A new eraA new era has begun for the centenary expedition. We have sighted land! Little white peaks were suddenly visible above the horizon in the southwest. They mark the end (or perhaps the beginning) of the Ross Ice Shelf, and they definitely mark the beginning of the ascent to the Antarctic plateau. The sighting was greeted with great jubilation and celebrated with an extra piece of chocolate at lunchtime. We are nearing the end of the first 700 kilometres.
“An eventful day. We soon reached the wave mentioned yesterday. It was very high – 300 ft. according to the barometer.”– Amundsen on this day 100 years ago (Read more …) 
Today we also passed the starting point of Asle T. Johansen's expedition. Those three men, two of whom are using gear from Amundsen’s time, are retracing Amundsen’s route from that point. We have been informed that they are currently at the base of the Axel Heiberg Glacier. Somewhere behind us we have British Army expedition, which set out a couple weeks ago. They are covering the same distance as we are, but without depots. Impressive! Position: S 83 04.936, W 164 43.885
Temperature: -18°C Wind: 5 m/s from the south Distance traversed: 35 km Distance behind Amundsen: 231 km Did you know that Helmer Hanssen accompanied Roald Amundsen on three expeditions?
Helmer Hanssen (1870–1956) from Vesterålen in northern Norway accompanied Roald Amundsen on three of his expeditions. |
South Pole 1911–2011 is an informational outreach project run by the Norwegian Polar Institute
Contact person:
