21 January 2007 The final day saw the team complete the final 75 nautical miles of their epic 1,200 nautical mile expedition. As has been the pattern throughout the kite journey the winds kept the team on their toes; several kite changes and change of line lengths due to variable wind speeds - 5 knots to 35 knots. Message from Captain Sean Chapple RM, Expedition Leader: "Mission Accomplished! Arriving back at Patriot Hills was a moving occasion, a real sense of achievement at completing our 1,400 nautical mile journey, the longest Antarctic journey in British military history. The return journey has been far more demanding than anticipated, due to winds this January being particularly erratic, bodies run down from the haul into the Pole and minor injuries. However, through exceptional teamwork we have achieved our objective and I hope shared with you our trials and tribulations along the way. 19 January 2007
 | | Climbing the ice plateau |
With wind at 22-25 knots the team carefully raised their smallest kites on their shortest lines and set their sights on the Patriot Hills. Extract from Paul's diary: "I had no real perception of what this long-range kiting melarchy was going to be like! Obviously, we'd practiced in Norway, but 700 miles on wilderness has its differences. "As we closed-up for an 'everyone ok check' after almost three hours of kiting, it dawned on us all how much the wind had increased during the past few minutes. "Ten minutes previously, I had been blown like a rag-doll several feet off the ground and away from my track. I had held my position in the air (either sound parachuting skills or utter luck), but was deposited messily on the ice. "We'll sit and relax here until we feel an easing of the conditions, then be off." 17 January 2007 The team have been tent-bound throughout much of the 16th, due to a howling Antarctic blizzard.
 | | Andy, Craig and Paul ready for another day |
High winds, much snow and minimal visibility ensured that the kites remained bagged-up and that their mileage 'marked-time'. 12 January 2007 The team have had a rollercoaster of a day with moderate winds before 25 knot gusts engulfed the them, body lifting and injuring Sean. After some kite changes near perfect conditions saw the team pass Thiel Mountains and cover 37 Nautical miles (42.5 statute miles/69 kilometres). The expedition has learnt that the other return expeditions this season, from New Zealand and USA, have all aborted their return kite trips. 27 December 2006 The Polar quest expedition team reached the geographical South Pole at 0218 on 27 December. The team members are in high spirits having traced the footsteps of the famous British explorer Captain Robert Falcon Scott. On reaching the pole flew the UK, Royal Navy and Royal Marines flags and a replica of Captain Scott's flag. Having been on the move for over 36 hours the team are now taking the opportunity to have some rest before commencing the return journey and have established 'Pole Camp' just 50 metres from the South Pole. Team leader Capt Sean Chapple said: "As I stood at the South Pole I was unable to contain the overwhelming feeling of relief and my eyes filled with tears. "I had reached the end of the most physically and mentally demanding journey of my life and it was as if my body had given up after 45 days of relentless exertion."
 | | A tasty snack of chocolate and cheese |
After skiing and walking to the Pole, the team will now turn around and complete their 1,450 mile (2,334 km) return journey using giant kites. Personal message from Admiral Jonathan Band, First Sea Lord: "Very many congratulations on reaching the geographical South Pole. While I am very aware that this only marks the half-way point of your epic journey it is nevertheless a magnificent feat. "Your expedition is proving to be a journey of firsts the first British military return journey to the South Pole; the first Royal Marines to walk unsupported to the South Pole and the first Service Expedition to the region since Capt Scott in 1912 and it is exactly this ground-breaking approach to life that epitomises all that is great about the RN and RM. "You expedition is in the very finest traditions of the many great and heroic explorations of the past; good luck with the remainder of your journey we will be watching your continuing travels with the closest interest." 26 December 2006 A British military team's making its final push on what's hoped to be a record-breaking trek in Antarctica after enjoying a Christmas break. The team of Royal Marines left Patriot Hills in Antarctica in early November and have pushed themselves to the limits of human endurance. Each man has pulled a sledge weighing 20 stone containing everything they need to survive. They've been skiing and walking in minus 27 degrees Celsius. Captain Sean Chapple, who's leading the team, says they hope to arrive at the South Pole by lunchtime on Boxing Day (British time). Once they arrive at the Pole, they will fly the flags of the United Kingdom, Royal Navy, Royal Marines and a replica of Captain Scott's flag. The team will then hold a remembrance service for Captain Scott and all those who have died exploring the polar regions. They will make the 1,450 mile return journey using giant kites to harness the wind and take them home in 15 to 20 days. 25 December 2006: 3.07pm The team completed another 14 nautical miles today, and climbed the final set of slopes to the summit plateau. They have now stopped short of the Pole in order to rest and celebrate Christmas Day, before setting off for their final haul to the Pole later this evening. Since the Amundsen-Scot Research Base works on New Zealand time, they should arrive during their working day and will hopefully have an opportunity to meet the resident scientists of the base. The team have been delighted to receive so many messages of support from families and friends and, in particular, telephone calls