17 January 2012 – Exactly 100 years ago Captain Robert Falcon Scott and his team arrived at the most Southern point on Earth, the South Pole, in their wool jerseys, leather boots, cotton under garments and waxed wind suits. Sitting ensconced in my down suit and nylon tent right now and trying to visualise what they went through is impossible. All I can say is that with the gear they had on this nippy continent they must have been men of men – the kind of men that exemplify the unlimited capabilities of the human spirit.
The temperature here is 32 degrees below zero.
The weather deteriorated today with cloud and wind occluding the radiation of our desired Sun. I am now a full Sun worshipper…right now. And if the rays come back tomorrow I will roll around in the snow naked gratefully. Promise.
Nzuzo has now been diagnosed with frostbite in three places. His toes, fingers and his nose. All cases are being managed by the good doctor Berning. The nineteen year old never knew what hit him yesterday. He has the support of our backup team, is in good spirits but is quite dazzled by the complexity of skills required to stay alive here. Just going to the loo is a half hour exercise and is carried out using a ‘Wag Bag’ in a bucket. No waste may be left here because there is very little precipitation to break it down. The upshot is that there is no better view from any other loo on Earth. The wind-textured surface extending to the horizon a whole lot more engaging than a magazine. Finishing off is a little more challenging than standard porcelain as you might imagine.
We covered just under 18 kilometres today in 8 hours. The hefty sleds held us back. The snow is soft in places and clings to the underside making for tardy progress.
Tomorrow we will attempt to cover 20km by an earlier start. Must get to sleep.
Until tomorrow
Sean Wisedale for The Unlimited Child South Pole Expedition
We want to wish Dr Pete Berning a very Happy Birthday for 26 January 2012 - thinking of you and smiling with you at The South Pole and all the way home - travel well, Lots of love, Doc Honeywill, Jo and Pam
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LikeMy thoughts are with you guys! You have made such incredible progress, stay strong and keep your spirits lifted!
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LikeWow!! Seeing the pictures and reading the updates, I still can't believe the guys are actually doing this! Such strong minds, determination & will power - you're an inspiration to all of us!! Nzuzo, you'll beat the frostbite, we know you will, and then you'll achieve an immeasureable goal!! Awesome stuff!
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Likeyou can do it Nzuzo, remember we all thinking of you back here at hme.
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LikeNzuzo, you are a trailblazer of your time!
Dig Deep guys, we are all wishing you well. Remember when you lift your head, you are privileged to be in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
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Likeoooh guys keep up the positive spitit!!Nzuzo you are my hero!!!
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LikeMy thoughts are with the team.....all the best for tomorrow
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Like17 January 2012 - taken from BBC TV
Britain has won a cricket match against a "rest of the world" team at the South Pole, to mark the 100th anniversary of Captain Scott's arrival there.
The leader of a team of adventurers said he hoped Captain Scott was looking down and smiling as they played the game of "extreme" cricket.
Britain won by two wickets in a game played in temperatures as low as -35C.
Scott arrived at the South Pole in 1912, a month after a Norwegian team.
Short of supplies and suffering from starvation and hypothermia, the Briton's party died one by one as they attempted to return to base.
The commemorative cricket game marked the end of an expedition by a team of British adventurers led by former SAS officer Neil Laughton.
Mr Laughton, chief executive of the Business Leadership Academy, said the explorers had been in "great spirits" as they marked the anniversary with a game played against scientists from all over the world, who are based at the Amundsen-Scott research station in Antarctica.
He said: "Obviously it was very cold and difficult with all the bulky clothing to bat and bowl and slide around in the field to catch the ball but we managed it fine.
"I thought it was quintessentially British and I wanted to do something that does not happen down here very often, if at all."
Mr Laughton added that he hoped the game would have pleased Captain Scott.
He said: "With the British outcome, at least he is looking down hopefully and this put a smile on his face," he said.
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LikeExcellent writing from Sean - he should be a journalist !!
Sorry to hear of Nzuzo's frostbite - youch !! that must be pretty painful poor chap...
They are all doing so well - Sean is right when he says that you just can't imagine how much worse it was for Scott and his team...
Wondering how long they feel it might take from now - to reach the Pole, how many more days ?
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LikeBe strong Nzuzo - you can do it!! We believe in you. :-)
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LikeShame, poor Nzuzo - hope he comes back with all his bits and pieces intact!
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LikeKeep going guys...You will make it !
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LikeGo guys. Hang in there! You are really moving the pace!
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