Parks Antarctica Inspiration & Ulysses

To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield

Richard will be on his own for around 27 days, that’s 648 hours of hearing the katabatic winds and not much else.  How does Rich pass the time and how does he stay motivated whilst skiing? 

One of the most important things to Rich when he’s on expedition is his Sony Walkman. Over the years Rich has downloaded a number of different types of music to listen to on his expeditions. He’s found that the loneliness and mental strain he’s experiencing mean that song lyrics can take on completely new meanings.  These days he listens to liquid drum and bass!

For this expedition he has downloaded onto his Walkman a beautiful recording of Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s Ulysses done especially for him by his good friend, Roy Noble.  This poem has long been a source of inspiration for Rich.  His son is called Alfred, Fred for short, and one of the reasons he and his partner Jo chose this name was their love of this poem.

Tho' much is taken, much abides; and tho'
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

As well as influencing the name of his son, shortly before Rich left for Antarctica, he had the above quote tattooed on his right leg!

As of Day 25, Rich has approximately 150km left to ski and 2 more days’ worth of food. Reflecting on his current position in a message to his family, Richard says: “This is Antarctica! I'm healthy, in good mind and although gutted strong in will.”  Spot the reference to Ulysses!

The challenge continues.  Further updates to follow.

Featured Image: Hamish Frost Photography