National/World

Explorers setting off to recreate South Pole expedition

Thursday, October 03, 2013
Two British explorers will set off next week to re-create the first journey to the South Pole and back on foot.

(KGO Photo)

Two British explorers will set off next week to re-create the first journey to the South Pole and back on foot.

The mission is known as the Scott expedition. It traces the footsteps of Captain Robert Scott, whose entire team died making the same journey a century ago. If it's successful, it will be the longest unsupported polar expedition in history.

The explorers will walk 1,800 miles over four months, while facing temperatures as low as 122 below zero and hauling sledges weighing up to 440 pound each.

"When I kind of realized that not only had this journey not been finished but no one has even attempted it in the 100-101 years since Scott it just seemed to be hanging out there as a journey that ought to be finished," Ben Saunders said.

The biggest difference this time around will be technology. The explorers will be able to communicate with rescuers if they get stranded.

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