Maximum and Minimum temperatures: -55 °C (estimate at midnight during the flight from McMurdo to Christchurch) & -2 °C
It was time to leave the continent. Our C-17 flight was delayed several times so we were mostly stand-by in McMurdo from lunch and onwards. The morning was used for final interviews with PolarPalooza. At 6 p.m. the transport to the Pegasus airfield took place. At 9.30 p.m. we were airborne and at around 2.30 a.m. on the 26th January we landed smoothly in Christchurch. For the first time in three months it was dark outside!
This will be the last diary from season number 1 of the Norwegian-US IPY Traverse. We thank all of you that followed us on our journey and welcome you back in November 2008 when we start our return traverse to Troll. Until then, we wish you all the best!
- Jan-Gunnar
Photo: The expedition team at the geographical South Pole (Photo: Cliff Leight)