100 years since Roald Amundsen reached the South Pole

[Tony]

One hundred years ago on 14th December 1911, Roald Amundsen, Olav Bjaaland, Sverre Hassel and Helmer Hanssen arrived at 90˚S , the first explorers to reach the geographic South Pole.

Some more information here

[gayet]

Is it me or do classic camp stoves really have a lot to do with Roald Amundsen et al's achievement?

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From the above link....

[Tony]

Is it me or do classic camp stoves really have a lot to do with Roald Amundsen et al's achievement?

Classic Camp Stoves Message
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Hi Gayet,

Sorry about that I did not realise that it was posted in a members only area of CCS, there is a lot about Polar explorers and their stoves on CCS.

If you want to read a very good book on Mawson, Scott of the Antarctic, Sir Ernest Shackleton and Roald Amundsen, this book called Mawson, and the Ice Men of the Heroic age has just been released I was given it as a gift and I am loving reading it.

Here is the CCS post in full

will not be able to post tomorrow so, a day early, but please raise your glass and give a toast to Norway!

One hundred years ago on 14th December 1911, Roald Amundsen, Olav Bjaaland, Sverre Hassel and Helmer Hanssen arrived at 90˚S , the first explorers to reach the geographic South Pole.

Roald Amundsen was the first person to undisputedly reach both the North and South Poles.

In 1903, Amundsen led the first expedition to successfully traverse Canada's Northwest Passage between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans with six others in a 47 ton steel seal-hunting vessel, Gjøa. Amundsen and his companions travelled via Baffin Bay, Lancaster and Peel Sounds, and James Ross, Simpson and Rae Straits and spent two winters near King William Island in what is today Gjoa Haven, Nunavut, Canada.

Norwegians have continued in the spirit of Amundsen in 20th and 21st century.

In 1990, Erling Kagge and Børge Ousland became the first men ever to reach the North Pole unsupported. The expedition started from Ellesmere Island on March 8, 1990 and reached the North Pole 58 days later on May 4, 1990. They travelled approximately 800 kilometres on skis pulling their supplies on a pulk.

Erling Kagge in 1992–93, completed the first unsupported expedition to the South Pole, covering the 1310 km route in 52 days.

In the the 21st century Rune Gjeldnes a very special Norwegian adventurer was the first person to ski un-supported across both the poles! Across the Arctic Ocean, from Severnaya Zemlya in Russia via the North Pole to Cape Discovery in Canada in the year 2000 and recently the Antarctic continent from Queen Mauds Land via the South Pole to Victoria Land.In addition Rune Gjeldnes skied across Greenland lengthways from Cap Farewell to Cap Morris Jessup in 1996. With that, Rune Gjeldnes has completed the gruelling explorers Grand Slam - skiing un-supported across the three largest ice caps in the world! Across Greenland in 1996, 2895 kilometres in 86 days. Across Arctic Ocean in 2000, 2100 kilometres in 109 days. Across Antarctica in 2005-2006, 4804 kilometres in 90 days.

So, on this special day, 14th December 2011 let us toast the memory of Amundsen and his companions who 100 years ago were the first people on the planet to reach the South Geographic Pole.

Cheers,

Rob

[gayet]

Thanks Tony, interesting precis.

I have read several of Fitzsimons books and found them very enjoyable. Reminds me of Simon Winchester in many ways....

On an altogether unrelated track, has anyone else read any of the British Mountaineering Society or Alpine Society(?) journals from the 1850's - 1860's ?? Somewhere in the boxes of books stacked up in the corner I have a 1950's edition of selected articles from the 1850's journals but I can't remember the club name exactly. I'd love to get hold of some more. The book I have includes the trip report from the ascent of Mont Blanc and various other first ascents by members of the society/club. It makes current bushwalking sound like a whimp's outing.....

[icemancometh]

Yep the guy is a legend with a strong drive

I've found most in depth books on Amundsen (and Nansen) also quite a good read. Always been meaning to read some of the diaries but boy are they long and dry!! For those interested, the University of Sydney has some translated copies you could borrow.

[Tony]

Yep the guy is a legend with a strong drive

I've found most in depth books on Amundsen (and Nansen) also quite a good read. Always been meaning to read some of the diaries but boy are they long and dry!! For those interested, the University of Sydney has some translated copies you could borrow.

Hi icemancometh,

I am currently reading Nansens Farterest North Book, a very interesting read.

Tuesday the 18th is 100 years since Scott and party made the South Pole.

We know about Amundsen, Scott and Mawsons expeditions but does anyone here know about a fourth expedition that was down in Antarctica at the same time, if you are interested check this out Scott, Amundsen ...... and

Tony

[icemancometh]

Read that a few summers back while stuck in a storm. Good read and puts some historic events in perspective. Not a fan of Scott