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Stories about peopleYou are in: Hereford and Worcester > People > Stories about people > In Shackleton's footsteps  Sledging in Antarctica In Shackleton's footstepsA famous antarctic journey is recreated 100 years on, by a relative of Shackleton's captain. Shackleton's Nimrod expeditionThe original expedition set off to Antarctica in August 1908. The plan was to land on the Ross Ice Shelf, and walk the 900 miles to the South Pole, via the Beardmore Glacier. Shackleton decided to turn back only 97 miles from the pole, realising the couldn't reach their objective and get back alive. His furthest south point was 88° 23'. The 2008 expedition will follow Shackleton's route, but won't be using ponies, as the 1908 party did. The total distance the expedition expect to cover is 900 miles, and journey time is around eighty days. A Lieutenant Colonel from Hereford is to lead an expedition recreating one of the great journeys, made by a legend of antarctic exploration. Ernest Shackleton was less than 100 miles from being the first man to the South Pole when he turned back, to save the lives of his team. On a later expedition Shackleton's ship, Endurance, was crushed in the ice, but he still managed to get his crew back safely, after making an incredible 500 mile journey in a small open boat. His captain on that voyage was Frank Worsley, and this expedition will be led by one of his descendents, Lt. Col. Henry Worsley. He'll be leading a team of three on the same 900-mile, 80-day route chosen for Shackleton's 1908-09 Nimrod expedition. At the point where Shackleton turned back they will be joined by a forth team member, to walk the remaining 97 miles to the South Pole.
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites Help playing audio/video last updated: 23/10/2008 at 11:08 You are in: Hereford and Worcester > People > Stories about people > In Shackleton's footsteps   |
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