Tonight we are camped at S88˚23’53”, W95˚40’. It has been another short day, and that is because we have more instances of frostbite. The wind has died down, but temperatures have fallen to –30˚C. A couple of additional expedition members now have frostbite on fingers or in the face.
We are evaluating our situation and how best to handle it. The first consideration is that frostbite is serious – these are not so critical that we’re risking amputation, but with additional freezing, there is risk to the tissue. Another consideration is that we are simply moving a bit too slowly, with the number of stops we’re making and pitching camp earlier than planned. In other words, time is running away from us.
One alternative is to split into two groups. If we do that, we can fly one of them closer to the South Pole, while those who feel quick and fit continue from here.
I have a running dialog with the people in charge of air services here in Antarctica, as well as the physician in Patriot Hills. We will know more in the morning.
