Todd Carmichael Expedition Earth 2008: “I’m On The Ice!!!”

November 11, 2008

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Todd Carmichael has landed safely near Patriot Hills, Antarctica. He will now take a couple of days to get use to his surroundings (or lack thereof), take a practice run with his sled, then head off to Hercules Inlet where he will begin his quest to become the first American to go solo and unsupported to the South Pole.

You might remember my previous post, a couple of days ago, where I mentioned that Todd was suffering with a lung infection and tendinitis. Before his flight took off today, Todd mentioned that his lungs were feeling better, but the tendinitis may have to be dealt with on the ice. He thinks it may have to do with his lack of training over the past couple of days. He is hoping that once he gets going that the legs will come back around and not be a major factor on this expedition.

It is interesting to note that in today’s dispatch Todd alludes to how heavy the sled is. He mentions that the sled, packed with the equipment to get Todd to the South Pole, feels quite heavy compared to last year. The reasoning behind this could be one of two factors.

Factor #1: When Todd attempted to reach the South Pole last year, he had his partner with him, British adventurer Jason de Carteret. Even though Jason was airlifted from Antarctica only eight days in, the two were able to split their supplies up on two sleds, till the point where Jason was airlifted. Following Jason’s departure, Todd ventured on. Todd was hampered by bad weather at this point and was forced to take some downtime. Without having the full weight of his sled on him at all times, this may have led Todd to believe that the sled was lighter than it really was. Without the constant movement, he would have more energy, in shorter bursts, for the sled.

Factor #2: On an expedition to the South Pole, especially when you are going solo and unsupported, the further you get the lighter the sled becomes. That is common sense, I know. Since Todd’s last thoughts of traveling in Antarctica came almost two weeks in to the trip, perhaps he had forgoten how heavy the sled was when he began.

I know these are just two circumstantial instances of what is taking place and may not even explain the situation, but I do know that in the coming days Todd will be hitting his stride. He is shooting to become the first American to go solo and unsupported and is also taking on the world speed record for a solo and unsupported South Pole expedition. The current speed record holder is british female adventurer Hannah McKeand, who completed the journey in an amazing 40 days, using the same route that Todd will be taking.

Todd is reporting -15 degrees and no wind. All of us know how fast these things can change at the bottom of the world. Let’s wish Todd well and hope for a good run. I will bring the latest updates as I get them.

Todd Carmichael’s Expedition Earth South Pole 2008 Expedition is being done to help support two different causes that are close to Todd’s heart. The first involves www.orangutan.org. This foundation is trying to raise funds and awareness for Borneo’s Orangutans and their habitat. This organization is led by the efforts of world famous Orangutan scientist Dr. Birute Galdikas. Todd has been involved with this organization for quite a few years and he would appreciate it if you stop by and check out the site.

Todd’s second helping hand will be some scientific reporting on the effects of Global Warming in the Antarctic. Todd’s expedition sponsors include Lindi Skin, La Colombe Torrefaction, Young Presidents Organization, Voyage Concepts, Kennedy Health Systems, and the Geographical Society of Philadelphia. Stop by, check them out, and tell them that you are rooting Todd on. I know all of them would appreciate it.

Photo courtesy ExposedPlanet.com through a creative commons license on Flickr.

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