Posted: Jan 13, 2006 11:48 am EST
(ThePoles.com) Two major events hit the polar news in the last hours, both reported in Spanish. The Trans-Antarctic Spanish team has been picked up from the Antarctic Plateau and lifted on board a Russian ice breaker.

Meanwhile, on the classic route to the South Pole, Proyecto Cumbre member Carlos Castillo is being evacuated with frostbite. The Venezuelan expedition now sadly loses its “unsupported” status, a bitter turn of events considering all the work they put in and being so close to the finish line. Less than two degrees from target, the unsupported expedition shows that in unsupported polar crossings - distance is the greatest obstacle. A lesson learned at a far greater expense, by Scott's team many years ago.

Antarctic crossing teams

Spanish Trans-Antarctic team: We made it! 4500Km in 63 days!

“We made it, we feel great!” called out team leader Ramón Larramendi over the sat-phone. “I am on board the Russian ship Akademik Fedorov, we’ve just landed.”

Also Ignacio Oficialdegui and Juanma Viu were happy beyond words, most of all after having some pretty tough days during the last stage of the trip. On the last day, the team rode their kite-sled for 70 km in strong wind conditions. Then, they had to wait for hours until a chopper picked them up and took them to the boat.

Among the 120 passengers on the Akademik Fedorov were staff from the Vostok base, who already knew the explorers and were waiting to offer the Spaniards a warm welcome party on board. The Spaniards thus suceeded not only to do a remarkable crossing of the continent, onboard a highly unusual "sailcraft", but they also managed to solve the not-so-small problems of logistics at Antarctica: The Spaniards flew in from South Africa and left on a Russian ship.

4500 Km in 63 days

According to the expedition’s website, the team has covered a total distance of 4500Km in 63 days - currently the longest and fastest non-motorized polar traverse ever - although it still remains to be seen how long Rune Gjeldnes will travel in his Trans-Antarctic solo quest.

The team would have liked to make a complete traverse, from coast to coast – In fact, Ramón is convinced the kite-sled is perfectly capable of climbing up to the plateau and back down. Logistical politics omitted the completion of the quest rather than the team's ability. However, the guys don't worry too much about it: The main goal was to prove the utility of the kite-sled as an innovative, clean mean of transportation.

For Larramendi, the traverse has been “a dream come true, after six years of hearty fight.”

“This is proof that, if you really want something and you persevere in your dreams, in the end everything is possible,” Ramon added. The Spanish explorer came out with the idea of building a kite-sled during a trip to the North Pole years ago. Since then, he has fought - and conquered - lack of funds and all skepticism.

South Pole teams

Proyecto Cumbre SP team: Call for evacuation!

“Yesterday was painful for all of us,” reported the team. “Carlos Castillo, suffering from frostbite in two toes and one finger, can’t take it any longer. His wounds are getting serious and need to be taken care of at a hospital.”

“We’ve called for a emergency evacuation, and currently we’re waiting for better conditions, in order for the rescue plane to get here. Probably we will have to move and take Carlos to a smoother area, since we’re now surrounded by sastrugi, too tall for a plane to land. Meanwhile, we are taking care of him as best as we can in the tent.”

“We’ve asked the plane to bring along some extra food – today we are actually eating double ration, since Carlos need it, and it will also help us to feel stronger once we resume our trip.”

Not unsupported anymore

“We know, of course, by calling a rescue plane we’ve lost the “unsupported” tag for our trip – but our main priority now is Carlos’ health, and then the Pole.”

“Carlos himself is extremely disappointed. It is incredibly frustrating to be forced to quit after fighting Antarctica for 53 days, when the Pole was barely 8 to 10 days away. However, we have at least the inner satisfaction of having given it all in the trying.”

“We feel like we are losing an arm, or a leg, or something essential to keep us working. Carlos is a hard-working mate, ready to give the maximum always, sensible and strong. Reaching the Pole without him won’t be the same – but also because of him, we will get there. Today, more than ever, the goal beats the way.”

Rune’s website
Spanish Trans-Antarctic expedition – Larramendi’s site (Spanish/English)
Norwegian Hvitserks SP teams’ dispatches
Hvitserks expeditions (Norwegian)
Proyecto Cumbre SP expedition (Spanish)
Numis Polar Challenge’s website
Omega Foundation - Antarctica 2005
Borge Ousland’s website
Mike Horn’s website
Slovak Trekland team
Ario’s Alone Across Alaska (Italian)
Airborne Ranger Club of Finland NP expedition (Finnish)
Alpine Ascents International
7Summits Club Vinson team
Adventure Consultants
Lewis G. Pugh’s website
Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station
Ice-Challenger van SP trip’s website

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