Miles traveled: 12
Total miles traveled: 445.4
Miles to pole: 134
Elevation: 8500 ft.
Translation from voicemail: Hi, it’s Chris, Day 37. Well, today turned out to be my tough day. I just started out slow and could never find another gear all day. I was constantly trying to catch up with Marty and he ended up having to lead most of the day. I, I seemed to have trouble breathing. I felt like I couldn’t get enough air. I don’t know if it was the altitude, 8500′, or just fatigue. I think the toll of the last thirty seven days has really left my body feeling really tired.
So what we really need is a rest day, but we can’t afford to take one unfortunately given the time we have left to the pole and our food. So, no question, I’m ready to be done, ready to be there. We have ten more days and, yeah, we’ll find a way to get there. I am going to bed. It’s about almost 7:30 p.m., and I gonna try to catch up, get a little extra sleep, maybe an extra hour or so. I think that’s what my body really needs is more sleep, and I’ll bounce back just like Marty did a few days ago and we’ll continue on.
The good news for the day is we did cross 88 degrees today. Two more degrees and we’ll be there, one hundred and thirty four miles. So we have gotten through all the really, really, really, hard sastrugi. Today was the last day of it we think. Got a couple more days of lesser sastrugi and then, and bumps and stuff, and then hopefully we will be up on the plateau where it will be flat and not quite as taxing. All right, talk to you tomorrow. Bye.
Chris, you sound really tired. Wish I could zoom down there like Superman and buck you guys up for your final week and a half push. We’re definitely keeping you in our thoughts as you near your goal. One step after another, right? Go, go go!
Love, Benjamin
Hang in there guys, almost there… you two are amazing!
This amazing journey is all yours! All the memories are yours …created in you, accomplished by you and they are full of beauty and insight that will not be fully realized until you come home time separates you from the whiteness you see … and different each time to revisit your epic quest in your minds and hearts! After you return, have a long nap it will be time to recover, review, revisit and enlighten us all – share your polar stories in the form of a fireside chat…all while planning your next great adventure. You are loved, you are strong you are not alone 🙂
Thinking of you guys on a daily basis. Chris, you can do it! What is that song Santa sings in that cheezy clay animation movie” “One step in front of the other”? Anyway, that’s the motto. Keep going! You two are an inspiration!
– Rob
I know that I haven’t made any comments ye or gotten to talk to you on the phone. I just wanted you to know I’m listening to your blogs and laughing and crying with you. I believe in you and am praying for strength as well as weather. I love you both and am beyond proud to know such an amazing couple let alone be related to you. Congrats for making it this far and I love you both so much!
Sending you two so much love and support. And wishing you fabulous sleep.
Hi Chris & Marty,
Just wanted to let you know how much we are thinking about you, pulling for you, and praying for you. You guys are amazing, and truly an inspiration for all of us “back home”! Hope the plateau feels like you’re skiing down a slight gradient!
Fritz