CANADIAN ADVENTURER, MEAGAN MCGRATH, BECOMES CANADA'S FIRST PERSON TO SKI SOLO TO THE SOUTH POLE
SUDBURY, ON (JANUARY 15, 2010) - Canadian adventurer, Meagan McGrath (32) has arrived at the Geographic South Pole! The former Sudburian and Major in the Canadian Air Force reached her goal destination on January 15, 2010 at 3:58 p.m. Eastern Standard Time after a 40 day solo journey which spanned a total of 1,045 kilometres. In doing so, she has become Canada's first person to ski solo, unassisted and unsupported, to the South Pole!
McGrath skied approximately 28 kilometres (14.97 nautical miles) on January 15th, to reach her goal destination. She has been greeted, as a welcome guest, by the group at Amundsen Scott Station. Due to antenna problems, McGrath has not yet been able to make contact with the media, but is currently working to rectify the problem.
"I am extremely proud of Meagan McGrath and everything she has overcome to achieve this extraordinary feat," said Jim Marchbank, Science North CEO. "Meagan is a real scientist doing real science when she embarks on these expeditions, and Science North is honoured to have the opportunity to follow her and share her discoveries and achievements with members of the public, including youth. I look forward to congratulating her on such an outstanding personal success."
In early December, McGrath was forced to reassess the eventual success of her Antarctic Odyssey. On December 2, 2009 - the second day of her expedition which originally started from the coast of Antarctica at Hercules Inlet - she suffered minor injuries after falling into a crevasse. A team from Patriot Hills (a commercially operated base camp in Antarctica), successfully retrieved McGrath and all of her expedition gear.
On December 7, 2009, after much thought, consultation with several experts in Polar travel, and some modifications to her skis, McGrath started her Antarctic Odyssey again, this time departing from Patriot Hills, Antarctica. She began her journey pulling sleds that weighed an estimated 91 kilograms (200 pounds) and carrying about 18 kilograms (40 pounds) of fuel and supplies on her back.
Throughout the next 40 days, McGrath skied approximately 10 to 12 hours per day and experienced several challenges. She travelled through many white-outs, and often had difficulty recharging her battery-powered devices, including an Iridium satellite phone, due to lack of sunlight. As a result she was often forced to keep her batteries on conservation mode, limiting contact with Science North and her Expedition Communications Manager. Despite this, McGrath maintained daily contact with the South Pole expedition agency Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions (ALE) to report her status.
This week, as McGrath crossed the 89th Degree, making her final push for the Geographic South Pole (which is located at 90 Degrees), she announced that she was fighting a chest infection, which was slowing her progress slightly.
Now that McGrath has reached the South Pole, she will camp out for a few days awaiting her pick-up flight back to Patriot Hills. At this point, McGrath plans to depart Punta Arenas, Chile on January 28th to fly back to Canada.
Tickets to Meagan McGrath?s public presentation about the Antarctic Odyssey, which will be held in the Science North IMAX® Theatre in Sudbury on February 3, 2010 at 7:30 p.m., are now on sale. Tickets can be purchased on-line by visiting http://sciencenorth.ca/meagan. You can also buy tickets in person at Science North or by calling 523-IMAX (4629) (1-800-461-4898 outside Greater Sudbury), to charge by phone.
Science North, Northern Ontario's most popular tourist attraction, is proud to inspire Meagan McGrath?s Antarctic Odyssey.
ABOUT MEAGAN MCGRATH
McGrath (32), a former Sudburian and Major in the Canadian Air Force, has been granted leave without pay for one year, which began November 1st. During her one-year sabbatical, McGrath will embark on the Antarctic Odyssey and later pursue other interests, including climbing five of the world's tallest mountains.
As a child, McGrath regularly visited Science North and was a regular participant in Science North's summer camps and programs, and that inspired her to pursue a career in science.
Science North, a Science Centre located in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, has been a proud supporter of McGrath during many of her greatest achievements.
