Todd Carmichael: King of the Antarctic–The Adventurist Interview Part II

Editors Note:  On December 21, 2008 at 6:04 pm, Todd Carmichael became the first American to go solo, unaided, and unsupported to The South Pole.  His adventure would also break the World Speed Record set by Hannah McKeand in 2006.  Before Todd’s historic expedition began, I had the opportunity to interview him about his upcoming adventure.  (You can read that interview here.)  Todd’s time of 39 days, 7 hours, and 49 minutes is quite remarkable pending the circumstances that Todd was fighting through.  Upon his successful completion and a month of recovery time, it is my pleasure to have the opportunity to interview Todd about his historic expedition, finally reaching the Pole in record time, his future, and what exactly was going on in those final two days that communication with Todd was lost.  Much of this interview will surprise many of you for it’s candidness, but anyone who knows him, knows that Todd can only be one way–real.  I hope you enjoy.

Todd, the last time we spoke you were preparing to embark on an expedition to the South Pole. You seemed confident and focused on the adventure at hand. It looks like that confidence and focus payed huge dividends. You are now the first American to go solo and unsupported to the South Pole. You also broke Hannah McKeand’s world speed record for a solo and unsupported expedition. First off, congratulations, and secondly, have you had time to put this all in perspective?

I think I have, but it’s hard to say. This one was so very important to me and the “title” means so much that I’m having a rough time realizing that it is done and that I managed to capture it. What I do know is that friends and family still have a way to go. You see, there was a lot that went on that I wasn’t sharing during the expedition, from coughing up blood the last 10 days to an avalanche of drama that happened the last two days after my communications and navigation systems went down. Now that they know the whole story they have blocked it out I think.

Looking back on this expedition, you ran into some problems right off the bat. The bindings on both skis decided to let go. This unfortunate event may be looked upon as being a key to your future speed record. To my knowledge, nobody has ever WALKED to the South Pole on foot. Do you think that this allowed you to move faster, or do you think your timing suffered by not having the skis?

Aside from some blue ice early on, trekking 690 miles in ski boots is a lot like racing in the Tour de France with your Mom’s three speed - complete with faux wicker basket and thumb bell. Then there is the challenge of not letting it all get you down - even though you’re slugging out an additional 4-5 hours per day on the slim hope you won’t be crushed at the 88th onward, home of the deep powder surface. Overall – I strongly recommend skis if you are serious about making it in one piece, or at all.

Once you got on track, decided to ditch the skis, and make some progress, some interesting things started to happen. You ran into the Shackleton Centenary Expedition, whom allowed you to hold Sir Ernest Shackleton’s original compass. Hannah McKeand and her father contacted you and wished you well on your record run. Looking back at the history and the things that were lining up, when did you sense that history was in the making and that you had a definite shot at obtaining the unthinkable?

It’s hard to say WHEN that moment came, because I was still unbelieving when I finally arrived at the pole. Having said that I do remember when I set my sights on it, at day twelve some 45 miles behind pace and on foot. I did the math and it occurred to me that if I stretched my work day by some 4-5 more hours, I could conceivably do it, if if if and a lot more ifs. Strangely I decided right then to look at it in terms of HAVING IT, that it was indeed mine and that I simply had to fight to keep it. That is how I began to think that 12th day, with Hanna far in the distance. This made me bite down hard into the task and go into this hyper focus mode, so much so I hardly recognized the guy I had become.

Towards the end of your expedition, going into those final two days, contact was lost. Some of us worried that something was wrong. We now know that you decided not to worry about logistics and focused on a major final push. Can you take us back to those final two days, elaborate a little on what was going on, and clue us in to those final moments?

Read more

Matrix Shackleton Centenary Expedition Reaches The South Pole

After 66 days of hauling their sledges, and without any outside assistance, Henry Worsley, Will Gow and Henry Adams today arrived at the South Pole at 0330 hrs GMT. They have travelled 799 nautical miles (919 statute miles or 1471 km) to achieve their goal of completing “unfinished family business”.

