Australian polar explorer and McGrath Foundation fundraiser Geoff Wilson is the first Australian to reach The Pole of Inaccessibility on the Antarctic Plateau. It is his first major achievement on “The Longest Journey” mission in Antarctica. He notified his expedition team via satellite phone of his record-breaking milestone, confirming he arrived on December 1.
Geoff is undertaking a mammoth solo journey across the polar region to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation after being inspired by the experiences of breast cancer patients and the work of McGrath Breast Care Nurses.
The latest milestone of reaching the Point of Inaccessibility is a major achievement in the three-month expedition. Geoff’s trek so far has taken him 23 days and 1,665km across conditions he has described as brutal and unforgiving.
“I dropped the kite, fell to my knees and gave thanks that I’d made it. I would say the past 1,665 km was the most brutal journey I’ve undertaken to date. The cold, the isolation, the relentless sastrugi[1] and continual difficult wind angles have made me earn every painstaking metre of progress.
“I have pushed hard with no break for 23 days. I knew for the expedition to be a success, I needed a strong first leg. Despite tough conditions, 23 days is a ridiculous time to make it to the very heart of the ice continent,” said Geoff.
McGrath Foundation Ambassador & Director Tracy Bevan said she and the entire McGrath Foundation team were inspired by Geoff’s grit and determination and couldn’t be more grateful for his efforts. .
“We’re in complete awe of Geoff’s incredible expedition. Everyone at the McGrath Foundation is cheering him on from the sidelines as he undertakes this incredible journey.”
Apart from the record breaking distance and being the first Australian to make it to the Pole of Inaccessibility, Geoff also strives to be the first person to climb Dome Argus (the coldest naturally occurring place on earth). Depending on weather conditions, he hopes to reach Dome Argus via the South Pole early January and finish his mission later that month.
[1] parallel wave-like ridges caused by winds on the surface of hard snow, especially in polar regions