from the Secretary of State for Defence, the First Sea Lord, the Commander-in-Chief of the Fleet and the Commandant General Royal Marines. Extract from Andy's diary: "We are currently sitting in the tent, opening the few Christmas goodies we allowed ourselves in our luxuries bags, and decorating the tent in as festive style as we can manage. "This evening after Christmas dinner and some sleep, we will be making our final push to the South Pole, hoping to arrive sometime in the small hours. "The last week has probably been physically the hardest of my life, a feeling shared by most of the team. At times it has felt impossible that we'd ever get to the end of the day, let alone the Pole. "Yesterday however, we were treated to one of those rare displays by nature which takes your breath away. "We left the tent in fairly still and sunny conditions, with high wispy cirrus and good visibility to a hazy horizon. Looking up we could see ice crystals being blown from the north east, looking like a thousand tiny silver bullets streaming towards the sun. 24 December 2006 The team continue to push ever southwards and have just completed a 17.7 nautical mile haul and are now within 35 miles of the South Pole. The team began the final push on Christmas Eve evening with the intent to stop short of the South Pole in order to establish their Christmas Camp. They will enjoy the day and make and receive phone calls before pushing onto the Amundsen-Scott Base (US) and South Pole. The base operates on time zone GMT/UTC - 12 therefore the team will aim to move onto the base and the Pole late Christmas Day evening in order to be welcomed and received by the base staff. Extract from Craig's diary: "Another tough day today but one which took us ever closer to our goal. The biggest challenge now is without doubt the mental one; just keeping one's mind busy. "Very soon we will have the privilege of being able to walk through every world time zone and straddle the international date line. "Time stands still for none of us and it has sunk in now that what we are undertaking is a tremendous thing and every photograph we take captures a priceless moment that can never be replayed." 21 December 2006 The temperature was a little warmer than yesterday at -21C as the team left the last of the disturbed ice marked on the map. Going underfoot is still very slow and laborious. Despite this, the team managed to make 16 nautical miles and things are still going according to plan. Extract from Andy's diary: "Today was probably the hardest day of the trip so far for me. We have all had days like this but until now I've escaped fairly lightly. "Last night we all collapsed into the tent after the fifth day in a row climbing onto the polar plateau, and when I awoke this morning I still felt drained and really didn't feel like leaving my sleeping bag, let alone the tent. During the first leg I felt very weak, miserable and despondent, and I don't mind admitting I was pretty close to tears for no particular reason I could work out. "I don't think I have ever felt so utterly exhausted in my life. Then I became quite angry with myself as I thought about all the friends, loved ones and hundreds of patients I know who have to endure far harder circumstances over which they have no control at all in their daily lives. "After all, this was only a day out exercising on skis, and I'm supposed to enjoy that sort of thing aren't I?" 20 December 2006 The temperature today dropped to -27C which made the surface very difficult for the sledges to glide over. The team pushed out 13.3 nautical miles and are still on target for arrival at the South Pole on Christmas Day. As the Marines approach the final hurdles team leader Sean Chapple thanked everyone who has supported their expedition. "As we approach our last 100 hundred miles I am immensely grateful to the many organisations and individuals that have invested their confidence in this venture." 17 December 2006 The team had one of their toughest days yet today, with a relentless climb uphill across the grain of big sastrugi. After an exhausting final session, the team pitched camp at 15.8 nautical miles. They have now climbed a substantial way onto the Polar Plateau and are on track to cross 88 degrees South on Monday. Extract from Sean's diary: "Less than 130 nautical miles to go! Despite the increased workload and longer days, the days seem to be passing quicker as we near the Pole. "Moral in the team is very high and I can sense the excitement building." Extract from Andy's diary: "I'm glad to be in the tent tonight after running on empty for most of the final leg. As I was climbing the endless hill today with my sledge weighing a piffling 60kg, I was thinking about why we have been finding it so hard for the last couple of days, and then I remembered that we are now at quite high altitude. "Three thousands metres is easily high enough to experience the effects of reduced oxygen. Muscles tire more easily, breathing is harder and you become exhausted much quicker. "We have spent 5 weeks training our bodies to use fat as the main fuel, but fat needs lots of oxygen to burn efficiently. When oxygen is in shorter supply the body starts using sugar at a faster rate and, when this runs out, we feel exhausted." 