day 42; Getting there, pain is easing...

Day 42 23 December

Camp; Tagney family, Black valley.
Position: S87.0658, W084.5356
Temperature: -19c to -23c
Weather: good snow condition, blue skies.

Distance; 20.2km 7 hrs

327 km to go 810 km complete.

Getting there, pain is easing…

Much better form today and had an enjoyable day navigating and was delighted that we were only 9 meters off course at the end of the day.

All my weight has been distributed to Clare, Shaun and Jon. I am very lucky that we are well down on weight as we get closer to the pole. As well as being very proud at how the team has rallied together.

Clare has taken the tent, shovel, 1 personal bag and some of my food. Adding an extra 20kg to her sled.

Jon has taken 1 personal bag weighing 12kgs and another weighing 3kg adding an extra 15kg to his sled.

Shaun has taken stoves and fuel = 8kg as well as 1 personal bag 5 kg. Total = 13kg

As well as that they take turns pulling my sled attached to there’s which now weighs 20kg. All of this is helping me recover, as well as the medical treatment from Clare with heavy doses of medication.

Hopefully by tomorrow I should be able to start pulling my sled again if the pain easies. I will try in the afternoon to put some weight on my back to see how I react to it. If its ok, I will ramp up to full weight in my sled by the time we reach our rest day.

Cross fingers, I don’t do further damage and that its not to soon to put pressure on my back. Clare, Shaun and Jon have offered to carry all my load until the rest day, if the weight reacts on my back.

The cold today was severe -23c.

camp; Tagney family.
I am very honoured that I have been accepted as one of their own. In one of the most beautiful places in the world. Thank you for all the good times over the years. Happy Christmas from the ice.