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The Last Desert Blogs 2010
9
PostsThe Last Desert (2010) blog posts from Lucy Rivers Bulkeley
26 November 2010 06:29 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
OH MY GOODNESS ME, I CAN SEE LAND!! After racing the storm for the last 3 days, the end is in sight. By midnight tonight, we should be safely in Ushuaia, which will be a huge relief. Last night the waves were enormous and everything was flying everwhere! I don't think that i'll be doing this journey again....but it has been an incredible experience. Where else would i have seen Orca'a, humpback whales, penguins and albatross' in their own environment.
Later we have the awards and finishing supper before we all hit the ship's bar for the last time. A HUGE thank you to everyone who has emailed me over the last 9 months while i've been in the different deserts - always a morale boost at the end of a long and tiring day. Another thank you to Sock Solutions Ltd, Falke Ltd and Up & Running for my kit - i would never have survived the extreme temps without your help.
To all my fellow Grand Slammers - WE DID IT!! x
Later we have the awards and finishing supper before we all hit the ship's bar for the last time. A HUGE thank you to everyone who has emailed me over the last 9 months while i've been in the different deserts - always a morale boost at the end of a long and tiring day. Another thank you to Sock Solutions Ltd, Falke Ltd and Up & Running for my kit - i would never have survived the extreme temps without your help.
To all my fellow Grand Slammers - WE DID IT!! x
24 November 2010 06:23 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
We were out on the course yesterday until 9pm. It was stunning, in calf deep snow, on a glacier surrounded by hundreds of little penguins. I managed to shuffle over the finishing line to be given my medal by Mary. I have to confess that there were a couple of tears shed as i realised that the 4 Desert Grand Slam was complete. I'VE DONE IT!!!!!! Yippee
We all hit the bar on the boat last night in a large way and i was the last girl standing at about 5am!! I had a drink for my great grandfather Sten, as he had been down here on Aurora while Shakleton was on Endurance. How they coped being iced in for 8 month in a wooden boat with just normal clothes, i have no idea.
We are currently sailing back to Ushuaia and trying to beat a storm which is heading our way in the Drake Passage.....all fingers crossed that we beat it, otherwise the seasickness patches are going to be tested to the limit!!
A HUGE thank you for all the emails and messages you've sent while i've been in the Desert this year - it hasn't really sunk in yet but i'm sure it willl once i'm back home xx
We all hit the bar on the boat last night in a large way and i was the last girl standing at about 5am!! I had a drink for my great grandfather Sten, as he had been down here on Aurora while Shakleton was on Endurance. How they coped being iced in for 8 month in a wooden boat with just normal clothes, i have no idea.
We are currently sailing back to Ushuaia and trying to beat a storm which is heading our way in the Drake Passage.....all fingers crossed that we beat it, otherwise the seasickness patches are going to be tested to the limit!!
A HUGE thank you for all the emails and messages you've sent while i've been in the Desert this year - it hasn't really sunk in yet but i'm sure it willl once i'm back home xx
Comments: Total (9) comments
Posted On: 26 Nov 2010 02:54 pm
Just incredible .... i don't really know what to say it's such an amazing achievement especially with the knee which i hope the nice doctor will mend for you. Enjoy December!!!! xxx
Posted On: 26 Nov 2010 10:19 am
Nice one! Well Done!
Posted On: 25 Nov 2010 03:03 pm
WOOO HOOO!! CONGRATULATONS BULKS!!! You are amazing - fantastic effort, an incredible year! You are a record breaker...and have raised a huge amount for Cancer Research. So so happy for you and so many congrats. HUGE cocktails in HK in Feb. xx
Posted On: 25 Nov 2010 02:49 pm
Much deserved tears and drinks! You did it, and you enlightened so many people along the way. What a year, we're all very proud. Now, all we want to know is what you wore on the photoshoot? Haha! Great work SWT... Get home for a boozy one next Thursday! x
Posted On: 25 Nov 2010 02:31 pm
woooooooooo hoooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted On: 25 Nov 2010 09:20 am
Well done Lucy - a fantastic effort given all the injuries...and well done on the charity fundraising - must be easier ways next time? Hoep to catch up once you safely back in UK.
