Posted: Jan 19, 2010 10:25 am EST
American Kelly Bush plans to walk across America as part of his preparation for an unassisted, unsupported Hercules Inlet - South Pole return journey.

He told ExWeb’s Correne Coetzer more about his plans; why he wants to do this expedition and who he is consulting.

ExplorersWeb: Regarding your South Pole plans: What cold weather experience do you have?

Kelly: I do not have any cold weather experience as it relates to the poles just what I've gained from being in the states camping and skiing.

ExplorersWeb: A return journey from Hercules Inlet to the South Pole is a long, extreme expedition. Why did you decide to jump in on the very deep side?

Kelly: These sort of trips are what I'm really about. I'm a go all out type of person.

My feeling is if I'm going to do something then it needs to be as challenging as possible for me because that's where I really excel. The harder things are the better I do and the easier it is for me to get through those hard situations.

ExplorersWeb: It has never been done before. Why do you think you can do it?

Kelly: The biggest reason that this appeals to me is the fact that it hasn't been done before.

Like I said, I've always excelled at the difficult problems and situations. I personally believe that I can do it because by the time I hit the ice I'll be physically and mentally prepared as best I can for the trip ahead.

I believe wholehearted that if you've already completed something in your mind and in your heart then you've already made a step in the right direction.

I just feel that I've already done this, same goes for the walk across America. I feel like I've taken the last step and I've made it to Time Square now all I have to do is go back and live the journey. I've already made the destination.

ExplorersWeb: What polar preparation/training do you plan to do?

Kelly: As much as I can possibly afford. I'm really big on talking to people and reading about past experiences to gain some insight as to what I'll be experiencing.

However, I really learn best when I'm out there doing it so I'll look to find hands on experience and some remote places before I head out.

I've been looking to ALE to make good recommendation on training, trainers, and guides. I believe the walk across America will be great mental and physical training but it's still not enough.

I'll be working to build my polar team of professionals to help me along the way before I ever hit the ice.

Most of the typical training is what I'll be doing. Staying as active as possible to get my body shocked and ready as best you can for what you'll experience out there. I do believe however you'll never be prepared not matter how much you plan and prepare, there is always something that will happen that you were not expecting.

ExplorersWeb: Who will be your mentors/trainers?

Kelly: By recommendation from ALE they recommend two individuals for an initial assessment and training, they are Eric Larsen and Devon McDiarmid. I'd also love to spend some time with Ben Saunders as he seems to be the closest person to a match to me that I've found so far.

I'm still building my list of people and these sorts of things are an ongoing process for me. I'm always learning more and finding new contacts along the way.

ExplorersWeb: Will you attempt it unassisted and unsupported?

Kelly: Yes I do plan it to be unassisted and unsupported however it may turn out to be a team effort as I have a friend with my similar experience wanting to make the trip with me.

On 3 February 2010 Kelly Bush is planning on leaving Los Angeles to head out and walk across America. His trip will end 3 to 4 months later in Time Square, New York City. Kelly is doing this walk (2900+ miles) in memory of a late friend, in aid of charities and to prepare himself for an unassisted, unsupported South Pole return journey from Hercules Inlet.

Kelly was born in 1981 and is an Information Technology Consultant in Nashville, TN. He is single, “never married and no kids”.

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