Almost away/ farewell evening

We cannot believe we depart the UK on Friday for our massive adventure! We fly to Punta Arenas on the southern tip of Chile and then (after sorting our equipment) onto Antarctica - anticipated 8th Nov. We are then dropped off on the ice to begin the expedition. We feel well prepared and have been so busy recently thta we will almost be glad to get stuck into it!

On Thursday last week we held a drinks reception for sponsors at Buck's Club, London. It was well attended with 92 guests and our presentations were well received - thanks to all those who donated to the Campaign to Save Scott's Hut. Thanks to the Tonkinson family for supporting this event.

Thanks again to all those who have helped us get to the position we are in now: the sponsors, donors, polar advisors, suppliers, family and friends.

Air freight away

The last few weeks have been very hectic, sorting out final bits of equipment and packing our freight. We finalised this last Tuesday and it is now on its way to Punta Arenas, at the Southern tip of Chile. When we arrive in Punta Arenas, on 1st November, it should be there, and we will have a week to repack and reduce weight/size/packaging , as well as making any repairs.

Getting the freight away is certainly a large weight off our shoulders...we just have to get down there now!

In between the logistical work, we have been training hard and getting very fit. Pulling tyres now seems very natural (or as natural as it can be) and training will now be tapered down to ensure we have 110% energy and are injury free for our massive adventure.

Manhauling

I was looking through my diary "scribbles" from Greenland the other evening and this is what I saw... it reminds me that it is going to be a hard slog! If you can't read the writing, it reads: "I must promise to read the preceding notes if I ever do the South Pole! I only have myself to blame! (at times today was so sick of pulking, vowed this week was last ever time I'd do it)"

Training hard has a unique difficulty

We are now getting a lot more organised for the expedition, and are feeling really strong in our training. The tyre dragging has progressed to being comfortable dragging for 7+ hours one day and doing it again, the day after, without being overly fatigued. However the problem with increased training and fitness, is that we are a bit too lean for an Antarctic expedition! The challenge now is to gain weight in the next 6 weeks, despite 20+hr training weeks. I guess that means supplementing my recently improved diet with some fattening products (need to gain fat not muscle) - so roll on the donuts and chocolate! Looking at my scales on Sunday I reckon I need to put on c5kg minumum (ie. almost 1 stone).

update

Ok - we have really progressed things with the expedition organisation now, and we are very grateful to our main sponsor, Propinvest.

Important parts of kit have been arriving, website is up and running at www.britishsouthpole.com, and training has been ramped up.

We recently returned from a week in the Swiss Alps, where we trekked climbed from Chamonix to Zermatt. This involved up to 10hrs a day of trekking over 3000m mountain passes with heavy packs on our backs. This has given our fitness a boost and we are now getting up early and dragging tyres round Hyde Park .

All go!

We have now confirmed funding for the expedition and things moving quickly. Will announce sponsor next week.
Booked our place on flights to Antarctica and now finalising kit selection.
It's getting very exciting.

Blog up and running

Plans for the expedition progressing quickly now and sponsorship being finalised. Further posts to follow on progress.

Photo- the expedition team (Gavin & Adam) in Greenland (2007).