FROM THEIR WEB SITE...
We arrived back home today – a bit earlier than expected, I’m afraid. We’re disappointed to have failed in the objective of parakiting from the South Pole to Patriot Hills, but we’re not too depressed. Having been to Antarctica and seen what it is like, we are more convinced than ever that this is the way to travel across the ice.
Our research indicated that the one aspect of the expedition we could rely on was the wind. You can imagine how we felt when we got to the South Pole and discovered that they were experiencing the quietest period for wind that they could remember. The meteorologist at the US Pole station advised us that it would be early February before we could be assured of stronger winds in the vicinity of the Pole. This "hole" in the wind extends to approximately 88 degrees South, a distance of about 120 miles from the Pole. We tried to man-haul but quickly realised that it was impractical. It took both of us to pull one buggy through the 3 inches of snow that seemed to be lying everywhere – no wind to blow it all away! Five miles net gain a day would have been the best we could have achieved in this way. We were in the vicinity of the South Pole for nearly five days during which time the wind was rarely strong enough to lift a kite let along pull our 180kg loaded buggies through soft snow. It was heart-breaking to have to quit after putting so much effort into the expedition but we really had no choice. To have struggled on heroically for a few miles would almost certainly have resulted in a full-scale rescue. We felt this would have been irresponsible.

We learnt a lot while we were there. Antarctica is frequently portrayed as a hostile and ferocious place. We found it beautiful, lonely and desolate but, in the conditions that prevailed, not as threatening as we had expected. Since we abandoned the expedition we’ve been continually asked if we will have another go. In the next few weeks we will take stock and make a decision. For sure we’d like to finish the business we started.

Tuesday 7 January

Having arrived relatively late on the Antarctic continent (27 December), the duo of Brian Cunningham (British) and Jamie Young (Irish) was able to be transported only three days later on 30 December.

Then they waited for winds that did not materialize, and having no other means of transport than the buggies, they had to announce that they were abandoning their plans. Better luck next time.

Tuesday December 10th

The team (Brian Cunningham and Jamie Young) and their equipment are scheduled to arrive at Patriot Hills on 21st December from Punta Arenas. They will then be taken to the South Pole a few days later.
If all goes according to plan, this expedition will probably cross the others heading towards the South Pole.

Friday November 29th

As the main players in this adventure - Brian Cunningham (British), Jamie Young (Irish) and Kieron Bradley (vehicle designer) are hoping to make the journey between the South Pole and Patriot Hills in record time, they have decided not to set out until towards the end of December.
A week or so ago, during the week of 18th November to be precise, the final tests on the equipment and buggies were carried out in Switzerland on one of the glaciers at the famous resort of Les Diablerets (also renowned for its annual ballooning meeting). Far from losing their sense of business, the same team has already stated on its website that the vehicles will be for sale once the expedition is over...

This is what their press release has to say:

Buggy testing was very successful despite the conditions. For most of the time we had picture postcard Swiss weather with sparkling sunshine, glittering peaks, but unfortunately very little wind! On our last day of testing on the glacier at Les Diablerets we had a good wind in the morning but it was very fluky because of the surrounding mountains. This stretched our abilities but was a good test. In the absence of wind, the Swiss staff at Glacier 3000 were very helpful and Benoit towed us in the buggy at high speed all over the ski area. They also provided us with free lift passes and helped us carry the buggy up to the testing area in the cable car.

The main purpose of the test was to exercise the buggy and we are glad to report that in all respects it performed flawlessly. Parastorm’s Kieron Bradley has produced a truly amazing machine. He has also devised a way to modify the skis to increase its speed.
Both buggies will be up for sale after the expedition so if there are any adventurers out there who are interested, please get in touch.

Res Luthi of Advance Kites did a superb job of organising things for us in Switzerland and we are deeply indebted to him for his splendid support. He invited Pascal Joubert, the French ski-kiting champion, to help us with our testing. Pascal and his photographer colleague Bertrand Noone entertained us to some spectacular kite-skiing, in spite of the poor winds. They also gave us many tips and hints on how to get the most out of our Advance kites.
Our test plan was specifically aimed at exercising the buggy and our beautiful Advance kites, but we did use much of the equipment that has been generously supplied by our sponsors. We have the best kit we could wish for.
As usual the Kit Kat team were great fun and everyone enjoyed the breaks!

© photos : Kit Ket Ice Kites Expedition