In 2008, she became the only Canadian female, and the first Canadian Forces Member to achieve both versions of the Seven Summits ? the highest peak of each continent. She has raced in the grueling Marathon des Sables in Morocco, reached the Geographic North Pole, and received a commendation from the Governor General of Canada for her involvement in the rescue of a Nepalese climber on Mount Everest. McGrath is passionate about adventure and about exploring the limits of what the human body can achieve.
GOAL IS WITHIN REACH FOR CANADIAN ADVENTURER ON SOLO TREK ACROSS ANTARCTICA
SUDBURY, ON (JANUARY 8, 2010) - Canadian adventurer Meagan McGrath (32) could potentially reach the Geographic South Pole by next week.
McGrath is currently engaged in the Antarctic Odyssey - a solo journey, on foot, unassisted and unsupported, to the South Pole. The former Sudburian and Major in the Canadian Air Force is aiming to reach her destination, and pick-up rendez-vous point, by January 14, 2010.
The South Pole is located at 90 Degrees South Latitude. On Monday, January 4th McGrath crossed the 87 Degree mark. As of Thursday evening McGrath had reported crossing the 88 Degree mark. Each degree equals 111 kilometres. As a result, McGrath now has approximately 220 kilometres remaining in her solo trek.
Media wishing to conduct telephone interviews with McGrath upon her arrival at the South Pole, should contact Christine Catt, Science North Marketing Specialist for Media and Communications, via email at catt@sciencenorth.ca or by calling (705) 522-3701 ext. 276. It is recommended that interview requests be submitted by Monday, January 11, 2010.
Fans of Meagan McGrath are encouraged to visit http://sciencenorth.ca/meagan regularly to learn more about the Antarctic Odyssey.
Tickets to Meagan McGrath?s public presentation about the Antarctic Odyssey, which will be held in the Science North IMAX® Theatre on February 3, 2010 at 7:30 p.m., are now on sale. Tickets can be purchased on-line by visiting http://sciencenorth.ca/meagan. You can also buy tickets in person at Science North or by calling 523-IMAX (4629) (1-800-461-4898 outside Greater Sudbury), to charge by phone.
Science North, Northern Ontario's most popular tourist attraction, is proud to inspire Meagan McGrath's Antarctic Odyssey.
CANADIAN ADVENTURER SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES SECOND WEEK OF SOLO TREK TO THE GEOGRAPHIC SOUTH POLE
SUDBURY, ON (DECEMBER 18, 2009) - Canadian adventurer Meagan McGrath has travelled an estimated 244 kilometres, since departing from Patriot Hills, Antarctica on December 7th. McGrath is currently engaged in the Antarctic Odyssey - a solo journey, on foot, unassisted and unsupported, to the South Pole. The former Sudburian and Major in the Canadian Air Force is aiming to reach the Geographic South Pole, her pick-up rendez-vous point, by January 14, 2010.
At the beginning of the expedition, McGrath was getting used to a routine and the physical demands of pulling her sleds when they were fully loaded down with gear and supplies. This week, McGrath has been skiing an average of 10 hours per day and achieving distances in the range of 20 to 26 kilometres.
McGrath also spent the better part of last week and the beginning of this week travelling in white-out conditions. As a result of the lack of sunlight she has been unable to fully power up her Iridium satellite phone. This has forced her to keep her batteries on conservation mode, limiting contact with Science North and her Expedition Communications Manager. Despite this, McGrath has maintained daily contact with the South Pole expedition agency Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions (ALE) to report her status. The ALE team recently advised McGrath to put out her solar panels, used to charge her battery powered devices, regardless of the lack of sunshine. On Tuesday, December 15th and Thursday December 17th, McGrath was able to post audio blogs to the Science North website to update the status of the expedition.
Fans of Meagan McGrath are encouraged to visit http://sciencenorth.ca/meagan regularly to learn more about the Antarctic Odyssey. Visitors to the website can also post comments for McGrath, or ask her a question about the expedition. McGrath will also be phoning Science North, when possible, to provide audio updates which will be posted to the website.
Science North, Northern Ontario's most popular tourist attraction, is proud to inspire Meagan McGrath's Antarctic Odyssey.
