Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
L
enny
and
rex
Quail
in Pu
nta a
rena
s wit
h all
the g
ear f
or the
sou
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Co
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ips
Quail met us tonight, with his wife and children. They're here in Punta
Arenas to farewell Ming and me as we leave, with Eric, on the ALE
flight to Union Glacier tomorrow evening. Greg has arranged to sell a
couple of the vans, after, of course, salvaging all the expensive film and
broadcast gear out of Ming and Gustavo's vehicle.
I have received hundreds of messages from people wishing me well
in the Antarctic: very special Christmas gifts. Of course, in my replies I
put on a brave face, but to be honest I am scared about being back on
the ice. For fear that my mind and body will relax too soon, I have been
willing myself not to see the Antarctic as the final leg simply there for the
taking. Recalling the ordeal of the Arctic quickly disabuses me of that
notion. Thoughts of facing -40 temperatures, roaring winds and bliz-
zards bring back memories of the terrible conditions on the Arctic leg
of my run, and the pain I experienced when I was frostbitten. In some
ways, the Antarctic leg is more daunting, because, unlike when I was
preparing for the North Pole, this time I know exactly what I am in for.
This is going to be hard, and I am by no means certain of finishing. A
bitter feeling it would be to fall at the final hurdle after coming so far.
