There is nothing more for us to do. Our kit, equipment, sledges, skis, food, climbing harnesses, Christmas surprises etc have all been packed and weighed – and are out of our hands.
The Scott team seem to have hit the bullseye with an average total weight across their team of 140kg per sledge. The Amundsen team seem to have slightly heavier loads of 150kg each per sledge load. (By comparison, I weighed myself this evening and came in at 87.5kg).
For both teams it is an alarming sledge weight to pull but we have the luxury of the mighty Ross Ice Shelf to cross first – a flat area the size of France, across which we will have eaten half of our burden when we reach the climb through the TransAntarctic Mountains. But that seems months away right now.
Patience and fortitude conquer all things.

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Latest pictures from Chile
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The teams in Chile (left to right): Henry Worsley, Lennie Browne, Lou Rudd, Mark Langridge, Kev Johnson, Vic Vicary

The teams weighing their equipment - The Scott team hits the target averaging 140kg per sledge while the Amundsen team is slightly over at 150kg



Hey Lou,
Is that spare tyre you’re dragging around in the photo the one off Kevs belly?
Regards,
CE.
Hi Lennie, just to let you know we are all following your progress here in the ‘not so frozen’ North. Good Luck.
Isi, Chris & the gang
ps. bet that xtra 10kg is all the Christmas suprises lesley has pack you off with :0)
Henry, I remember waiting to get in the mountains from PA, the continual wind, not much to occupy the days, but your moment will come, so make the most of the fish and chips and cartons of red wine…cigars ready for your return. Thoughts and our best wishes to you and both the teams, from us all, Nick
Thanks Nick – love you all and extra hug for my Godson.
xh
Looking forward to race details. Remember the story of the Tortoise and the Hare ? Found out to have been a fable. Fanatastic that you are re-enacting the “Racwe to the Pole” on the 100th Anniversary. Huge
Hi Mark, hope it wont be too long before you can all set off, we are keeping up. Dad phoned this morning and sends all best wishes… take care, Luv Mum x
Hello
Yes we are just waiting now to get underway- I was here for 2 weeks last time- hopefully it will not be as long this time around! Bullit is stout! Mark
Kev,just reading about your exploits online in an ISO in FOB Shawqat mate. Good luck in your venture from me and the rest of the MoD Plod at “H”. Bumped into a few familiar (& welcome!) faces out here. I take my hat (or helmet!) off to you, Henry and the rest of the guys. I’ve learned a little about hardship out here mate, but nothing compared to what you guys put yourselves through. I’ll buy you a beer on your safe return and in the meantime will encourage our lot to donate to a very worthy cause. Cheers from Nad, Bob.