Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
unknowns of Antarctica. We hope to stay on schedule but can
never know what comes up. In regards to picking Pat up early, if
you are referring to him reaching the pole early, no, they won't
pick him up because we have paid for a shared flight, not a dedi-
cated flight, which means teams gather at the South Pole until
all have arrived and then we are all flown out. This is scheduled
for January 26, but if all teams arrive early, and the ALE
Twin
Otter
is not tasked for other flights, then, yes, they will come ear-
lier. But bank on the 26th.
In the event of bad weather at Union Glacier, the only point
that Pat could be guaranteed a flight out is from the South Pole
itself by the Americans. But I think he has been down that path
already a couple of times and their answer is usually a resound-
ing 'no'. Besides, they only fly out to New Zealand and then Pat
would need to fly back to Punta again or perhaps Puerto Montt.
Good luck with the rest of Chile; let's hope he can get into
Punta in time. BTW, ALE have just replied that they will not
change our flight date to January 5 because they believe that Pat
is already at the absolute limit of completing the Antarctic leg in
the time given, and I agree with that.
Kind regards,
Eric
november 24
I woke up the worse for wear today. Last night, running in the gloom,
I tripped over some wires that were sticking out of a discarded truck
tyre on the road. I crashed down and cut my knees and elbows and was
badly shaken up. But I kept running, blood flowing down my arms and
legs. I will do anything to finish this run before my flight to Antarctica
on December 29. I desperately do not want to have to backtrack to
finish up after I reach the South Pole. I know I'm taking chances and
damaging my body to make up the time, and I know that getting there
on time on foot may be beyond me, but I'm pushing on anyway.
I treated myself to a ten-minute haircut this morning in a little vil-
lage on the road. I had no intention of stopping for anything, but then
I saw the barber's shop and thought I'd give myself a little luxury. There
are many media dates ahead, and I want to look as good as possible
