Explorer Colin O’Brady is attempting to become the fastest person to climb the highest mountain on each of the seven continents as well as trek to both the North and South poles. The clock has been ticking since Sunday, January 10th. Over the next six months he will be chasing a record referred to by explorers as “The Grand Slam”.
Colin after getting dropped off by a small plane at the 89th degree. They are spending the next several days skiing towards the Pole.
His aim is to push the boundaries of what is possible with human power and also to raise awareness about childhood obesity. It’s no walk in the park, which is why he reached out to Mountain Hardwear. With so many variables to worry about, he needed bombproof gear he could trust so he could focus on the perils of rapid changing weather and unforgiving terrain.
Home Sweet Home on the ice. Union Glacier Camp, Antarctica
Colin is facing daily temperatures of about -25C and has packed accordingly, thanks to the help of Mountain Hardwear.
Sleeping warm is a top priority in one of the coldest climates on Earth.
On Sunday, January 10, 2016, Colin reached the South Pole with his team at 6:55 P.M. Chilean time (1:55 P.M. PST), the official start time for his world record attempt. The team skied 69 miles in seven days to reach the South Pole. They averaged 10 miles per day and each pulled 70 lb. sleds across the Antarctic ice in a chilling -28 degrees Celsius. With heavy winds yesterday, Colin’s final steps to 90 degrees South were far from easy. Arriving at the South Pole marks the successful completion of the first leg of the Grand Slam challenge!
Colin was stuck at camp for a few days because low clouds delayed flights to drop off points. In addition to skiing a 10k he fat biked a 10k on the ice!
The photo captures the Perihelion Effect, an Antarctic rainbow. Skiing towards the Pole from the 89th degree with teammates Jose Luis, Stuart, and our guide Vern.
Happy New Year from Union Glacier Camp, Antarctica!
Onward to climb Mt. Vinson, the tallest mountain in Antarctica! Here’s some highlights from his trip to the South Pole. We’ll keep you updated as he makes more progress on his trip!