The Antarctic expedition season has mostly wrapped up after Vincent Colliard’s remarkable sprint to the Pole. Most expeditions have now finished or are close.
Hercules Inlet to the South Pole
On Jan. 12, Baxter had seven days of food remaining and 162km to go, putting him on track for a Jan. 19 finish. He’s cutting it a little fine but thought the distance doable. Fortunately, he found better snow entering 88°, and after a couple of decent days, he crossed into the last degree on Jan. 15.
Georgina Gilbert and Rebecca Openshaw-Rowe made the Pole after 52 days, 10 hours, and 30 mins. The pair finished on Jan. 12 with a 36km push, showing they still had something left in the tank after a long expedition.
Photo: The Fire Angels
Vincent Colliard
On Jan. 11, Vincent Colliard reached the South Pole, breaking the speed record from Hercules Inlet.
His 50km+ daily average is quite remarkable, and it’ll be interesting to see if anyone attempts to best his time next season.
Berkner Island to the South Pole
Bernier made good time from the longer Berkner Island start point, putting in very consistent 25km+ days right from the start of his trip.
Guided trips
Fifty-six days into their expedition, Kustaa Piha, Anders Brotherus, and guide Poppis Suomela are still enjoying themselves.
“Before, you could see height differences on the horizon and shapes in the landscape, but now it’s like standing on top of one pancake. There is a smooth snowfield, 360° around. It seems endless no matter which way you look,” they wrote today.
On the polar plateau, they should reach the Pole tomorrow.
Photo: The Pole Expeditions