CANADIAN ADVENTURE CONTINUES TO MAKE HER WAY TOWARDS THE GEOGRAPHIC SOUTH POLE
SUDBURY, ON (DECEMBER 11, 2009) - After four days on the ice, Canadian adventurer, Meagan McGrath (32), is 73.5 kilometres into her Antarctic Odyssey - a solo journey, on foot, unassisted and unsupported, to the South Pole.
McGrath initiated her second expedition attempt on December 7, 2009. McGrath officially kicked off the Antarctic Odyssey on December 1st, leaving from her start point at Hercules Inlet, on the coast of Antarctica. On the second day of the expedition she suffered minor injuries after falling into a crevasse. A team from Patriot Hills, successfully retrieved Meagan and all of her expedition gear.
This week, McGrath decided to continue her push for the Geographic South Pole and revised her route slightly, departing instead from Patriot Hills, a commercially operated base camp in Antarctica. McGrath also made some modifications to her skis before heading out, and has commented in her audio blogs posted to http://sciencenorth.ca/meagan, that these changes have helped to make things easier.
The route McGrath is taking is known as the Classic Antarctic route. Patriot Hills is approximately 55 kilometres (30 nautical miles) inland from the coast at Hercules Inlet. Therefore, McGrath will be travelling approximately 1,045 kilometres to reach the South Pole. She now expects the Antarctic Odyssey to take 40 days, and is aiming to reach the South Pole, her pick-up rendez-vous point, by January 14, 2010.
"We are very proud of Meagan," said Jim Marchbank, Science North CEO. "Media outlets across Canada are taking a keen interest in her exciting story, and many people are sending Meagan personal messages via our website. We are pleased to support and work with Meagan to share her discoveries with our audiences, including youth."
Among the messages posted to the Science North website this week is a comment from the SouthPoleQuest Team. In January 2009 Ray Zahab, Richard Weber and Kevin Vallely broke the world record for an unsupported trek from Hercules Inlet to the Geographic South Pole; a distance of over 1100km. The SouthPoleQuest team made it unsupported in 33 days, 23 hours and 55 minutes to the Geographic South Pole.
Hi Meagan,
The whole SouthPoleQuest Team of Ray Zahab, Kevin Vallely and Richard Weber wish you the best of luck as you set off again!!! You can do it! SouthPoleQuest Team, Gatineau
Posted December 8, 2009 to http://sciencenorth.ca/meagan Question Bag
Fans of Meagan McGrath are encouraged to visit http://sciencenorth.ca/meagan regularly to learn more about the Antarctic Odyssey. Visitors to the website can also post comments for McGrath, or ask her a question about the expedition. McGrath will also be phoning Science North often to provide audio updates which will be posted to the website.
Science North, Northern Ontario's most popular tourist attraction, is proud to inspire Meagan McGrath?s Antarctic Odyssey.
CANADIAN ADVENTURER, MEAGAN MCGRATH, TO CONTINUE WITH ANTARCTIC ODYSSEY
SUDBURY, ON (DECEMBER 6,2009) - Canadian adventurer, Meagan McGrath, is going to continue her Antarctic Odyssey - a solo journey, on foot, unassisted and unsupported, to the South Pole. McGrath announced the news today via an audio blog update to the Science North website, stating that she plans to depart from Patriot Hills on Monday, December 7, 2009 (dependent on weather conditions).
McGrath suffered minor injuries on December 2, 2009, the second day of her Antarctic Odyssey, after falling into a crevasse. A team from Patriot Hills, successfully retrieved Meagan and all of her expedition gear.
McGrath has been recovering at the commercially operated base camp at Patriot Hills since that date, and says a lot of thought has been put into her decision to continue, and that first she had to fully assess her health, mental state of mind and the status of her equipment.
"The decision was made very soundly. I didn't call the outside world very much because I wanted to focus on what was the right thing to do, safety-wise...totally important can not stress that enough, and I did not want to go out into the boonies with an unsure state of mind," states McGrath. "I'm very sure about this decision. I'm very comfortable with it."