The Matrix Shackleton Centenary Team has finally arrived at their destination.  All told, their expedition took 66 days.  That is not a speed record by any definition, but the Shackleton Centenary Team had other priorities with their expedition.  One hundred years ago Ernest Shackleton made the same pilgrimage.  He didn’t reach the Pole, but he did lead the way and show the future route that would eventually be opened up by Roald Amundsen.  The Matrix Shackleton Centenary Expedition involved many people who were directly descended from Ernest Shackleton’s 1909 Nimrod Expedition.  They explained that they had ‘unfinished business’ at the South Pole and wanted to finally bring that coveted piece of adventure back to their familys.

The team has posted a couple of photos of them at both, the ceremonial South Pole and the Geographic South Pole, and are now celebrating their accomplishment.  There are still other members on this expedition who are gunning for the South Pole.  They should arrive at some point today.

I have covered this expedition with quite the interest.  I was even able to interview Henry Worsley before he departed for Antarctica.  You can read that interview here, or you can read an overview of what all the fuss is about.  This was a big expedition that offered some great insight into the previous history of Antarctic exploration.  The Matrix Shackleton Expedition hit all the major points that Ernest Shackleton first discovered.  They took their time and accomplished all of their goals.  Way to go guys!  In the process of this expedition, The Matrix Shackleton Centenary Expedition also made a discovery of their own.  They discovered a previously unpublished poem by Ernest Shackleton tucked away in a book found in Chile.  You can read the cool story on the poem’s discovery and even read the poem at the Shackleton Centenary Expedition website.

An interesting side-note:  The Matrix Shackleton Centenary Expedition took the actual compass that Ernest Shackleton used on his Nimrod expedition.  During the course of this latest adventure, The Shackleton Centenary Expedition would meet up with Todd Carmichael–the first American to go solo and unsupported to the South Pole.  Todd was able to hold the compass in his hands and even talked of this meeting in one of his own audio reports.  Little did he know that only a month later that he would be adding even more history to this historical artifact.  Todd went on to break the solo and unsupported World Speed Record to the South Pole.  Coincidence?  I think Ernest was looking down upon all of them with a grin.  Ernest may have never reached the Pole, but now his descendants have and so has his compass.  Cheers, guys!

Todd Carmichael 2008 Expedition Earth South Pole Update: Challenging Hannah McKeand’s World Speed Record

Todd Carmichael has pushed himself to the brink of doing something unthinkable.  For 31 days, Todd Carmichael has battled the wind, the snow, and the bitter cold of one of the world’s most desolate places.  He started this expedition to the South Pole with the intentions of maybe becoming the first American to go solo and unsupported to the Pole.  Today, roughly 8 days out from his destination, Todd is sitting neck and neck with World Record Holder Hannah McKeand for the fastest solo and unsupported expedition….ever.

Todd’s possible record has not come without a price.  Two days in, one of the bindings on his ski snapped.  He fought through that and rigged it up to work.  The very next day, the binding on the second ski snapped.  After some choice words for the binding manufacturer, Todd got up, tossed his skis aside, and decided to go on foot.  Has anyone actually walked to the South Pole, on foot, solo and unsupported? Probably not. Todd wouldn’t be happy with that record, though.  Eight days from the end, Todd Carmichael has pulled within reach of passing Hannah McKeand’s record breaking pace from 2006.  Hannah made the historic solo and unsupported expedition in a time of 39 days, 10 hours, and 33 minutes.  With just 8 days to go before Todd Carmichael reaches the Pole, it is looking like he may overcome a nearly 20 mile deficit to Hannah’s 2006 pace, to take over the world record.

It hasn’t come without struggle.

Read more

Todd Carmichael Expedition Earth 2008 Update: The 81st Degree

It has been a couple of days since I have posted any polar updates.  One of the reasons being that most teams were battling snowy, white-out conditions and decided to hunker down rather than risk the weather.  The weather has now improved and teams are on the move once again.

