Posted on by TYLADMIN

Really Testing Our Limits

Take extreme weather and harsh condtions – put them in a blender and you have today in a nutshell. We opted to go out at 4 pm as we thought things had settled down. About 1 hour in we came across open water, a lead, that was about 8m wide. Huge sections of slush, all I could think was add lemon, rum and an umbrella and away we go. It took us about 45 minutes to try to find a way around it – but we did eventually – moving quickly. Again zero visibility in sections. The plan was to pull until midnight.
Then around 6 the wind really picked up – I mean howling – we pushed on for another 2 hours and then called it. 8pm we started to set camp – wind was about 30 mph gusting much more. All hands on to put each tent up in turn – I was hanging on to the strings and all I could think is wow I’m going to fly.
We are now in tent and eating beef stew.
We have actually skied 29.5 miles which still doesn’t account for drift when we are skiing.
However tonight we are further from the pole than we were two nights ago – the drift is amazing. Our location is: 89.10.665; 134.32 – i.e. we have skiied 29.5 miles but accomplished just over 10!
This really is testing our limits


Keith navigating open water.


The Man!


Open water slushy

14 Replies to “Really Testing Our Limits”

  1. You should be developing a fabulous tan/windburn. Olympic skiiers could not have prepared for the conditions but I'm sure your strength and cardio training will pull you through. If you can just keep heading in the right direction….
    Mike W

  2. Watching every step of the way, whether it's forward or back. I would suggest that you call the chopper and have it drop you on the other side of the pole; but I'm sure you all thought of that. Dad, you look more and more like a batshit crazy polar explorer with every day that passes, so I guess you're doing it right. Believe it or not, I'm already looking forward to the slide show.

  3. Hopefully the frustration of moving back while you try to move forward won't make this attempt seem any less than the extrordinary feat that it is. Jan Ellenberger

  4. It's a little like life – two steps forward, one back. Mind you that is how you aquire wisdom – proud of you all – pictures tell it all – M&D

  5. Keep up your spirits. I know you have the strength. Go! Team Go! Thanks for recounting the amazing adventure with pictures.
    ML and Bryne

  6. WELL I COULD SAY THE RUM AND LEMON IS ON THE WAY AND I CAN SEE THE DROOLING NOW WHAT A DAY FOR A DRINK AN ADVENTURE AND WE ALREADY HAVE OUR GIFT OF LIFE WHAT A GREAT BUNCH SURVIVORS TO SAY THE LEAST

    DOES THIS MEAN YOU WILL NOT BE SEEING SANTA ON THIS JOURNEY HE LIVES UP THERE RIGHT????

    STAY SAFE LOVE ALWAYS MARG AND ERIC F

  8. You are all truly amazing! The blog, voicemails and pictures are terrific and do tell the story. Stay safe, stay dry, stay positive! LP

  9. Thanks for the birthday wishes. Dale you look great. Ignore what your son said. Go team go. Trudy

  10. WOW! I really can't even imagine! You guys are all true explorers… When this is all over and you make it to the Pole, Heather, your next project should be a TV movie-of-the-week! We just need to find someone fitting to play you! Someone who can kinda do a cross between Everest, Grey's Anatomy & Canadian Ido1! 🙂 Here's to hoping you wake up in the morning 5 miles closer!
    Stephanie, Sydney & Cole

  13. Wow! Sounds like quite a journey so far. Dale, you will certainly be ready for the Sibley 50km next year. Keep your spirits up. We're so proud of you!

  14. Bonjour à tout le monde,je vous souhaite un bon retour en santé et j'envoie de l'énergie du qc spécialement pour Docteur White.La voiture rouge sport vous attend.HA! ha! Quel beau courage et forme physique vous avez tous.Enfin ,on jasera de votre voyage au retour.Une tech.de l'icm .JC xxx

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