Hope the journey back is not too horrific - take a well earned rest.
Rob
Posted On: 25 Nov 2010 07:57 am
A huge congratulations Luce you absolute legend. You've made it not quite in one piece but I know you will be an expert on the leisurely recovery stage, G&T anyone?
Unfortunately I won't be able to make your return drinks but we will definitely get some crimbo drinks in soon.
Well done
xx
Posted On: 25 Nov 2010 07:54 am
Hi Lucy,
Congratulations, very well done and so pleased for you. Sounds like you had a wonderful time, hopefully the scenery managed to take you mind off the pain and agony.
Wayne
Posted On: 25 Nov 2010 06:17 am
Lucy, i have just read you have finished. Congratulations on a quite amazing achievement . Just awesome.Cheers. Ken.
23 November 2010 05:42 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
Sorry about my small update yesterday. I felt awful and my body was beginning to shut down, food and painkillers were needed. The Doc reckons I’ve now torn my LCL…..oh dear. Luckily we only have 2 more days to go.
The setting for stage 3 was stunning, in the crater of the volcano on Deception Island. We had countless chin strap penguins and a very large seal watching us for most of the time. We had to take the odd diversion on the course as the penguins kept waddling around! Most of us are lame so they probably thought we were a distant relation! Most of the day was spent in a snow blizzard and all the gear was needed – fur hat, goggles, micro spikes etc.
We have sailed over night down to Dorion Bay where today’s stage is taking place. We haven’t been told what the time or distance is yet, but I’m sure it’ll horrendous in true RTP style….
Sorry, back at the computer again – we have just been circled by a large pod of orca (killer) whales and a large humpback whale. Incredible to see them up close. Unfortunately a ‘batch’ (not sure if that is the correct term??) of penguins swam alongside the boat at the same time and a couple of them weren’t fast enough. Watching an orca play with a penguin was very surreal. I’m almost expecting David Attenborough to pop up any minute now!!
Thank you for all your messages – hugely appreciated and please do keep them coming xx
(Ma – cabin 217)
The setting for stage 3 was stunning, in the crater of the volcano on Deception Island. We had countless chin strap penguins and a very large seal watching us for most of the time. We had to take the odd diversion on the course as the penguins kept waddling around! Most of us are lame so they probably thought we were a distant relation! Most of the day was spent in a snow blizzard and all the gear was needed – fur hat, goggles, micro spikes etc.
We have sailed over night down to Dorion Bay where today’s stage is taking place. We haven’t been told what the time or distance is yet, but I’m sure it’ll horrendous in true RTP style….
Sorry, back at the computer again – we have just been circled by a large pod of orca (killer) whales and a large humpback whale. Incredible to see them up close. Unfortunately a ‘batch’ (not sure if that is the correct term??) of penguins swam alongside the boat at the same time and a couple of them weren’t fast enough. Watching an orca play with a penguin was very surreal. I’m almost expecting David Attenborough to pop up any minute now!!
Thank you for all your messages – hugely appreciated and please do keep them coming xx
(Ma – cabin 217)
Comments: Total (7) comments
Posted On: 25 Nov 2010 03:35 am
Congratulations! You made it and earned a long physical rest, which may be hard for you to do as you are so active. I guess the mental rest will be easier with that mountain of endless kms that you have had to face all year. What a relief to see that Devrim also finished, I was really worried about him, with his ligament tear. Give each other a pat and hug from me for persevering - that British and British influence trait.
Lucy, the very best fortunes forth!
Ted Lowe
Posted On: 24 Nov 2010 11:06 pm
Hey Lucy see you have all finished so proud of you girl you did it Woot Woot Woo...... I am so inspired and ready to sign up to complete the other 3 deserts. Enjoy your very needed break and keep in touch.... Sandy and Colin Suckling
Posted On: 24 Nov 2010 03:31 pm
SWT!!!! Fantastic work my friend! We are all so proud of you and your achievements for a very worthy cause. Looking forward to seeing you back in the UK at Xmas, party time!!!! x
Posted On: 24 Nov 2010 02:24 pm
Well done!!!