McGrath also says she has spent the past few days talking with experts at Patriot Hills, and making modifications to her skis. She will be pulling sleds that weigh an estimated 91 kilograms (200 pounds) and carrying about 18 kilograms (40 pounds) of fuel and supplies on her back.
Fans of Meagan McGrath are encouraged to visit http://sciencenorth.ca/meagan regularly to learn more about the Antarctic Odyssey. Visitors to the website can also post comments for McGrath, or ask her a question about the expedition. McGrath will also be phoning Science North often to provide audio updates which will be posted to the website.
Science North, Northern Ontario's most popular tourist attraction, is proud to inspire Meagan McGrath's Antarctic Odyssey.
CANADIAN ADVENTURER SAFE FOLLOWING FALL INTO ANTARCTIC CREVASSE
SUDBURY, ON (DECEMBER 3, 2009) - Canadian adventurer, Meagan McGrath, is recovering from minor injuries today, after falling into a crevasse in Antarctica. McGrath, departed from Hercules Inlet on December 1, 2009 successfully walking/skiing 19.4 kilometres (10.5 nautical miles) during the first day of her Antarctic Odyssey - a 45 day solo journey, over 1100 km on foot, unassisted and unsupported, from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole.
On December 2, 2009 it was reported to Science North that McGrath had fallen into a crevasse, but was safe and unharmed. According to Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions, Meagan spent several hours in a crevasse that she was not able to escape from on her own. She used her satellite phone to call Patriot Hills (a commercially operated base camp) for assistance, reporting that she was cold and wet, but not injured.
A team of four people from Patriot Hills was dispatched to retrieve McGrath. The crew also maintained contact with McGrath every 30 minutes.
After spending eight hours in the crevasse, McGrath was pulled and transported back to Patriot Hills for a full assessment which concluded that McGrath had suffered bruised ribs. One of the Patriot Hills team members was also able to successfully retrieve all of McGrath's expedition gear.
"We are extremely thankful to hear that Meagan is safe and uninjured. That is, first and foremost, the most important issue," said Jim Marchbank, Science North CEO. "Meagan's family has been notified about the incident, and Meagan is currently deciding if she wishes to make a second attempt. This is solely her decision, and we can only ask that she be as safe as possible since expeditions of this nature are inherently unsafe activities. We are extremely proud of Meagan, and our association with her, and will support her whether she decides to push forward or call the expedition off entirely."
"Meagan did call me late last night to update me about her fall and her status," said Nicole Chiasson, Director of Education and Northern Programs. "Understandably she has a tough personal decision to make. Planning the Antarctic Odyssey has been a large focus of her life for the past couple of years. The decision to end the expedition now would be a brave decision, but not an easy one for her. Meagan is, in our opinion, a hero for even attempting such an amazing adventure. Regardless of the outcome, we will be happy to invite her to Science North to speak publicly about her experience, when she returns to Canada."
Further details, regarding the status of the Antarctic Odyssey will be released once they become available.
Fans of Meagan McGrath are encouraged to visit http://sciencenorth.ca/meagan to learn more about the Antarctic Odyssey. Visitors to the website can also post comments for McGrath, or ask her a question about the expedition.
Science North, Northern Ontario's most popular tourist attraction, is proud to inspire Meagan McGrath's Antarctic Odyssey.
CANADIAN ADVENTURER MEAGAN MCGRATH' S ANTARCTIC ODYSSEY HAS BEGUN!
SUDBURY, ON (NOVEMBER 30, 2009) - Canadian adventurer, Meagan McGrath (32) has arrived in Hercules Inlet, and will begin her 45-day solo journey, skiing over 1100 km unassisted and unsupported, from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole on Tuesday, December 1, 2009. If she is successful, McGrath will become Canada's first person to ski solo the vast distance from Hercules Inlet to the South Pole.
Unassisted means that McGrath will not use any power source, other than her own body, to cover the distance from the edge of Antarctica to the South Pole. She will haul her heavy pulk (sled) which weighs approximately 91 kilograms (200 pounds), over the elevated icy terrain using skis, rather than relying on an outside power source such as a kite (which uses wind to propel the skier). McGrath will also be carrying about 18 kilograms (40 pounds) of fuel and supplies on her back.
