The adventurous continue to walk out of their front doors and set off on expeditions, even with Christmas just around the corner. After almost two months on the ice, on their journey to the South Pole, Ben Saunders and Tarka L’Herpiniere from the Scott Expedition are nearing the half way mark. The Willis Resilience Expedition are also well on their way, with just under 100 miles to go. The expedition sees nineteen year old Parker Liautaud and Doug Stoup trekking 640 kilometres from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole. Also, Daniel Burton is in the process of attempting the first ever cycle to the South Pole.
Some bad news has reached us from the field. The Dark Ice Project has been postponed. The four explorers’ attempt to make a round trip to the North Pole has been halted due to unfavourable conditions – the ice has not yet formed enough to allow the expedition to proceed safely. However, the team are now to spend four months travelling throughout the region. Fedor Konyukhov who recently embarked on a solo row across the Atlantic has returned to his starting point in Chile after four days due to his solar charging system failing. The system will need to be repaired before he sets off again.
On a more positive note, Jo Rust has successfully solo circumnavigated the African continent on a motorbike. She is the first woman to complete the 40,000km route. Meanwhile, Ed Farrelly is in the throes of planning his latest adventure to Khan Tengri to kick off next summer. If successful, the 21-year-old will become the youngest documented person ever to climb a 7000m+ peak solo.
Have a brilliant Christmas everyone, and if you grow tired of all the food, drink and merriment, head outside for a winter microadventure. Al Humphreys dares you.
Written by Orla O’Muiri. Photo by Ed Farrelly.