The Antarctic trekking season is just gearing up and there are a number of teams trying for the pole in various ways. One exceptional attempt is by Chris Foot who is striving to be the first person to ski unsupported and solo to the South Pole and back. He’ll leave from Hercules Inlet as soon as the weather allows and embark on the 2,350 km return journey. He’s brought 85 days of food rations, some of which he’ll stash on his trek to the Pole for his return journey.
Like many British explorers, Chris spent time in the military. At age 21 he became the youngest serving member of the SAS and after 10 years he decided to trade in his rifle for other adventures. To prep for this expedition he trekked to the magnetic North Pole earlier this year, which he says was great training and conditioning.
Chris arrived in Punta Arenas, Chile two weeks ago and has been waiting ever since for the weather to improve enough to fly to Antarctica. The delay is a bit troublesome because it’ll shorten the window he has to complete his trek.
In the meantime he’s making the best of a tough situation and keeping himself amused. On Nov 19th he blogged, “High life in Punta Arenas continues. This culminated in watching the new Harry Potter film at the local Cinema. I was coerced into this, and it was my first ever encounter with HP and will certainly be my last. “
The expedition will raise money for Combat Stress, a charity that helps ex-military suffering from mental health problems.
Follow Chris at http://chrisfootsouthpole.com/