Unsupported means that McGrath will not depend on preplaced caches of supplies stored in the Antarctic ice. She will depart the start position with everything she will need for the expedition to the South Pole without relying on outside resources for support. McGrath is starting the expedition with enough food and supplies to last her 50 days.
McGrath expects temperatures to be around -20°C at the start of the journey, with days of +15°C near the summer solstice. Temperatures will be colder, -30°C, as she nears the South Pole, and she may also experience wind chills up to -50°C.
McGrath must be self-sufficient given the isolation and the route planned across the huge glaciers, steep slopes and high altitudes. Every piece of material, every food ration and every piece of clothing is carefully weighed and measured for volume. Throughout the Antarctic Odyssey, McGrath will prepare her own meals (oatmeal, butter, nuts, crackers, cheese, dehydrated meals, chocolates, etc.), conduct her own navigation, repair her own equipment, and establish her own camps every day.
McGrath plans to ski/walk a minimum of 7 to 8 hours per day, achieving distances of 20 to 25 km per day. At the beginning of the expedition, she might be slow as she gets used to the routine. It might take McGrath three days to get up to double figure distance. Also, McGrath will be slow in the beginning as the sleds are at their heaviest and the weather is at its coldest; thus reducing her physical performance and reducing the glide of the sleds over the snow.
Fans of Meagan McGrath are encouraged to visit http://sciencenorth.ca/meagan regularly to learn more about the Antarctic Odyssey. Visitors to the website can also post comments for McGrath, or ask her a question about the expedition. McGrath will also be phoning Science North often to provide audio updates which will be posted to the website. McGrath presumes she will be accessible to the media for telephone interviews, most days, between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m (EST).
Science North, Northern Ontario's most popular tourist attraction, is proud to inspire Meagan McGrath's Antarctic Odyssey.
CANADIAN ADVENTURER SET TO BEGIN 45 DAY SOLO JOURNEY FROM THE COAST OF ANTARCTICA TO THE SOUTH POLE
SUDBURY, ON (NOVEMBER 25, 2009) - Canadian adventurer, Meagan McGrath (32) will begin her Antarctic Odyssey this weekend! The Antarctic Odyssey is a 45 day solo journey, over 1100 km on foot, unassisted and unsupported, from Hercules Inlet to the South Pole.
Since 1992, 71 adventurers (male and female) from around the world have journeyed from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole. Some have skied, some have kited, but no Canadians (male or female) have skied solo to the South Pole, let alone unassisted and unsupported. Meagan McGrath aims to become the first Canadian to achieve this goal.
McGrath who is currently finalizing expedition plans in Punta Arenas, Chile will fly to Patriot Hills in Antarctica on November 27th. McGrath will begin her Antarctic Odyssey at Patriot Hills - a commercially operated base camp where polar adventurers typically begin their South Pole quests. Government agencies maintain emergency fuel supplies buried in the ice at Patriot Hills. It is a small, makeshift base of a dozen or so tents that appears in the summer, and has no permanent buildings.
On November 29th a Twin Otter flight to Hercules Inlet, the starting point of the expedition, is planned but is highly dependent on weather conditions. The plane will depart, leaving McGrath alone on the ice with only a couple of safety beacons and two satellite phones to keep her in contact with the outside world.
McGrath must be self-sufficient given the isolation and the route planned across the huge glaciers, steep slopes and high altitudes. Every piece of material, every food ration and every piece of clothing is carefully weighed and measured for volume. Throughout the Antarctic Odyssey, McGrath will prepare her own meals (oatmeal, butter, nuts, crackers, cheese, dehydrated meals, chocolates, etc.), conduct her own navigation, repair her own equipment, and establish her own camps every day.
Fans of Meagan McGrath are encouraged to visit http://sciencenorth.ca/meagan regularly to learn more about the Antarctic Odyssey. Visitors to the website can also post comments for McGrath, or ask her a question about the expedition. McGrath will also be phoning Science North often to provide audio updates which will be posted to the website.