Now get training for Nepal :)
Posted On: 24 Nov 2010 09:55 am
I have just had the breaking news update saying you have completed the event. WOW! Congratulations, that's amazing news. You have pushed yourself to the extreme, when your body has been crying out for mercy you've not stopped, you've put your head down and carried on. Well done indeed, that's amazing news that you have finished the 4desert series. Well done Lucy, good work indeed. Now enjoy your celebration and lets hope your drink doesn't take as long to come as it did at the hotel in Egypt!!
Posted On: 24 Nov 2010 06:57 am
Still cant believe you managed to get the energy back for this event after Sahara - very very impressive! Hope you are having a great time down there and can't wait to hear all the insider stories!
Posted On: 24 Nov 2010 05:21 am
Lucy, I am in awe of what you have done this year, I found just doing the Sahara race last year bloody tough but to do all 4 in one year; incredible! I think your LCL deserves a lifetime of leisurely walks in the Cotswolds and no more marathons... Congratulations on a truly inpiring achievement.
22 November 2010 03:56 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
The storm that i was wishing for last night came early annoyingly and most of us were holed up in our cabins, taking deep breaths, for most of the evening! When the alarm went off at 3.45, it had disappeared....typical! We started today's stage at 6am and we were on the course for 11 1/2 hours, most of which was spent in a snow storm and with the wind chill, temps were down to about -10c. It was mind numbing! I'm afraid that my knee did not cope very well and i am typing this with my leg up and a pack of ice on. i think the 750km previous to Antartica might not have helped.
Will write a longer update tomorrow but not feeling brilliant so heading to sleep early. Once again, thank you very much for all the emails - please keep them coming xx
Will write a longer update tomorrow but not feeling brilliant so heading to sleep early. Once again, thank you very much for all the emails - please keep them coming xx
Comments: Total (11) comments
Posted On: 23 Nov 2010 11:04 pm
Keep going Lucy - you can do it and I'm sure that nice knee man can rebuild your knee later. Henry says he will massage it when you get back! x
Posted On: 23 Nov 2010 10:51 pm
Lucy, keep up the good work, ice when you can and wow what an inspiration - you are almost there!!! xo Lynne
Posted On: 23 Nov 2010 10:24 pm
Thought of you all during my daily hour lunch walk. Would you believe it - I was also in ice and snow, temperatures in lower teens F. Suppose to be about -12-15 F here tomorow. No albotrosses, pequins, etc.
You are making the Lowe Family look like whimps. Great efforts! You are such an inspiration, most would have let there bodies win and given up. Not Lucy! You can do it gal!!
Ted L.
Posted On: 23 Nov 2010 08:28 pm
Luce - loving the blogs, hard to believe what you are up to and where you are doing it.
Sounds gritty.
You think you'll do all 4 again next year or are you gonna find something a bit tougher?
Keep it up, will be watching with huge admiration.
N
Posted On: 23 Nov 2010 06:47 pm
Just you tell that lil old knee of yours to HTFU, missy :)
I'll arrange for the gin to go with that ice you've got.
Posted On: 23 Nov 2010 04:13 pm
Keep that knee up... Your so close to something that very few people have done! A true inspiration!! Huge moral pat, just keep swimming... x
Posted On: 23 Nov 2010 02:28 pm
Bulks, as ever I am speechless with admiration. Truly incredible. Just. Keep. Going.
On to more mundane matters the panto's coming along. It looks and sounds 1000% less amdram than last week, but still a bit slapdash (I think it's hilarious for that!). Weather's closing in - they reckon snow this week so that'll be London in lockdown. England are playing well in the Autumn internationals. Took Australia and Samoa to the cleaners but lost to NZ. Scotland bt S Africa so big Eng v SA showdown at the weekend. Ashes start on Thursday. Not entirely sure why I'm going you a sporting round up?! Aside from that nothing extraordinary to report; pub's are warm, beer's flowing and the nation's still skint, but not as skint as Ireland so we've lent them a few bob in exchange for Guiness. Stu's moving out, Eele's little sister's moving in.
Ironic you've got to put ice on your knee in the Antarctic!
