FAQs

Why are you doing this?

Two reasons really. Firstly, having a real interest in polar exploration, we want to claim one of the last great polar records for Britain.

Secondly, we want to find out whether we can push our old bodies (speak for yourself John - Justin) to take the physical and mental stresses of both the intense training and extreme expedition conditions

Is it really possible?

Given the enormous weight of the loaded sleds - nearly 2 ½ times our body weight, the distance involved and the limited time available, the objective is right at the limit of what is possible. Injury, bad weather, equipment failure and numerous other factors may wreck the outcome. But yes, it's just about possible.

What are the risks?

Crevasses, frostbite, damage to tent, stove or satellite phone are all life-threatening. Anything else just means failure.

What happens if you run out of time?

The last flight out of Antarctica leaves in late January. If we've not completed the journey we have to find an area where a ski-plane can land (easier said than done) and get airlifted out.

How can you pull 180 kg of sled for up to 20 miles a day?

Luckily the conditions early on are likely to be more ice than snow, allowing the sled to glide a little. Later on, when completely non-slippery snow predominates, the sled will be lighter after we've used up some food and fuel. We will be using between 8,000 and 12,000 calories a day.

Are you putting on loads of weight in preparation?

No. Unlike accepted polar practice, on his previous expedition John found that it is better to be fitter and to pull a heavier sled with more food than to put on fat beforehand and have a lighter sled. Logically it is easier to pull the extra calories than to carry them. This strategy also allows us to train heavily right up to the start of the expedition, maximising our physiological preparedness.

Getting down to basics, how do you go to the toilet?

Contrary to what you might have heard, pee does not freeze before it hits the ground, and you will not get frostbite 'down there' if you turn your back to the wind before unzipping. At night we use a pee bottle to avoid having to get out of our sleeping bags and losing valuable heat.

Otherwise, it's out of the tent and dig a hole, with a snow wall for protection when it's windy.

What's the worst thing?

The boredom. Walking for 14 hours every day with nothing but snow and ice to look at is mind-numbing. Normally we will be walking one in front of the other, making conversation difficult, even in good weather. We will be relying on music and audio books loaded onto a rechargeable MP3 player to keep us going and to provide some conversation. Antarctica is one of the few places John can practice his singing without fear of arrest.

And the best thing?

Hmmm. From experience, knowing it's your last day on the ice. There really is very little to recommend about such a trip. The planning is far more interesting than the actual expedition, which will be really, really tough.  However, nothing beats the sense of achievement afterwards.