A few tough days and then they’re off again!
Published on 05.12.2008 - Matrix Shackleton Centenary Expedition
Bad weather has forced Henry Worlsey, Will Gow and Henry Adams to stay in their tent.
On days 13 and 14 of their trek, despite the poor weather, the three explorers still managed to maintain a daily average of 13 nautical miles, or 24 km.
But on 28th November, after two magnificent weeks, the men found themselves forced to stay under canvas for the whole day, with the wind howling at over 70 km/h. On the 29th, same thing: another day in their tent!
Henry Worsley and his companions were expecting this type of setback. 100 years ago, Shackleton and his team were cooped up for 5 days at one stage during their expedition without being able to progress. But each day lost to the weather means having to increase their daily average by 0.3 nautical miles or 0.55 km and, of course, there is no knowing what the weather will be like for the remainder of the expedition.
The men took stock of their situation on 29th November: to reach the rendezvous point they have set for 9th January with the rest of their team, making it the magical figure of 97 miles from the Pole, they will have to cover 12.83 nautical miles (23.75 km) a day.
Lady Luck smiled on them on 30th November, though, when the wind abated and they got up early to beat a new record: 16.2 nautical miles, or 30 km in a single day!
The good weather stayed with them on 1st, 2nd and 3rd December and the team is crossing its fingers for the weather to remain favourable for them.
