I made it!!! - February 1st

I made it!!!!! I cant believe it!! Today I arrived at the South Pole.

Although the forecast was cloudy/overcast, it turned out to be the bluest sky without a cloud in the sky. I even got a frostnip that looked like a 'kiss' only after I had completed the 700 miles! It seems so serreal but I have to say, it has been the biggest challenge to date. The ski up to the silver ball and flags was uber emotional. 

Photos at the silver ball, a tour of the South Pole station and meeting the man behind the new screen whilst I was using my pee bottle!! (yep only me!!) 

It really hasnt sunk in yet and I am super tired so after a wee ale in the tent (yep I am actually going to sleep one night at the South Pole), its time for bed. 

However, there are so many people that have helped me get to this point. Firstly ALE - A fantastic organisation that started way back in April with Steve Jones. A huge thank you goes to Carl (guide 1) - who took me 8 degrees and imparted bags of knowledge and Pachi (guide 2) who stepped into the breech and ensured I got to the South Pole- with the extremes along the way, I wouldnt have seen the end. The Union Glacier crew - from Tim and the 'owners' who organised the late flight), Monica and the pilots, the catering crew and Chefs who cook THE best food ever (Ant, I am counting the hours til dinner already!), the cookie makers, housekeeping that ensured that I had a great weeks sleep, the medical crew/doctors for advice and ensuring that my cough etc didnt stop the expo, Dean and the comms crew - the names are endless - but it was great to overhear different voices at sked time and the daily weather forecast from Mark and Celine (always great to be prepared for a whiteout or -50 degrees. I cant thank the engineers enough (Eddie, I am still giggling about the peewee extension!) and the beers and fantastic roast shared at Theils - it was so awesome. I am sure that I have missed someone as there is a massive crew at UG and beyond in Punta and Salt Lake that make such a trip possible. Thank you all so much - each and every person mentioned above and beyond played a part in this journey - Thank you. 

I have also had a truly awesome support group of friends and family who have continued to support these mad adventures via different means. Continued messages of support, encouragement and checking in have been instrumental during the tough times - you know who you are and beers (or chocolate) will be on order when I get back in a few weeks time. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. 

My final deep thanks goes to my inspiration - my mother and father - who sent blue sky and a kiss at the pole........