Acclimatising
First steps and catching our breath at 89 South after the 600 mile Twin Otter journey gives us a 20C temperature decrease and 2000m elevation increase
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At a starting altitude of around 2800m the temptation to travel too much too soon must be resisted (unless folk are already well acclimatised) and young, fit teams must pay particular attention to this in the drive to get going and put in some miles towards the Pole.
After being dropped off at 88 degrees 59 minutes South we catch our breath at the increase in altitude of 2000m and decrease in temperature of 20C. We cover less than a mile in around 40 mins at a very relaxed pace and then slowly set about the tasks of setting camp up.
Next day we cover 4.6 nautical miles in 4 hours and after another relaxed evening, large meal and good nights sleep we are ready to start increasing the mileage. All polar travel teams will tell you that you get more efficient as the trip goes on and familiarity is gained with the equipment and each team members specific duties.
Getting into this routine is part of becoming efficient and making sure tents are put, snow is melted, dinner is cooked with a minimum of fuss and plenty of time is left for relaxing, sleeping and sledging!