The last update that I provided had Todd finally reach the ice of Antarctica.  This had come after a brief stay in Chile where Todd began suffering from the effects of tendonitus and a lung infection.  Luckily, once Todd reached Patriot Hill, Antarctica things seemed to get better.

Many of his updates, up till now, have focused on the weather, how good things are going, and thanking everyone for their thoughts and emails.  A few days back, some of you may remember Todd having some problems with the binding on one of his skis.  He was able to MacGyver that (I know I am old) and get back to being useful, but then the darn thing broke again.  The second fix seems to be holding, but now the binding on his other ski has broken, too.

Read more

Todd Carmichael Begins Quest To Become First Solo and Unsupported American To The South Pole

Todd Carmichael’s quest to become the first American to go solo and unsupported to the South Pole will begin in a matter of days.  On November 2nd, Todd should arrive at the first stop on his expedition, Chile.  From Chile, he will catch a plane that will take him to the frozen tundra of Antarctica where he will be dropped off for what could become a record breaking attempt to reach the South Pole on his own.  No American has done it before.

Many of you will know that I will be following along with Todd during this journey.  I have corresponded with him over the past few months and will continue to follow his journey with updates as I get them.  Along with trying to become the first American to ever reach the South Pole, alone and with no resupply, Todd has been hinting at trying to accomplish his goal in a world record time.  Not only would he become the first American, but he could possibly become the fastest person to ever reach the Pole alone.  Both of these records are highly coveted in the adventure world, and each will present it’s own challenges.  Todd already seems to be up for the challenge.

When Todd steps down on the ice, he will be doing so in support of two separate charities of which he is trying to bring some awareness.  The first involves one of Todd’s personal passions–helping Dr. Galdikus raise funds to help protect orangutans and their habitat.  If you are not familiar with Dr. Galdikus’ work, she is one of the premier Orangutan specialists in the world.  Her work is based out of Borneo, where the Dr. has spent the last 30+ years trying to protect and understand the orangutan’s life and habits in their natural settings.  Her studies have been featured around the world, she has been a National Geographic covergirl and feature story, and is in the process of trying to purchase 12,000 acres of Orangutan habitat.  If you would like to learn more, you can visit Todd’s site, or www.orangutan.com for more information.

Todd’s other project includes the issue of Global Warming.  In his journeys to Antarctica, Todd will be trying to see for himself the impact that climate change may be having on the polar regions of our world.  This will be Todd’s second journey to Antarctica, his second expedition to the pole, but his first one expedition alone.  Todd’s first attempt ended short in 2007 when he had to be rescued from the ice-

This is going to be an exciting expedition, and possibly one for the record books.  I am thrilled to be able to bring a small part of this attempt to The Adventurist, with Todd’s consent, for my readers.  Todd’s a great guy and I can only wish him the best on this journey.  So how does Todd feel right before he leaves?

Training is now in neutral, no more building, only holding. Mentally I’m in that place that feels much like “going down the rabbit hole” - big parts of my normal thoughts are shutting down – and I find myself hiding away, changing in some intangible way.

In many respects this is the hardest part – not only the waiting, but also the change over to that different me. That morph from a daily guy, business owner, husband, friend, hockey fan to that person the Ice requires. Life does not allow such single mindedness - of pulling inside ones self and focusing entirely on one objective. I am at that place where those two worlds collide.

Let’s all wish Todd the best as he departs and heads out on this magnificent journey.  I will be bringing you updates straight from Antarctica as I get them, and hopefully the annoncement of a new American and world South Pole record.  Keep Todd in your thoughts and prayers while he embarks on this journey, and come back here for the latest updates.  Better yet, subscribe to my free email updates.

Help Wanted: Land A Job Trekking To The South Pole With British Adventuress Felicity Aston

Felicity Aston is in need of a trekking partner for her upcoming South pole adventure.  She will be taking part in the Commonwealth Expedition to the South Pole, it looks like they are one member short.  They are pretty specific on the groups needs, though. (Simmer down guys)  This group comprises of eight women, one each from the British commonwealth nations.  One problem.  They still don’t have a representative from New Zealand.