Good luck, see you soon. Take care x
Posted On: 23 Nov 2010 02:15 pm
SWT, sounds like an amazing race. Reading the blogs daily, keep them coming and keep on going! Hope the knee holds out, you are doing amazingly. Dodsy x
Posted On: 23 Nov 2010 02:05 pm
Bulks, 3 stages down and just a couple to go. Keep hanging in there and icing that knee. Much love, Willx
Posted On: 23 Nov 2010 01:55 pm
SWT!!!! You are doing fantastic mate, great work. Really enjoying the blogs, enough chop about the knee though aye! Yeah yeah we know you're harder than the Red Hot Chile Runners and big Jimbo, stop making us feel bad for not pushing through the pain like you! ;-) Seriously though miss, fantastic work and keep the blogs coming, you are an inspiration to us all! Big love!! Jimbo x
Posted On: 23 Nov 2010 01:23 pm
Lucy - hang in there and push on through - you've come so far and very few hours to go...keep that knee up and ice it whenever you can.
Take care
Rob x
21 November 2010 05:04 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
Stage 2......
Today was meant to be the long stage and we were told that we'd be starting at 6am. Once again, the start was delayed due to bad weather and we all set off at 10.30. 10km later, we were all pulled off the ice and packed into the zodiac's as there was a storm moving in. As i'm writing this, there is a snow blizard and the visibility is pretty poor. The only thing i can see is icebergs...?! Thank god we aren't still out there! Annoyingly, my painkillers kicked in just as we were stopping the stage.....might take them a little earlier next time! There are rumours going around that if the storm blows over, we will be heading back out onto the ice later today for another 45km or so but we will have to see.
Thank you for all your messages, please keep them coming and i'll update this again today if we head out into the cold again x
Update at 6pm
We were preparing to head out back onto the ice at 4pm but then the weather deteriorated again. Quite annoying as i'd taken some painkillers to try and time it a bit better! Oh well. We are now sailing down to Deception Island for tomorrows stage. As today was cut short, they are planning the long stage tomorrow. We are leaving the boat at 5am for a 6am start, with the cut off time of 9pm.....15 hours here we come!! I'm going to pray for another storm this evening....!!
Today was meant to be the long stage and we were told that we'd be starting at 6am. Once again, the start was delayed due to bad weather and we all set off at 10.30. 10km later, we were all pulled off the ice and packed into the zodiac's as there was a storm moving in. As i'm writing this, there is a snow blizard and the visibility is pretty poor. The only thing i can see is icebergs...?! Thank god we aren't still out there! Annoyingly, my painkillers kicked in just as we were stopping the stage.....might take them a little earlier next time! There are rumours going around that if the storm blows over, we will be heading back out onto the ice later today for another 45km or so but we will have to see.
Thank you for all your messages, please keep them coming and i'll update this again today if we head out into the cold again x
Update at 6pm
We were preparing to head out back onto the ice at 4pm but then the weather deteriorated again. Quite annoying as i'd taken some painkillers to try and time it a bit better! Oh well. We are now sailing down to Deception Island for tomorrows stage. As today was cut short, they are planning the long stage tomorrow. We are leaving the boat at 5am for a 6am start, with the cut off time of 9pm.....15 hours here we come!! I'm going to pray for another storm this evening....!!
Comments: Total (11) comments
Posted On: 23 Nov 2010 09:22 am
still no scent here. Sat was average but Nick Seal did a good job keeping everyone busy. Hopefully Evenlode tomorrow things will pick up. Getting slightly colder here but no penguins seen as yet!
Posted On: 23 Nov 2010 08:38 am
Hey Lucy, such an amazing journey you are all having. Take care of that knee and you are doing great. The pictures are so inspiring on the website and yes Col and I are now thinking perhaps we will take on the challenge oneday. I\'ll be checking updates tomorrow so you go girl. Sandy and Col
Posted On: 23 Nov 2010 06:05 am
Delighted to read your spirits are high and your knee is holding up. At least you have plenty of ice for your gin and tonic! Cheers. Ken.
Posted On: 23 Nov 2010 03:47 am
Well done so far - keep it up!!! Atacama sound slike a walk in the park compared to Antarctica... Keep those painkillers close by - hope the knee holds out...
Posted On: 23 Nov 2010 12:01 am
Wow, the way the race is being laid out is sooooo crazy compared to Atacama! The unpredictableness must be unnerving. Keep it up Lucy! You ROCK!!
