Report from Svante: This is our report for both the 20th and 21st of January. After four hours work with building yet another runway, the Twin Otter landed near our camp. Such an aircraft requires at least a 500-metre stretch, without bumps or holes, in order to land safely.
The pilot flew us to a spot that lay approximately 14 kilometres from the South Pole. From there we skied the last stretch; it was clear skies and bright sunlight, no wind and about –34˚C. At 21.30 Børge met us by the runway of the base, and together we skied in to the geographic South Pole. After two weeks we finally reached our goal!
Lots of picture taking, many rounds of congratulations, and a guided tour of the South Pole base are, of course, obligatory. It was an incredible contrast to arrive at this huge complex, which houses 240 persons. Here extensive research projects are carried out; there is a 3000 metre long runway, fuel and food depots to last the entire winter, a dining hall, a sports hall – and even a greenhouse!
Our tents are pitched just 50 metres from where Roald Amundsen himself set up camp after reaching the same destination. Now we are waiting for our flight back to Patriot Hills.
Our group, consisting of a satisfied Rudi, Andrew, Helen, Adrian and Svante, send our warm greetings to everyone who has followed us on our expedition. We especially thank you for your many encouraging messages.
Congratulations on reaching the South Pole to Adrian and all his fellow team mates. Despite the difficulties you all kept going. A huge well done to you all!
Well done that man.
They may have made of fun of here back in sodden wet GB, but you’re there experiencing it…I’m sure many who read the blog would like to be there too.
wahoo!!! congratulations but……. when are you leaving the southpole??? i found the webcam on ottos sight and we saw people on it but have no idea who it was!!!!
adrians step-daughter
What an amazing achievement – well done we are proud of you Andrew
Well done all of you. Andrew we have been following your progress everyday and i could not wait to get back from work today to see if you made it!! WOW!!! Now it is mine and Catherine’s turn!! Well done from all of us in sunny (???) Fulbeck. See you soon. Jenny
Congratulations to all. Well done Helen, I knew you could do it! Looking forward to all the photo’s now and lots of coffee to go with them…
Lots of love
Joan
Congratulations Helen & the team. I’m sure all your training around Ladybower paid off,though there are not many igloos here!! Safe trip home.
Congratulations to you all. Andrew – Did the cake make it?
Belated congratulations to Adrian, the only mad adventurer we have the pleasure to know and to all the team, from Ailish, Peter, Laura, Stephen and Tom