Felicity Aston and the Commonwealth Expedition has put out a call in search of their Kiwi counterpart.  The chosen FEMALE does not have to be a superhuman person.  Whoever is chosen will be involved in a rigorous training session before this adventure begins.  They would like to have someone represent New Zealand on this expedition.

The expedition will last 30-50 days and comprise of two teams of four.  Felicty is adament about trying to match personalities for this long adventure.  Nothing worse than a cat fight in Antarctica..

If this sounds like it could be of interest, you are encouraged to fill out an application.  My guess is that all costs are being covered, even though that isn’t discussed in the Stuff.co.nz article. Also, the application process ends on August 15th, so be sure to get your name in the hat early!

Must Read Interview: Henry Worsley of the 2008 Shackleton Centenary Expedition

Shackleton. Scott. Amundsen. Mawson. Each of these individuals exemplify the early days of polar exploration and adventure. Their names have been written down in history books around the world. Their adventures, trials, and tribulations have become the backdrop for many explorers and adventurers that still look to them for inspiration. They are men of myth, men of legend, and men of intrigue. Their stories still consume us and occupy a small part of our minds that will forever make us yearn to strive farther and harder, pushing our boundaries to their utmost limits.

Ernest Shackleton, whom most people regard as one of the greatest polar explorers to ever live, never achieved his dream of reaching the South Pole. He was turned back less than 112 miles away from his original goal. In 1911, Roald Amundsen would beat him to the mark. Although Shackleton wasn’t the first to reach the South Pole, he is still remembered fondly for laying the groundwork that would eventually lead to it’s discovery. Through the course of his explorations, Shackleton was able to break many previous records for farthest person south. Just not the first to the South Pole.

In 2008, the Shackleton Centenary Expedition is set to launch. This expedition, led by Henry Worsley, will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Ernest Shackleton’s 1909 polar expedition aboard the Nimrod. The Shackleton Centenary Expedition will follow the same course, visit the same places, and hopefully reach the South Pole, much as Ernest Shackleton attempted to do in 1909.

Perhaps it runs in the family. Members of the Shackleton Centenary Expedition are directly related to those who were on the original Ernest Shackleton Expedition of 1909. It is a big undertaking that should draw up much interest in polar history, as well as help launch The Shackleton Foundation, a new charitable trust that will be used to honor the original crew of Ernest Shackleton’s expeditions, as well as celebrate the pioneering spirit, through grants and other means, to those who strive to help the less-fortunate of today.

I feel privelidged and honored to be able to present to you an exclusive interview with Henry Worsley, leader of the 2008 Shackleton Centenary Expedition to the South Pole:

Henry, first off, welcome to The Adventurist and thank-you for taking the time to speak with me. In 2008, you and your crew mates are planning on launching the Shackleton Centenary Expedition. How are things looking on your end? Are preparations going smoothly?

Read more

The Adventurist: Todd Carmichael Teaser..And a Quick Update..

A few days back, I posted an article about Todd Carmichael and his upcoming solo and unsupported trek to the South Pole. Todd’s goal is to become the first American to accomplish this feat, solo and unsupported, while becoming only the third person in the world to have achieved this.

I recently had the opportunity to interview Todd for The Adventurist. I will be getting that interview up in a couple of days. That should give you something to look forward to.

While I am speaking of interviews..The Shackleton Centenary Expedition…..Alan Arnette……Jamie McGuinness are all on the horizon. You can say that I have had an interesting week..

U.S. Outdoors Today is also coming together nicely. We are planning a July 4th kick-off for this latest project. Some things are in place, others will be forthcoming, and we have a few fun things in store there, as well.

Be sure to sign-up for The Adventurist RSS Feed, by any feedreader or through the email updates, to make sure you don’t miss out on the fun.

Expedition Earth: Mission 2008–The South Pole–Todd Carmichael

This will be an expedition of possible historic proportions. Todd Carmichael will be attempting to become the first American to the South Pole. Unaided, Unsupported, and Solo.