Posted On: 22 Nov 2010 05:32 pm
Hey Bulks, you really are mad! Sounds as though the weather is horrendous, Good Luck, keep going and be safe. Well done for getting so far.
No new news. Had a fun day hunting on Saturday, Jimmy gone again today (Monday) and it's Evenlode on Wednesday. Seen a few foxes round here recently so let's hope they feel like legging it then!
When are you back and going to resume a normal life?
Had a fun supper at banks fee last week, missed you though.
Good Luck.
Xx
Posted On: 22 Nov 2010 04:12 pm
Keep it up! You've had such amazing perseverance through all the deserts; it's been such an inspiration. Warm wishes and enjoy the adventure!
Posted On: 22 Nov 2010 03:34 pm
Big Kiss & Big Hug - thinking of you and the Pengy\'s! Keep, keep going - sounds amazing and tough all in one, but i know you can do it. xx
Posted On: 22 Nov 2010 03:23 pm
SWT... Sending loads of love and warmth for today! Just keep swimming. Doing so well x
Posted On: 22 Nov 2010 02:47 pm
Hi Lucy,
sending you lots of good vibes from HongKong. Have fun, enjoy this amazing experience, I know you can do it. Keep warm.
Lots of love,
Marilena
Posted On: 22 Nov 2010 01:27 pm
I think we would all be frustrated with push-backs...I know I as frustrated enough with NO updates about the race for hours! Finally there are updates again (yes, I'm addicted to the breaking news and blogs now). Was reading about the 3rd stage and it sounds SO interesting with the the 'volcanic' water and all the penguins. Are/did you go for a swim? I had no idea that there were 'hot springs' in Antarctica. Hope the stage went well...I can't wait to see that updates. Keep it up girl--you got this!
20 November 2010 05:35 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
Oh my god……this is the toughest thing that I have ever done.
We were told at 3.40 this morning that the start of today’s stage was delayed because of bad weather – high winds, snow and rough seas, which meant the zodiac boats couldn’t get us safely to shore. Finally we hit land and the stage started at noon. It was about -5c with wind chill and the course was incredibly tough. Mostly snow, ice and the odd bit of muddy slush, all on a very undulating circuit. Horrendous and not very knee friendly. It will be firmly strapped up tomorrow, along with some very strong pain killers. I managed 45km in the time allocated, which I think was average. Ryan Sandes won the stage easily.
Watching us from the sidelines were quite a few chinstrap penguins, a very large seal and some rather scary young albatross’ which kept diving for us……somewhat unnerving.
Today’s tough course has taken its toll and most of us are hobbling around the boat. Guttingly 2 guys are already out of the race, one of whom has frostbite.
Thank you once again for all your messages, please keep them coming as this is going to be a very tough race
xx
We were told at 3.40 this morning that the start of today’s stage was delayed because of bad weather – high winds, snow and rough seas, which meant the zodiac boats couldn’t get us safely to shore. Finally we hit land and the stage started at noon. It was about -5c with wind chill and the course was incredibly tough. Mostly snow, ice and the odd bit of muddy slush, all on a very undulating circuit. Horrendous and not very knee friendly. It will be firmly strapped up tomorrow, along with some very strong pain killers. I managed 45km in the time allocated, which I think was average. Ryan Sandes won the stage easily.
Watching us from the sidelines were quite a few chinstrap penguins, a very large seal and some rather scary young albatross’ which kept diving for us……somewhat unnerving.
Today’s tough course has taken its toll and most of us are hobbling around the boat. Guttingly 2 guys are already out of the race, one of whom has frostbite.
Thank you once again for all your messages, please keep them coming as this is going to be a very tough race
xx
Comments: Total (9) comments
Posted On: 22 Nov 2010 11:59 pm
Lucy we are so proud of you! Hang in there. We know you can do it!
Posted On: 22 Nov 2010 02:32 pm
The trip sounds absolutely incredible! Keep up the good spirits, you're doing great! Wish I was there to cheer you all on in person! This race looks the coolest by far!
