Hedrich isn’t done yet…
Published on 25.12.2007 - General Info
At this stage, Hedrich isn't sure yet whether he will head for Patriot Hills or try and reach the South pole after all...
When we left Hedrich last week, he was ill and suffering from an acute urinary infection. His website announced that, given his condition, he had decided to make his way to Patriot Hills as quickly as possible.
But things have changed since then. The Frenchman is feeling better and appears to be less affected by his infection. Furthermore, he has decided to continue his way to the pole, abandoning his attempt on the speed record (1310 km in 34 days), as well as his autonomy.
Having said that, Hedrich seems to be responding more to the ups and downs of his illness than anything else. One day, he wants to continue with his trek and take on new supplies, the next, he thinks it might be wiser to head for Patriot Hills... However, if he finally decides to head for the base, he will have to be extremely careful, because some parts of the route he would have to take have never been mapped. He would be venturing into the unknown, which is never very safe on this type of venture...
On 25th December, though, his website was categorical: "No more ifs and buts, no more doubts, Charles is calling a halt to his crossing and will wait for a plane to take him back to Patriot Hills. The option to try and bring in fresh supplies and medicine was not really feasible because you have to have the right antibiotic in sufficient quantities. Getting the stuff to him was not a problem. Heading for a 'nearby' base was not really possible, either, because all bases in the vicinity have been closed for a number of years. Some of them have been converted into refuges, providing shelter, fuel and food. But there's no-one 'at home' there in Antarctica... Charles managed to keep going for 20 days, covering 550 km in the process. He called a halt on Saturday 22nd December and is now waiting for a plane, depending on the weather."