15 December 2006 Last night Sean briefed the team on his plan for the final push to the South Pole; his '10-Day Plan' which aims to see the team marching onto Scott's South Pole Camp location on Christmas Day at around midday. When the team arrive at Scott's Pole Camp the flags of the United Kingdom, Royal Navy, Royal Marines and a replica of Captain Scott's flag will be flown and a Remembrance Service conducted. Sean's 10-Day Plan is based on the team achieving a minimum number of miles per day, the opposite to the past 34 days where progress has been based on a set number of hauling hours per day. 13 December 2006 During the final leg of the day, a violent snow storm came down, reducing visibility to less than 50m. So the team decided to finish the day early after travelling 15.1 nautical miles. Extract from Andy's diary: "After 32 days of skiing hard for several hours a day, our bodies are inevitably beginning to show some signs of wear. "The main thing we have all suffered from is chillblains. These are painful, itchy swellings that occur in areas exposed to prolonged cold. "As well as the cold, the strain dragging the sledge is taking its toll. We have all had upper back spasms, pains in our feet and occasional pain in our Achilles tendons on days when we're climbing hills. We've also had numb toes from our boots, but surprisingly not many blisters." 11 December 2006 The team awoke after their Sunday morning 'lie-in' (a full 45 mins) and met a perfect ski day. Blue skies, -7C and two knots of breeze. Extract from Scott's diary: "As you are aware - our exped falls over the centenary period of those great pioneers - Scott and Shackleton. "One thing that regularly crosses my mind during the long hauling sessions, is how those early explorers managed and survived with the equipment, dress and rations available to them during their time. "Scott was a pioneer, a real explorer - a true adventurer - covering uncharted and unknown ground. Us - with all our modern gizmos, special rations & 'gucci' bits & bobs..... there is of course no sensible comparison to be drawn here - different era, intent, ambition and venture." 9 December 2006 The team are preparing for the climb to the South Pole polar plateau. Good progress allowed team leader Sean to call a short day today in order to provide his colleagues with a few extra minutes tent time to catch up on some rest. Extract from Sean's diary: "Progress is very strong. The team are like a pack of prime racehorses always chomping at the bit to push hard and do more; my challenge is to harness this drive and determination and manage our efforts to avoid injury and extreme fatigue." 8 December 2006 Perfect weather conditions allowed the team to pull off its best day so far, with each team member managing a personal best distance for their leg. A total of 18.4 nautical miles were covered and the team is now several miles ahead of schedule. 7 December 2006 The team crossed the 85 South Latitude, a milestone in their expedition, as it marked the half way point in their journey to the South Pole. Temperatures remained stable at around -10C with a maximum 13 knots of wind. Extract from Paul's diary: "Our working days are full and physically very demanding, but high mileage is what we are currently chasing and clearly this requires time in the skis. "Twenty six consecutive days of hauling is starting to have an effect on my veteran frame however! I do not 'spring' from my sleeping bag of a morning and rub my hands with fresh snow in anticipation of the days challenges. "Most encouragingly we are 'over the hump' as regards distance and time, and our 'light' is Christmas at the Pole. "Clearly, the weather, fitness, kit and all manner of variables will influence our efforts over the coming miles - but with God's speed, Lady Luck and a well behaved Shanks's pony - we will make the RV (before turning around and going back again!)." 5 December 2006 The team had a hard day with flat light and a fairly strong headwind. Halfway through the first leg of the day, the Thiels mountains were visible for the first time. This range straddles 85 degrees South, and marks the halfway point of the trip. Most expeditions use Thiels as their re-supply point, but the Polar Quest team are unsupported and so will not be receiving new supplies. They will be avoiding passing too closely to the mountains to avoid areas of disturbed ice which often occur close to features. Towards the end of the day the team found themselves in a crevasse field which slowed progress for the day as a whole to 13.4nm. Towards the end of the day the team were about to cross what appeared to be a 3m wide ditch, when it gave way to reveal a hole beneath the windslab. This had an ominous blue light shining up through and turned out to be a highly dangerous crevasse field. In this part of the Antarctic crevasses can be several hundred metres deep. 29 November 2006 The team had a challenging day with the wild southerly winds returning to test their metal. These winds are proving significantly stronger than expected - with 36 knots being recorded at midday. In addition the surface consisted of sastrugi (ice folds) to 60cm and frequent patches of soft loose snow - which has made it more difficult to drag the sledges. The team have begun to ramp-up the number of hours each day they haul the sledges. The first day on this new schedule saw them notch up 15.9 nautical miles (18.3miles/29.5km). 27 November 2006 Another good day for the team covering 15.2 nautical miles (28 kilometres/17.5 statute miles). Conditions have been variable from clear blue sky and sunshine to overcast, dull and visibility down to 30 metres. 25 November 2006 Another tough day's hauling for the team with a 41 knot head wind and with a still air temperature of -18C the windchill (real temperature on exposed flesh) was -44 C. To protect themselves it was full protection - balaclavas, down mits and goggles. All their cookers now working so the team will have a nice hot meal tonight. Distance remaining for the team to complete their record breaking round trip and Grand Slam - 1,054 nautical miles or 1,212 statute miles or 1,950 kilometres. 23 November 2006 Weather conditions have been favourable at -21 C and a steady southwesterly wind. The terrain has not been so favourable with the team having a steady climb throughout the day through increasing fields of sastrugi (ice folds). Some minor injuries are now beginning to surface such as blistered heels, windburn and general muscle aches. In terms of distance covered so far - the equivalent of Land's End to Cullompton! | 
