So you thought you did the odd daring thing when you were young? OK, perhaps a bushwalk? Real daring, there are poisonous snakes out there! Hmmm, what about the snowy Alps of New Zealand? The arid regions of Morocco? Perhaps trekking to Everest Base Camp, 5364 metres above sea level, in Nepal? Only takes a few weeks, but for good measure, throw in a spell at a local school volunteering, and whilst there, plan a fundraiser of, say, $15,000 to help that school? Actually, once back in Australia, Stephanie raised $20,000. Are you still in it?Well, Stephanie did this in preparation for her next major project: to walk from the West Coast of Greenland to the eastern side. To train for this, she attached two big tyres to her harness, to simulate towing her 50 Kg sled, and dragged it along the beach front on the Gold Coast. “The closest to home where I could simulate the exercise” she said with a smile. Then she did it – 600 Km of unforgiving, bitterly cold, living for 30 days in the glacial wilderness, overnighting in her specially designed tent.
All this, and more, is in preparation of her major project: to Solo Ski to the South Pole next year. 1130 Km, 60 days, from the continental west coast of Antarctica. 1,130 Km, 60 days. Temperatures between minus 5 to minus 40 degrees. Yes, overnight in a tent.
Why? OK, Stephanie obviously enjoys adventures way beyond the endurance capabilities of the average citizen. However, she is also affiliated with the University of Wollongong and the University of Tasmania for research purposes. Like metabolic rate to pinpoint thermal requirements, or nutritional requirements, or sports psychology.
What can I add? We are in awe, Stephanie. We wish you every success in your venture. (A PDF copy of her presentation is in the Download Section on the right)