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PROGRESS
DAY CHART
Wed, 22 Mar 2006 // 15:09
...to become the first men to
walk to the North Pole completely unassisted in the
sunless Arctic winter
On January 22nd, Mike Horn and Borge Ousland set off on
the first ever attempt to walk 1000km to the North Pole in
the sunless Arctic winter, unassisted by machines or dogs.
With just 45km to go, they are now just two days from
finishing and setting a new world record.
For 59 days now, they have been walking for 10-12 hours
per day pulling their 160kg sledges in the extreme Arctic
temperatures sometimes as low as -50°C. Mike and Borge's
bodies are now feeling the strain. Having had only two
days break until now they are in need of a good rest. They
are suffering from minor frostbite, which needs to be
attended to and they need to replenish their bodies of
fluids and vitamins.
They have encountered polar bears, problems with
equipment, they have had to swim across open 'leads' of
freezing water and perhaps even worst, instead of moving
towards their target, the ice drift and freezing winds
have pushed them for countless days in the wrong
direction.
Latest ETA: Friday 24th March.
DAY
60: MIKE FEELING BETTER FOR FINAL PUSH TO POLE!!
Wed, 22 Mar 2006 // 23:09
Quote of the Day:
'It's just great to know that I
will now be able to appreciate my last day walking not
worried with aches and pains, in the company of my dear
friend Borge, and enjoy the very special moment once we
arrive on the Pole...'
DATA LOG
Latest position : N89°48'39' E87°25'34'
Distance to go: 21kms
Temperature: -22°C
Wind: Westerly 4-5m/s (9-11mph)
Ice drift: Southwards
Days of food left: 8
Mike phoned this evening with very good news: 'I'm
feeling better,' he said, sounding very elated. 'I
woke up this morning feeling completely lousy and
gradually felt better and better throughout the day. All
my aches and pains are finally going and I'm getting my
appetite back. The antibiotics have finally kicked in. I
was a little anxious for a while but now it seems that
everything will be alright.'
.and just in time!...
With only 21kms to go, Mike and Borge will arrive at the
North Pole tomorrow! For 60 days now they have crossed
1000kms on skis over the frozen Arctic Ocean in very
unfavourable conditions and during the darkest of winter
months.
'We're starting to get excited.
It's finally sinking in that we are going to arrive
tomorrow. It's been quite a trip! Borge's 42 years old and
now looks 80 and I'm 39 and look like 90! (Mike laughs)
We arrived on the North Pole ice today, Borge's keen eye
noticed it straight away. There is still some water about
but luckily we didn't need to swim. I don't think I could
have coped with that today!
The weather forecast was not at all as had been predicted.
Today we had westerly winds of 4-5m/s (9-11mph) with a
southwards drift and temperatures of -22°C. Tomorrow
northeasterly winds of 8m/s (18mph) are predicted. We hope
that this prediction will also be wrong.
We have reached N89°48'39' E87°25'34' and are extremely
motivated for the final stretch. Tomorrow we'll get to the
North Pole while enjoying the light of the midnight sun.
There isn't much else to say. It's just great to know that
I will now be able to appreciate my last day walking not
worried with aches and pains. I will be able to appreciate
the last walking day in the company of my dear friend
Borge and enjoy the very special moment once we arrive on
the Pole.
Until tomorrow!!!'
Mike
For latest news on Mike and Borge go to: www.mikehornnorthpole.com
WEB LINKS
Sign up for updates on Mike's progress on his North Pole
Winter Expedition at www.mikehornnorthpole.com
Click
here to view Mike & Borge's latest position on
Google Earth. To download Google Earth click
here ( PC and Mac OS X 10.4 only).
For further information on Mike Horn contact:
Josie Robinson
T: +44 (0)870 063 0210
E: josie.robinson@ocgroup.com
MIKE HORN PERSONAL DETAILS
Age: 39
Nationality: South African resides Switzerland
Status: Married to Cathy, two children aged 11 and 12
MIKE HORN'S PHILOSOPHY:
'The drive to go beyond our physical, mental and
spiritual limits is an internal attitude that transcends
global borders. It tests our personal limits and opens
the way for new levels of achievement in all aspects of
life. This philosophy is the driving force behind every
endeavour.
Although I find myself in the most extreme
circumstances, I always use caution. My philosophical
approach is to live the endeavour as an expression of my
being. Alone, immersed in nature, with no creature
comforts, to surpass the limits imposed by man and
nature itself. With faith and determination, one can
embody the purest expression of this philosophy.'
ARCTIC
AND ANTARCTIC EXPLORATION LINKS:
Ernest
Shackleton
Roald
Amundsen
Scott
of the Antarctic
Nelson
Kruschandl: We're with you all the way.
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