Beyond the Poles - Rune Gjeldnes - A RSGS talk June 14, 2012

The Poles hold a special magical draw for some people. These great frozen white environments have offered a tantalising challenge to many over the years, and Norwegian Rune Gjeldnes is one explorer who found himself completely under their spell.

In 2005-6, Rune undertook his greatest challenge, the first and only crossing of both Poles without resupplies. His solo crossing of the world’s most inhospitable continent, Antarctica resulted in the world’s longest ski trip (4804 km), pulling all his own fuel, food and equipment. The journey was a battle against the margins, the elements and most of all against himself.

This was not the first time he’d undertaken such a challenge. In 1996, at the age of 24, he and friend Torry Larsen completed the first and only unsupported south to north ski trip through Greenland, carrying their food and equipment with them on sleds. Together in 2000 they also achieved another first, with another unsupported crossing, this time of the Arctic Ocean. After 109 days and 2000 km, they landed on Cape Discovery in Northern Canada with no food left, no water left, totally exhausted and weighing 53.2 kilos less than when they started.
Today, 18 international expeditions have attempted this unsupported crossing. None have succeeded.

Rune said ‘It is the polar regions that have attracted me - their vastness, their greatness - they are simply majestic. We humans are not meant to travel and live in the extreme climate of the polar regions, but with preparation, experience and a little bit of humility we can visit them.’

Rune Gjeldnes will give his open-hearted and honest account of his adventures, dreams and longing. The talk has been arranged by the Royal Scottish Geographical Society. He will speak about setting a goal, sticking to it and being true to the dream, and never ever giving up.

Official Website: http://www.horsecross.co.uk/whats-on/2012/jun/14/rune-gjeldnes-66985/