Science North, Northern Ontario's most popular tourist attraction, is proud to inspire Meagan McGrath's Antarctic Odyssey.
"On behalf of everyone here at Science North I would like to wish Meagan the best of luck in this latest endeavour," said Jim Marchbank, Science North CEO. "We are very proud of Meagan and our association with her as she continues to explore and discover through her incredible journeys. I am confident she will achieve her goal of becoming Canada's first person to ski solo the vast distance from Hercules Inlet to the South Pole, and I look forward to congratulating her in person, upon her return."
ABOUT MEAGAN MCGRATH
McGrath (32), a former Sudburian and Major in the Canadian Air Force, has been granted leave without pay for one year, which began November 1st. During her one-year sabbatical, McGrath will embark on the Antarctic Odyssey and later pursue other interests, including climbing five of the world's tallest mountains.
As a child, McGrath regularly visited Science North and was a regular participant in Science North's summer camps and programs, and that inspired her to pursue a career in science.
Science North, a Science Centre located in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, has been a proud supporter of McGrath during many of her greatest achievements.
In 2008, she became the only Canadian female, and the first Canadian Forces Member to achieve both versions of the Seven Summits - the highest peak of each continent. She has raced in the grueling Marathon des Sables in Morocco, reached the geographic North Pole, and received a commendation from the Governor General of Canada for her involvement in the rescue of a Nepalese climber on Mount Everest. McGrath is passionate about adventure and about exploring the limits of what the human body can achieve.
CANADIAN ADVENTURER ONE STEP CLOSER TO HER ANTARCTIC ODYSSEY A SOLO EXPEDITION FROM HERCULES INLET TO THE SOUTH POLE
SUDBURY, ON (NOVEMBER 18, 2009) - Canadian adventurer, Meagan McGrath (32), is boarding a plane today to officially kick-off her Antarctic Odyssey - a 45 day solo journey, over 1100 km on foot, from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole. Dragging 102 kilograms (225 pounds) of food, fuel, and equipment in a sled for two months, McGrath will attempt to become Canada's first person to ski solo the vast distance from Hercules Inlet to the South Pole.
McGrath is flying out of Ottawa, Canada this afternoon for Punta Arenas, Chile. McGrath will be at the Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport at 8 a.m. to begin checking in her expedition gear. Her flight from Ottawa to Toronto's Pearson International Airport departs at 12 p.m. Once in Toronto she will carry on to Santiago, Chile and then Punta Arenas.
Following a few days of final preparations in the seaport town, McGrath will fly to Patriot Hills in Antarctica where she will take a couple of days to ensure her equipment has arrived safely. A Twin Otter flight to Hercules Inlet, the starting point of the expedition, is planned for November 29th, but is highly dependent on weather conditions. The plane will depart, leaving her alone on the ice with only a couple of safety beacons and two satellite phones to keep her in contact with the outside world.
"I have been spending the past few weeks taking care of the final planning details for this expedition," says McGrath. "I have a communications manager in place with whom I will check in with daily. I will also be phoning in regular updates to the Science North website. I have secured all the necessary gear required for an expedition of this caliber and have been speaking with people who are experts in Polar travel, such as Ray Zahab (one of three Canadians who broke the world speed record from Hercules Inlet to the South Pole in January 2009). I am confident that I am ready to take on this extreme challenge."
Fans of Meagan McGrath are encouraged to visit http://sciencenorth.ca/meagan regularly to learn more about the Antarctic Odyssey, and follow the adventure. McGrath will be phoning Science North often to provide audio updates about the expedition.
Science North, Northern Ontario's most popular tourist attraction, is proud to inspire Meagan McGrath's Antarctic Odyssey.
ABOUT MEAGAN MCGRATH
McGrath (32), a former Sudburian and Major in the Canadian Air Force, has been granted leave without pay for one year, which began November 1st. During her one-year sabbatical, McGrath will embark on the Antarctic Odyssey and later pursue other interests, including climbing five of the world's tallest mountains.