Posted On: 22 Nov 2010 10:01 am
Lady - you are doing great!! Hope the knee is holding up and I actually wish I was there, the photos probably do no justice but it still looks pretty amazing. Keep up the good working, and look forward to hearing more about your adventures!! x
Posted On: 22 Nov 2010 08:41 am
SWT!!!! Great work champ!! Sounds like you guys are having just the most amazing adventure, I am very, very envious! Great work on the distance covered yesterday, it seems to be a bloody tough course. Keep up the great work and I look forward to hearing about the rest of the week. x
Posted On: 22 Nov 2010 04:38 am
Hey Lucy you are doing great you go girl. What an amazing experience so different from the other deserts. Brrrrr I feel your cold think I will go and have some hot soup just for you...... All the best Col and Sandy
Posted On: 21 Nov 2010 08:18 pm
Lucy , been thinking of you and wishing you well on the last and most amazing journey Great progress, great determination and courage.
Posted On: 21 Nov 2010 07:35 pm
Lucy - your doing great. I hear yesterday was the worse stage of all the stages of any race this year. You made it - just keep in mind that you have survived the worst and the rest will be just closer to the finish. Your an inspiration to all of us. You know we are all jealous of the opportunities, sites, and experiences your having there in Antarctic. We are living it through you and your blog. Take care and was so glad to hear your having a weather delay -- more time for your healing L CL injury. Your cheery spirits are infectious - pass them on to as many of your companions there as possible - I'm sure they need it, the environmental conditions as poor as they are for running.
Cheers -- Ted Lowe
Posted On: 21 Nov 2010 06:55 pm
Hi Lucy,
You are doing a great job! This is so awesome.
We will cheer you from here :-) Say hi to StanLee for me, that old geezer :-)
Stay frosty!
Christian
Posted On: 21 Nov 2010 06:05 pm
Lucy, great job today! So proud of you as always. Keep up your high spirits and positive thoughts. Here's my random news for the day: after all my sahara training and the race...no toenail issues...Did a 12km trail race yesterday...and boom dark blue toenails--ahhh, how is that possible?
Well, thinking of you and Devrim a lot--take care and keep your eyes open and bright to take in all the beauty.
19 November 2010 06:52 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
As I write this, we are in the middle of the Drake Passage and it is living up to its name – the ship is constantly rolling which is rather entertaining when you’re trying to eat and sleep! Luckily the combination of the seasickness patch behind my ear and the homeopathic tablets that I’m taking seem to be working. Unfortunately some of my fellow competitors haven’t been so lucky and won’t be leaving their cabins for a while….
Apparently we are now only 12 hours away from King George Island, which is where the first stage is taking place tomorrow. The course briefing from Alastair was rather scary to listen to, especially as the wakeup call is at 3.45 before the start at 6am. We have also been told that the Penguins out on the course have the right of way….how classic is that?! It still hasn’t sunk in what I’m about to try and do, but once I’m packing my rucksack with the all extra kit needed for the ice, I’m sure it will ……………..AGH! I’ll also be carrying a chest camera for Trans World Sport so will have to watch my language !
We are all trying to take our minds off the race and prevent cabin fever setting in by playing some incredibly competitive games of cards and backgammon, as well as listening to research lectures about the wildlife we’re likely to see (Albatross, whales, penguins etc). Even going up to the top deck to get some fresh air takes a lot of balance and is rather time consuming.
Thank you so much for all your emails, hugely appreciated. Please keep them coming and I’ll try and update this again tomorrow night after the long day – not sure how far we have to go but the cut off time is 9pm ……15 hours on the ice…..hideous.
xx
Apparently we are now only 12 hours away from King George Island, which is where the first stage is taking place tomorrow. The course briefing from Alastair was rather scary to listen to, especially as the wakeup call is at 3.45 before the start at 6am. We have also been told that the Penguins out on the course have the right of way….how classic is that?! It still hasn’t sunk in what I’m about to try and do, but once I’m packing my rucksack with the all extra kit needed for the ice, I’m sure it will ……………..AGH! I’ll also be carrying a chest camera for Trans World Sport so will have to watch my language !
We are all trying to take our minds off the race and prevent cabin fever setting in by playing some incredibly competitive games of cards and backgammon, as well as listening to research lectures about the wildlife we’re likely to see (Albatross, whales, penguins etc). Even going up to the top deck to get some fresh air takes a lot of balance and is rather time consuming.
