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The
route rises almost from sea level at Hercules
Inlet to 2,750m/9,000ft over glacier, ice cap
and mountain passes; and with few crevasses,
mostly unroped travel is possible. Traveling
mainly over snow, with occasional ice and rock,
there is no plant or animal life here. Head
winds of 15-30 kph prevail and temperatures
range from -10 to -30°C though conditions feel
much warmer in the 24 hour sunlight.
The
expedition team looks to reach the Pole over 60
days, which includes an allowance for storm
bound days in tents. Sledge weights at the start
of each leg between resupply points will be
65-90kg, subject to the number of resupplies
scheduled.
The
weights, in combination with the daily distances
to be covered and sheer duration of the
expedition, dictate that participants need to be
exceptionally fit - and prepared to accept the
normal physical and mental stresses and strains
of meeting such a challenge. |