As a child, McGrath regularly visited Science North and was a regular participant in Science North's summer camps and programs, and that inspired her to pursue a career in science.
Science North, a Science Centre located in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, has been a proud supporter of McGrath during many of her greatest achievements.
In May 2007 she reached the summit of Mount Everest and achieved her dream of becoming the first Canadian Forces member and the youngest Canadian female to achieve the Seven Summits - the highest peaks on seven continents.
In December 2007, McGrath successfully climbed Carstensz Pyramid, the highest mountain in Oceania. In doing so she became the only Canadian female, and the first Canadian Forces Member to achieve both versions of the Seven Summits!
In April 2008, McGrath crossed the finish line at the 2008 Marathon des Sables -- a gruelling 7-day race through the Sahara desert. She exceeded even her own expectations, placing 24th among the top 25 women in the race!
In April 2009, following seven days of skiing with a group of fellow adventurers from the United States and Scotland, McGrath reached the geographic North Pole. This Polar expedition was part of her training regime in preparation the Antarctic Odyssey.
CANADIAN ADVENTURER PREPARES FOR SOLO EXPEDITION TO THE SOUTH POLE
SUDBURY, ON (OCTOBER 16, 2009) - Canadian adventurer Meagan McGrath is in the final stages of training, as she prepares for her biggest adventure to date - a solo journey, over 1130 km on foot, from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole. Dragging 102 kilograms (225 pounds) of food, fuel, and equipment in a sled for two months, McGrath will attempt to become Canada's first person to ski solo the vast distance from Hercules Inlet to the South Pole. McGrath's Antarctic Odyssey begins in November.
McGrath will fly out of Ottawa, Canada on November 18th for Punta Arenas, Chile. Following a week of final preparations in the seaport town, she will fly to Patriot Hills in Antarctica where she will take a day to ensure her equipment has arrived safely. A Twin Otter flight to Hercules Inlet, the start point of the expedition, is planned for November 29th, but is highly dependent on weather conditions. The plane will depart, leaving her alone on the ice with only a couple of safety beacons and two satellite phones to keep her in contact with the outside world.
McGrath will begin her solo journey towards the South Pole travelling in 24 hour daylight, and experiencing intense solitude. There is no plant or animal life; only snow, rock, ice and sky. Throughout the Antarctic Odyssey, McGrath will prepare her own meals, conduct her own navigation, repair her own equipment, and establish her own camps every day.
Throughout her journey, which is expected to span an estimated 45 days, McGrath will regularly phone Science North to provide audio updates which will be posted to the Science North website. McGrath also plans to start recording her updates next week, to provide details of her final preparations and training regime as she enters into the final weeks before she departs for her Antarctic Odyssey.
The Antarctic Odyssey expedition is a rare adventure through the ice polar landscapes of Antarctica. McGrath will encounter temperatures as low as -50 C, and will be forced to deal with whiteouts and fierce storms. One of the most difficult things about polar travel, mentally and physically, is the effect that the workload of pulling a heavy sled has on a person's body weight, strength and ability to keep warm. Alone, on the ice at the bottom of the world, she will explore the edge of human potential.
Science North, Northern Ontario's most popular tourist attraction, is proud to inspire Meagan's Antarctic Odyssey.
"Meagan McGrath regularly says that Science North first inspired her love of science", says Jim Marchbank, Science North CEO. "She is living proof of the impact early educational experiences can have on young people. We are very proud of Meagan and our association with her as she continues to explore and discover through her incredible journeys. We are pleased to support and work with her to share her discoveries with our audiences, including youth."
"Although this can be a very dangerous endeavour, it is a dream of mine to fulfill, and I feel my previous expeditions have helped to well prepare me for this two-month adventure in Antarctica," commented Meagan McGrath. "I have extensive experience on glaciers and am well accustomed to expedition living. My training exercise in the North Pole in April was also very informative, and did much to fill me with the confidence in my abilities that I will need when I venture to the South Pole next month. The upcoming Antarctic expedition will be challenging, but with the support of my sponsors, including Science North, I know that I can do it!"