Journey to the South Pole !

PR-USA -

December Ist 1910, Captain Scott, one of our nation's greatest polar explorers navigated his steam whaler, the 'Terra Nova', through treacherous pack ice and violent blizzards in the race to become the first man to reach the South Pole and 'secure the honour of this achievement for the British Empire!'

December Ist 2010,100 years later, the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust - who are committed to conserving and supporting Britain's long history of Antarctic exploration and scientific research - are remembering and celebrating the life of one of our most famous Antarctic heroes.

During his epic 1,700 mile journey over the most inhospitable land in the world Scott and his team used basic equipment - they pulled a heavy wooden sledge lashed together with gut and leather, slept under canvass, had cumbersome wooden skis and wore, by today's standards, inadequate protective clothing in sub zero temperatures - fine woven Gabardine jackets, merino wool balaclavas, reindeer skin boots and woollen underpants - warm but not breathable or completely waterproof!

Says the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust's Chairman, Philippa Foster Back OBE, "As part of the celebrations the UKAHT are supporting events and exhibitions in the UK and worldwide and are involved with the launch of The Scott's Centenary fundraising Collection of 'explorers' gear - all our activities have been created to pay homage to Captain Scott and his 1910 polar expedition.

We want the general public to appreciate Scott's incredible spirit of adventure and an iconic piece of British polar history while helping us keep Scott's memory alive."

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