Grumbling feebly about how cold the day was, the team travelled to visit the hallowed Scott Polar Research Institute at Cambridge University last Friday. 

SPRI was founded in 1920 as a memorial to Captain Robert Scott and his four companions, who died returning from the South Pole in 1912. When Scott’s last words, ”For God’s sake look after our people” were made known to the British nation, the response was tremendous. From this plea, the Institute was born.

The Institute is the oldest international centre for Polar Research within a university. During the early years when it occupied one room in the Sedgwick Museum of Geology in Cambridge, the Institute’s aim was to provide a place where polar travellers and explorers could meet, and where material of polar interest might be collected and made accessible for future research.

As well as the fantastic Shackleton Memorial Library and online Picture Library, there is a small museum exhibiting some fascinating polar memorabilia. Letters sent from Scott to the relatives of his dying companions, Oates’ sleeping bag, Frank Debenham’s sledging harness… all sorts of things to set the hairs on the back of my neck tingling, and to quicken the pulse as I reflected on how, one year from now, we will be following in their footsteps. The museum reminded me of the excitement of expedition planning, and how much Scott’s journey still impacts on our emotions today. 

We had travelled to SPRI to talk to David Rootes. David is an expert on Antarctica, with decades of valuable experience. He was very generous with his time and talked with us about the various logistical challenges we face concerning getting into, and out of, Antarctica. We came away from the meeting reassured that our plans are sound, and more determined than ever to find a title sponsor as soon as possible. ]]> http://south.bensaunders.com/2008/12/a-visit-to-the-scott-polar-research-institute/feed/ http://south.bensaunders.com/2008/12/training-in-the-lake-district/ http://south.bensaunders.com/2008/12/training-in-the-lake-district/#comments Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:17:38 +0000 Al http://south.bensaunders.com/?p=173 Here is a short introductory video to the Bob Graham Round that we are currently training for. The challenge is a focus to help keep us motivated as we build up towards Antarctica. It was great for us all to pile into the Land Rover, escape London, and head for the hills.

However the next year, aged 42, Bob successfully covered 42 peaks within 24 hours. A legend was born. For this feat was not matched until 1960, by which time it had acquired near-mythical status.  The ‘Bob Graham Round‘ became the benchmark for long-distance fell runners to test themselves against. 70 years on, the task is as difficult as ever.

Covering the Bob Graham Round’s 42 Peaks, 66 miles and 27,000 feet of ascent (equivalent almost to the height of Everest) within a 24-hour period is a massive test of endurance. The BGR is so difficult that it has been dubbed ‘England’s Everest’. Few have heard of the challenge; fewer still have accomplished it. Ben, Andy and I decided that it would be a great challenge for Ben and me to work towards as preparation -both physical and mental- for SOUTH. The folklore of the hard and humble men who have accomplished astonishing physical feats on the empty, silent mountains excited us all. It will feel like a real honour to me if we can complete the Round. To succeed we will need to be extremely fit, as well as completely comfortable with navigating round the mountains at night. We will also be massively reliant on our one-man support team (Andy) meeting us at allotted locations around the course with hot food and logistical support.

Last week the three of us loaded up the Land Rover and headed for the hills to begin our training, filming, kit testing and reconnaissance. Despite the 5am alarm call it was a pleasure, as always, to get away from London and into the wild. Piling out of the car into the fresh, quiet Lakeland air I was excited that we were actually beginning to work towards this goal that has enticed me for a couple of years. We stuffed small day packs with Mars bars and Mule bars, sorted out our maps, chucked all our London clothes (and London stresses) into the back of the Landy, and headed for the hills.
We climbed up into the mist and ran for 6 hours. Occasional brief chinks in the clouds teased us with glimpses of the glorious landscape we were in, as well as confirming that we were actually where we thought we were! We made notes of the compass bearings we set, the lie of the land, and the time it took us on each section. When we attempt the BGR for real much of it will be done in the dark, probably in foul weather, so this preparation will pay dividends. There is no time margin available for getting lost.

Our high spirits waned only slightly as we climbed Fairfield in the dark. The scree slope was ridiculously steep and our stomachs were hinting that it was time to stop this nonsense. What must be the highest mouse in England (873m) cheered us up, nibbling on hikers’ crumbs in our torchlight on the summit. We ran back down the mountain to Andy and dinner.

We were back in the hills at dawn the next morning, thighs burning with indignation as we pushed hard back up into the clouds. It was 8am, rush hour for the rest of the world. We were completely alone, seen only by a few disinterested sheep and a herd of deer. I really love the sensation of feeling completely in control on a high peak in bad weather. Understanding the map, well-protected with quality mountain equipment, and fit enough to run on and on. I felt all the petty irritations of London life fade away into a far simpler mindset of just putting one foot in front of the other and eating lots.

Late that afternoon the mist suddenly faded away. We found ourselves beneath a bright blue sky on top of all of England. Below us lay a sea of gleaming cloud. Only the Lakeland peaks we had been bagging were visible above the cloud. It was a scene of incredible beauty and we felt so, so chuffed to be there to experience it… A bellow of “GET A MOVE ON!” broke into our quiet reverie. Andy had climbed Scafell Pike and clearly felt we were dawdling. We ended our 11-hour day scampering down the mountains in the dark once again, tired, hungry but happy, our head torches picking out the best route through the scree and down to Wasdale Head.

Ben and I are now completely hooked on the challenge of the BGR. We feel that, if we navigate like ninjas, can block out sufficient pain, and just keep on moving, then the Round is just about achievable. It seems phenomenally tough, but we think we can do it. We’re looking forward to heading back up there next week for another session. Watch this space.
(You can view some more images here)