Thank you so much for all your emails, hugely appreciated. Please keep them coming and I’ll try and update this again tomorrow night after the long day – not sure how far we have to go but the cut off time is 9pm ……15 hours on the ice…..hideous.
xx
Comments: Total (2) comments
Posted On: 20 Nov 2010 07:57 pm
Very entertaining,,,,,and, to get a different version of the amazing experience.
I'm the father of "Zandy" the official photografer.He seems to have been quieted by the unstaediness of his tummie….
Good luck to you and all the other athletes and staff
Posted On: 20 Nov 2010 07:47 am
Go Lucy - thinkin of you and sam - least you wont need to be icing the legs ah!!!. As for the chest camera make sure you get it the right way around mate..I'm with you guys in spirit so go girls go....
luv megs
17 November 2010 08:07 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
Landing safely in Ushuaia on Monday, with my bags, was a huge relief. Quite a few fellow competitors had a rather worrying 24hrs waiting for all their kit to catch up with them. i can't imagine how they must have felt. The hotel where we have been based is stunning - on the edge of the Beagle Channel, at the foot of the snow capped mountains. As well as a few of my fellow competitors, there is also a team of guys who have just driven an electric car here from Alaska.....!! I dread to think what all the other guests (mainly elderly tourists) make of us?!
The last couple of days have been spent eating, wandering around town and doing interviews and filming with Ash and Colin, the guys from Trans World Sport who are covering the race.
We board the boat for Antartica in a couple of hours. It still hasn't hit me yet but the nerves are getting steadily worse. 250km of Antartica lie ahead of me and it is rather a daunting prospect! The seasickness patch is on behind my ear and all fingers crossed that it does its job, otherwise the next 48hrs crossing the Drake Passage are going to be pretty miserable.
A HUGE thank you to everyone who has kindly donated to Macmillan Cancer Support. The total is just under 31K which is incredible.
Until the boat...............AGH!!xx
The last couple of days have been spent eating, wandering around town and doing interviews and filming with Ash and Colin, the guys from Trans World Sport who are covering the race.
We board the boat for Antartica in a couple of hours. It still hasn't hit me yet but the nerves are getting steadily worse. 250km of Antartica lie ahead of me and it is rather a daunting prospect! The seasickness patch is on behind my ear and all fingers crossed that it does its job, otherwise the next 48hrs crossing the Drake Passage are going to be pretty miserable.
A HUGE thank you to everyone who has kindly donated to Macmillan Cancer Support. The total is just under 31K which is incredible.
Until the boat...............AGH!!xx
Comments: Total (6) comments
Posted On: 21 Nov 2010 12:52 am
Sounds like the boat trip was an amazing beginning to the final desert frontier! Best of luck on day one. We’re all in awe of your journey. Keep stomping it out there and enjoy the snow.
Posted On: 20 Nov 2010 01:57 am
Our prayers are with you. Just remember, it will be all be down hill (fingers crossed) after Saturday. Give Sam, Devrim, Semantha, and Linda Quirk my regards. I have no doubt you all will finish and do well.
Best Regards -- Ted L.
Posted On: 19 Nov 2010 01:36 pm
Good Luck Lucy!! I've read that the boat is pretty rough and not all have been fairing well. I hope you've been holding up--what an adventure! Even when it's painful, enjoy every moment, you are experiencing things most people will never get the opportunity to!
Posted On: 19 Nov 2010 10:43 am
Lucy!!! It sounds amazing out there - I am jealous and getting goosebumps from reading about it. Have an amazing journey - I'll be tracking you all the way! B x
Posted On: 19 Nov 2010 09:08 am
Good luck Luce - especially with the boat ride! Sounds pretty relaxed so far, hope that lasts a while longer... Was in Helsinki in the snow yesterday, and apart from being at the wrong side of the world was thinking how much fun it would be to be out there..! Have fun playing with the penguins,
Fergus and Kate
Posted On: 19 Nov 2010 12:39 am
Dear Lucy,
I hope the boat trip isn't too horrible. Somehow I know that you and Jacqueline will make it over that FINISH line. Good luck! Jacqueline's mom, Diane
01 November 2010 12:48 pm (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
I've spent the last 10 days, since arriving back from the Sahara, eating and drinking everything in sight! Probably not a bad thing as i lost weight again and i need to be back up to full strength to tackle the ice and snow of Antartica in just under 4 weeks time.
