henshaws2antarctica

Hi Everyone,

Well, this is the final week of preparation. Yesterday saw a hard training session in which I covered over five miles on skis, pulling the 'beloved' tractor tyre. This was done in record time and was followed by a session in the gym. My diet now consists of high protein ( love the opportunity to eat so much beef) and carbs, supplemented with multi vitamin tablets.

The first packing of the ruck sacs was done and with no surprise, exceeded the air carrier's weight allowance, (it is now down to exactly 23 kg). A hard choice had to be taken between a down filled air bed and a thin pneumatic one, the thinner one won, cos it weighs 800 grammes less. With performance issuing being equal, whenever there is a choice of garment or equipment, the lighter one gets in to the ruck sack, even if it's just 10 grammes less.

We are now watching the weather in the Antarctic very closely, although notoriously fickle, it helps to psychologically prepare us. Temperatures at the South Pole at the moment are around minus 38 degrees C.

With attention to detail paramount, this week will see crampons being sharpened, 3mm cordage being tied to all zips, (try operating zips with thick down gloves on without it). inputting coordinates into GPS and a multitude of other jobs. But with only 6 days to go, the excitement and anticipation is building. As with all previous expeditions, each is unique and the unexpected adds to the sense of expectation.