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Roald Amundsen
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eric chan
(bearbreeder) - F
Roald Amundsen on 12/17/2010 01:28:09 MST Print View


true facts
- instead of taking a large ship when conquering the NW passage ... he took a small steamer
- unsatisfied with commercial sledges he shaved pounds off until they weighted a fraction of the original weight with no loss in strength
- he had the perfect nutrition plan, he fed his dogs his dogs and ate them too
- when faced with packing of round containers, his men sewed bags so they could stuff biscuits and milk powder in the empty gaps
- he was the first person to go to BOTH the north and south pole .... and the north west passage
- on the way to the south pole they blazed a new path through the unknown queen maud mountain range and the axel heilberg glacier ... thats like crossing the rockies the first time blind in -70F temps

may you still be out there somewhere feasting on your doggies !!! RIP

Yesterday marked the 100th anniversary of Roald Amundsen, and his team, becoming the first men to reach the South Pole. Back in 1911, the Norwegian explorer was locked in a heated battle with other explorers, who were also looking to declare themselves the winner in this race, which at the time was viewed as a matter of national pride. Amundsen won that race because he elected to use sled dogs to reach the Pole, edging out rival Robert Falcon Scott by just a few weeks.

The journey to 90ºS was a tough one. The team faced -70ºF temperatures, ranging blizzards, and low supplies. Yet they persevered, and like true explorers of the time, planted their flag in the name of Norway. A dejected Scott would later find that flag upon his arrival to the Pole, which surely was the start of his downward spiral that ultimately led to his demise.

But Amundsen survived his trek to the South Pole and went on to become the first man to reach both the North and South Pole as well. He also was the first to complete a crossing of the Northwest Passage, adding another milestone to his cold weather adventures, and cementing his status as the greatest polar explorer of all time.

In 1928, Amundsen disappeared somewhere over the Arctic Ocean, when he was helping to conduct a rescue mission of other missing polar explorers. I have no evidence to back up my theory, but my guess is that that was exactly the way he would have liked to have gone.

So, on this date, I want to salute Roald Amundsen. One of the greatest explorers of all time.

Brandon Sanchez
(dharmabumpkin) - F

Locale: San Gabriel Mtns
Roald Amundsen on 12/17/2010 13:21:46 MST Print View


Awesome story. Gotta love history.