The Adventurist will be working with Todd over the coming months leading in to this fantastic journey. Todd has given me the opportunity to conduct a couple of exclusive interviews, one before his expedition takes off, and one after it is completed. Todd has also given me permission to post dispatch updates in regards to this Expedition as he pushes towards the South Pole.

Enjoy the video, then come back for more information, interviews, and dispatches in regards to Todd Carmichael’s Expedition Earth: Mission 2008–The South Pole Expedition. It should an amazing journey.

While I am thinking about it, I have also been in contact with the Shackleton Centenary Expedition to the South Pole. I should have an interview up from them, as well, in a couple of days. Some pretty cool stuff coming up, subscribe to my email newsletter or RSS Feed in Any Reader, to make sure you catch the latest.

The Adventurist

Ernest Shackleton’s Descendants Relaunching Famed 1909 Nimrod Expedition

Sometimes I wonder where the hell I have been. I spend hours and hours rounding up some of the biggest and best adventure news for this site, and still, things get by me.

Case in point:

At exactly 10am on October 28th, 1908, Shackleton and his team set off from Hut Point for the South Pole. One hundred years later, the SCE ice team intends to do the same.

The SCE ice team just happens to be the descendants of Ernest Shackleton, himself. SCE stands for the Shackleton Centenary Expedition, who happens to be moving forward with a plan to recreate the unfortunate events of 1908–although this time, make it a success.

Back in 1908, Ernest Shackleton decided to set out for the South Pole. While being a success to some degree, Shackleton’s biggest goal eluded him. A mere 97 miles from the South Pole, Shackleton and his team of Explorers were forced to head back from where they came. This is a noteworthy moment in the fact that Ernest Shackleton and his crew survived to tell their tales. This also sparked the race for the South Pole, a race that would end tragically for one explorer, but make a hero out of another.

The South Pole was finally reached on December 14, 1911 by Norwegian Roald Amundsen. A month later, Amundsen’s South Pole competitor, Robert Falcon Scott reached the pole only to find out that Amundsen had been their first. Scott’s return trip would end in tragedy as he and four expedition members would die of starvation and extreme temperatures. Many books have been written on this subject and are widely available.

The Shackleton Centenary Expedition will focus on the first attempt on the South Pole. Along with this historical occasion to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Nimrod Expedition, the SCE will be conducting some scientific research to go along with their voyage.

The expedition’s plan is to travel along the length of the Beardmore Glacier - one of the great glaciers of the world - and then across the upper reaches of its drainage basin en route to the South Pole.

This provides a rare opportunity to collect scientific information important for the study of the behaviour of this major glacier in relation to climate and to collect rock samples that may reveal details of the geology of land submerged beneath the interior ice.

As I mentioned, in 1908 Shackleton’s Nimrod Expedition wasn’t a total failure in any sense of the word. Shackleton and his team were the first to climb a peak in Antarctica, Mt. Erebus, as well as the first to discover the ‘magnetic’ South Pole. Much like this first expedition into the Antarctic, the SCE team will be looking to do the same. This includes a pit stop to Mt. Erebus, then on to the Ross Ice Shelf, the Beardmore Glacier, then hopefully to the Pole itself. The team will be embarking on this expedition and going unguided, traversing most of the distance on skis. They are hoping to complete an epic journey first started back in 1908 by Ernest Shackleton. It should be an exciting expedition, and one I will have to keep my eyes on.

The Shackleton Centenary Expedition has put up a great website outlining this expedition, as well as following along on the first South Pole attempt by their ancestors. To get more information on the course for this trek, you can CLICK HERE. To read more on the team members, and yes, there is a Shackleton connection with each of them, You can read about them HERE. To check out the whole site, including Shackleton’s own Expedition, then I suggest you head HERE.

Is this getting annoying yet? Alright, to break the cycle and have a little fun, if you would like to see the latest NUDE PHOTO of Mariah Carey, Click HERE. I am just testing to see if you reading and paying attention. I am not promising that that is where the link will take you, though. Remember, I try to run a family friendly site.

Next Page »