My knees did not enjoy the endless soft sand and i had to have an MRI scan. The results showed a badly strained LCL and they suggested 4 to 6 weeks rest........which isn't going to happen! I deceided to put my trainers back on today, after some much needed rest, and managed 15km on the treadmill with both knees heavily strapped. They didn't hurt as much as i thought they would, thank goodness. I just need to keep doing small runs to keep the legs ticking over as i hopefully won't have lost much fitness as the races are so close together.
The kit list for this race is scary reading and the nerves have started again. After 3 deserts of 50c heat, we are now going to face -20c and have to be prepared. A HUGE thank you to Sock Solutions Ltd and Falke for their very kind sponsorship of kit.
We haven't been told the stage distances yet but there is a rumour going around that Day 1 is going to be 50 miles....hideous!
The Atacama in March seems a long time ago and there have been some incredible highs and lows since then. We have had tragedy in the Gobi, drop outs, countless injuries, lost bags, earthquakes....I can't really get my head around the fact that in just over 3 weeks time i will be boarding the boat in Ushuaia and setting off across the Drake Passage to Antartica.
I'm determined to cross the finishing line, however many painkillers it takes, to complete the 4 Desert Grand Slam in memory of my father, while raising much needed funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Until Ushuaia x
Comments: Total (11) comments
Posted On: 19 Nov 2010 09:56 am
Bulks, I hope the crossing went well and you've put the first stage behind you by now. You\ve done brilliantly to make it down there, so do keep trudging on. If you need a bit of a pick-me-up, just think of that text message I sent you after another quiet evening at 151. Stay strong and see it through - we're all rooting for you. Willxx
Posted On: 18 Nov 2010 02:23 pm
U didn't miss anything yesterday - cold, wet and no scent. Let us know when you see your first penguin!
Posted On: 17 Nov 2010 11:43 am
good luck x (no comments on making an effort this time...yet!)
Posted On: 17 Nov 2010 12:01 am
Matt: LRB,
What is the difference between roast beef and pea soup?
Everyone can roast beef.
M x x
Lucy - Why does Edward Wood Wood have 4 d's in his name?????
Because otherwise he would be Ewa Woo Woo.
N x x
Posted On: 16 Nov 2010 07:33 am
Go Bulks - SUPERWOMAN! we can't wait to read your Antarctica blog entries. Good luck x
Posted On: 15 Nov 2010 10:52 pm
Good luck honey. Will be thinking of you lots tackling that ice and snow. Do hope the knee keeps up, am sure it will and keep it warm.. You really are amazing and I know will get through it. You are one tough old bird!! Big hug and much love Georgie. xx
Posted On: 11 Nov 2010 03:25 pm
Lucy,
Good luck with this event, we're all routing for you. I know you'll get through it. Sorry to hear about the knee, but that's an issue you can deal with once it's all over and you're back in Glos again.
Sorry I didn't get to see you before you go, I'll be following the updates all the way - stay strong and good luck with it.
Ed
Posted On: 09 Nov 2010 12:21 am
I'll be rooting for you Lucy. Good luck, I know you can do it. Best, Clancy
Posted On: 05 Nov 2010 01:35 am
Can't wait to read the blog and hear the stories of Antarctica! Good luck Lucy--you are the toughest girl I know, you can totally do this thing :)
Posted On: 03 Nov 2010 09:44 am
Lucy good luck we will be following the race from our computers. Was so great meeting you in Sahara you go girl you can do it....Sandy and Col
Posted On: 24 Oct 2010 09:58 am
The lovely Lucy - sorry I never got to say goodbye in Egypt. I have been thinking heaps about the race and all of you lot that i met. You in particular as we often crossed paths in the sandpit!!. great to hear the knee is hanging in there - my feet are still manky from the blisters but I am oh so happy. keei on touch - i will follow you in Antarctica - go hard xx
cheers
megs
Comments: Total (1) comments
Posted On: 28 Nov 2010 01:02 am