Day 6
S80 29' 49.20", W80 19' 34.32"
///dusting.transmitters.propels
Finally conditions have improved. But Martin continues to find the journey tough. The team call the doctor.
“Hi everyone. It’s Martin.
So this morning we got up, and we didn’t have a great deal of sleep last night because it was quite windy again; but by the time the morning came the wind had calmed down a little bit which was good. We got ready and then opened the tent. There was a whiteout outside. Couldn’t see a thing. This place is brutal. It just keeps on flipping hitting you with different things every day. Anyway, we got going. And Lou was up front for the first stint. And I felt really good for the first 90 minutes. And then we switched.
I went forward. And it was a completely different ballgame in a whiteout conditions, going up front. Following Lou’s his pulk and following his route was quite easy, because I could use him as a reference point; you could see the terrain. But as soon as I got up front, I couldn’t see anything, and I was skiing by feel again. I had another fall. This time full frontal, onto the face. And I was worried that I might have damaged our compass frame. So we navigate using something called a globally-rated compass, and that sits into this little frame. Lou’s got us a harness that goes over your chest, and it keeps it out in front of you throughout the day, so you can just keep on marching on your bearing. And I thought I might have damaged that ‘cause my full body weight went forward. Luckily we didn’t, it was just the frame that was bent a little, but we managed to get it back into shape. So we got up and carried on.
Again, that stint, I’m still struggling with the balance on the sastrugi, with one pole. And the physicality of that is taking its toll. So, we only did four stints today, a shorter day. We did less than 8 miles unfortunately. I was just spent. Retching again today. Luckily there was no vomiting, just retching. But I think it’s just getting used to the environment and getting used to this terrain. Which is pretty brutal, if I’m honest. I’m hoping that the balance improves with one arm.
We’ve pitched the tent, and got ourselves into the tent routine, had a bit of rest and now I’m starting to feel a bit better. Spoke to the doctor from ALE at Union Glacier. He’s given me some anti-sickness pills that we had in our med pack. So I’ve got some meds there which will hopefully sort me out.
And for the first time since we arrived, since we started, it’s stopped blowing with massive wind. So I’m hoping tonight I actually get a decent night’s kip. And funny old thing, we started making dinner, looked outside, and the flipping cloud was all cleared and it’s perfect skiing conditions now. So a little bit gutted about that. Hoping it stays this way for tomorrow so we can actually get one decent day’s skiing done with decent visibility.
Anyway, I hope you’re enjoying my misery. Lou’s absolutely fine; loving it. I’m in clip.
Cheers. Goodnight.”
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