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The Steger expedition to the North Pole for National Geographic back in 1986 was probably the most impressive battle against the natural elements in my lifetime. They only used equipment that would have been available to Robert Peary back in 1909 ... just to prove that Peary’s disputed claim about reaching the North Pole was actually possible.

You don’t see too many people lining up for a two-month dogsled trio in -70 degree cold.

"...just to prove that Peary’s disputed claim about reaching the North Pole was actually possible."

It was possible since Frederick Cook probably did attain the north pole. Peary was a fraud and a despicable human being as well. Outside of the National Geographic, one of Peary's original backers, no polar expert backs his claim.

A few months ago there was a “race” across Antarctica. Two guys skiing solo and towing huge sleds. One American, one Brit. They were dropped off far enough away from each other so they never saw each other. No resupply or help from the science station at the south pole.

The American won it - something like 60 days. He waited a few more days for the Brit, and they flew out together.

Oh - it wasn’t across the entire expanse of the Antarctic. From one bay to another bay - but still about 1000 miles. It was really interesting to follow them along “live” on twitter. The American would post every night and a photo. Amazing to read of their tenacity and the struggles they faced. Obviously the physical hardship, but also the mental aspect of it.

I seem to recall something like:

Day 36: “The wind is blowing so hard, I just want to stay in my tent. But, even if I only make two miles today, at least I will be moving towards my goal. Or - do I wait until tomorrow for the winds to die down. But what if they don’t die down...?”

Day 37: Yesterday I spent most of the day in my tent. Then around midnight the winds died down. So I decided to not waste anymore time and took my camp down and headed out. Made 15 miles from Midnight to 6 pm. (Note - the sun is always out!)