Antarctic Odyssey

Woman is first Canadian to complete a solo skiing trip to the South Pole

Just over a month and a half after setting off on her Antarctic Odyssey, Meagan McGrath reached 90 degrees south latitude – better known as the South Pole - on January 15th.

It capped off an incredible feat that has seen the Canadian adventurer ski across 1,100km of snow-filled terrain, unassisted, unsupported and completely solo. This meant not only pulling a 91 kilo sled while carrying a further 18 kilos of supplies on her back, but no pre-prepared pitstops either – every supply McGrath was going to need, she carried.

Her expedition certainly hasn’t been plain sailing. In fact, it nearly spelled disaster last month on just her second day of the 45-day trek. On December 2nd treacherous conditions saw her tumble into a crevasse. Suffering from broken ribs and unable to climb out alone, she had to phone in and be rescued by the Patriot Hills base camp.

But five days of rest and contemplation later, she was back on the trail and ploughing through white-out conditions often for more than 10 hours a day. Despite this, McGrath kept regular contact with her teams, as well as keeping her followers updated and even answering questions through a series of audio updates.

McGrath, a former Sudbarian and Major in the Canadian Air Force, is no stranger to adventure and this triumph over adversity is just the latest in a growing list of increasingly impressive feats. In May 2007 she became the youngest Canadian woman to scale the Seven Summits by topping Everest. That was followed by the Marathon Des Sables in April 2008, a gruelling seven-day race through the Sahara desert. Then earlier this year, as preparation for this feat, she skied to the North Pole.

However, her Antarctic Odyssey has clearly been her most ambitious yet and as she crossed the finish line, one wonders what adventure lies in wait next.

For more information, visit: www.meaganmcgrathadventurer.com