson Reuters Polar Challenge
PS Nicole I know I have had to put you out when you have had to pick me up late at night when I have been over refreshed, but please when I have had enough can you come and get me in the Volvo.
Song of the Day: ”How Bizarre” by OMC
PPS The boys respected my solo trek and did not touch me or offer me a drink, which was gratefully appreciated.
Sweet Dreams
Mark “Georgie” George
categories: South Pole Solo
Comments
Now what would have been bizzare is if they asked you to fix the callipers, god help them. How goes it old friend ? My thoughts are with you at least I had dogs pulling my sledge when it was minus 42 I cannot imagine it on foot. Safe trip I hope the conditions improve.
Hey Georgie – thinking of you every day and have saved some left over “pav” for you from last night. You were greatly missed however your gorgeous children entertained us all. Mitchell & Harry now want an Ipod touch from santa because they played Matt & Ryans. Tony drank a beer or 10 for you and is feeling it now! Take care. Stay focused xx
hi bro just me checking in again,I’m not sure what influence you have had but James and Tom are camped out in the backyard on a sunday night.A school night-won’t clean their teeth and obviously I have complete control of the situation.How bizarre .I did make sure they are warm so they don’t wake me up.
The thing I’ve learn’t about life is to believe in yourself because if u don’t no one else will.You have taken this concept to the extreme .Well done.
Song of the day and every day ”every step you take,every move you make I”II be watching you”
On fire Bro’ and may the force be with you.Love Lisa and boys xxx
Can’t give you a modern song, Mark, but will Twinkle Twinkle do? It’s Mitchell’s favourite right now. Chloe had two proud Grandma’s, Harry and Mum watching her Dance Concert – it was a great performance.
Keep safe, keep going. Gavin with you too.
hi mark…. just checking where you are at. good luck
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