They’re thinking more about the next day than their final objective
Published on 28.12.2009 - General Info
The reports coming back from the three-person expedition (which includes two tourists) guided by Eric Larsen remain as interesting as ever.
On 28th December, Larsen stated that he preferred to concentrate his efforts on the challenges facing the team in the immediate future (in particular not missing their next resupply rendezvous) rather than to keep on thinking about the final goal they are aiming for. Which sounds a bit like one of those interviews with champion sportsmen, where they always take things "one game at a time" rather than fantasise about the ultimate victory. The latest news from 21st December is that the threesome covered a distance of 30.7 km, which was their best day since setting out.
Also, of course, as the expedition makes its slow ascent to the top of the polar plateau, the increasing cold is becoming more of a factor. Eric has a nice turn of phrase for the drop in temperature, saying that as they approach the upper reaches of the polar plateau, the cold is "changing in personality". The reason for this is that even without any wind, the cold is becoming more intense, which means in particular that it takes much longer to get warmed up again when they start marching again after taking a break.
Having said that, the expedition barometer is set fair. And they have already completed over 80% of their route.
