American Colin O'Brady just completed 1st ever unaided traverse of Antarctica

[fiddlehead]

https://www.theguardian.com/world/20...e_iOSApp_Other

Very impressive!
54 days, mostly uphill (I have to wonder why didn't he go the other direction?)

[Leo L.]

Great feat, but why "mostly uphill"?
He started at coast line, climbed up to the South Pole, and came down to the opposite coast line.

[Leo L.]

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[4eyedbuzzard]

Great feat, but why "mostly uphill"?
He started at coast line, climbed up to the South Pole, and came down to the opposite coast line.

Like walking to the school bus stop as a kid - All great feats are uphill - in the snow - BOTH WAYS.
On a serious note, I'd guess the reason for the "longer" uphill section in the beginning is that although the elevation gained/lost is equal, the grade was less severe in the beginning while pulling the heavy sled, the weight of which would go down as the traverse went on.

[fiddlehead]

I'm thinking maybe wind direction.
Ever hike in WY? Or bike?
I told my brother to go eastbound on his bicycle trip through there.
He didn't listen and said it was the worst part of his trip.
I'm sure he had a decent reason to go that way.
After all, he was successful (and the 1st)
My hats off to him.
Especially after seeing the size of that sled.

[Leo L.]

In no way I wanted to put down the great thing Colin did.
What makes me a bit upset is, that ignorant writers exaggerate things in order to make the feat looking even bigger to make for some more drama - no need to do this, its a really great one anyway.

There seems to be good reason why adventurers do it exactly the way O'Brady (and Rudd, who started the same day, but lags a bit behind now) did. The selected starting point is nicknamed Messner's Point, as the famous mountaineer Messner found it the most reasonable way to go (and many others, too).

[theinfamousj]

What makes me a bit upset is, that ignorant writers exaggerate things in order to make the feat looking even bigger to make for some more drama - no need to do this, its a really great one anyway.

You aren't alone. I also am upset at the belittling of great feats by those who feel that they aren't great enough on their own and thus need exaggeration. THEY ARE GREAT AS IS!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

[Leo L.]

Now the British guy, Louis Rudd, also finished the crossing.
Colin O'Brady had waited two days and welcomed him at the finishing line.

Definitely no exaggeration needed - about the hardest taks in the world they've done.

[cmoulder]

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[Dogwood]

Hmm, looks like some people are interested in other people's walk.