The challenge continues in Antarctica
Parks suffers weather setback as his expedition hangs in the balance
Former Wales Rugby International, Richard Parks has made it to the last degree latitude, crossing into the 89th degree around 11.00am (GMT) today. Food rations remain a concern as he looks ahead to the final 70 miles (110km) to the pole and a new British record in Antarctica.
“I have my goal… but will use tomorrow as a gauge with sleep and food. #neveroutofthefight”
(A reference to the movie Lone Survivor that Rich has taken inspiration from).
After 26 days, Parks must decide whether he has enough food to make it to the pole and claim a new British record. If forced to take a food re-supply, Parks’ journey will no longer be ‘unsupported’ and so he will not be eligible for the record. This decision is likely to be made on Monday, with an estimated arrival at the pole on Tuesday.
In his 1000 km journey from the coast, Parks has climbed from sea level (0m attitude) to an altitude of 2,700 m currently. Roughly twice the height of Ben Nevis or almost three times the height of Snowdon. The air on the polar plateau is thinner making physical exertion harder.
Having recorded the 2nd fastest time in history in 2014, the mantra of Parks’ current expedition is “All in”. Aiming to beat Christian Eide’s 24 day solo unsupported and unassisted world record, Parks took 25 days’ full rations, with a contingency of stretching that to 27 through rationing.
If Parks runs out of food, he will call on Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions (ALE), his logistical partner to arrange a food drop. ALE and Parks have planned for a number of contingencies.
Richard has history with world record attempts. In 2011, he successfully became the first person to climb the highest mountain on each of the seven continents and stand on the North and South pole in the same calendar year. In 2014 he set the current British record for skiing coast to pole in Antarctica, solo, unsupported, unassisted of 29 days, 19 hours and 24 minutes.
The challenge continues. Further updates to follow.
Featured Image: Hamish Frost Photography
