Day 21
Lat S84deg 06.971’
Long W80deg 32.210’
Altitude 1310m
Daily distance 14.04nm
Had an hour’s lie in this morning (still did my ten
hours though). No idea why yesterday felt so tough as I’ve been feeling really
strong throughout so far but having that extra hour really helped.
Back to
normal today but a bit disappointed with the distance. No height change and the
conditions were very variable. Went from a nice hard surface to softish almost
rotten snow for long periods. Sastrugi came and went but some were noticeably
bigger and with visibility being perfect they’re easy to avoid but should that
change then they’ll be a challenge! Wind was relatively strong for most of the
day and as always coming the opposite way to ensure you’re not getting any
favours. The wind brought a wind chill temp down to minus 35 deg c so breaks
were again taken with an extra layer.
My liner gloves developed holes in both
thumbs a few days ago but this proved to be quite handy for operating my phone
to use the app that checks my blood sugars so I just kept them going. Today
however, they are more hand than glove with both thumbs and four other fingers
with holes so it’s time to change them for spares. That’s only three weeks
they’ve lasted which is quiet a surprise as they’re a reputable make but they’ve
served their purpose and will see how long the next ones last.
The terrain
also gives you the runaround at the end of the day for selecting a decent place
to pitch. The flat spots are rapidly diminishing with the sastrugi becoming more
prevalent so for the last five minutes of hauling you’ve got half an eye out
for a good spot. Tonight wasn’t one of those ‘good spot’ days. Managed to find a
nice flat area but the snow is so soft. It’s ok once pitched and the snow
shovelling onto the snow skirts is easier when it’s soft but the stakes for the
guys needed a bit of encouragement to bite into the snow. I’m in it now and
sounds like the wind has all but disappeared so will see how long that
lasts!
#heartinternet #diabetesuk #curraNZ #expeditionfoods #primalpantry
#antarcticlogisticsandexpeditions #solo #antarctica #southpole
#seediabetesdifferently
