vision2020@moscow.com: Former MHS Graduate Reaches South Pole
Former MHS Graduate Reaches South Pole
Tom Trail (ttrail@moscow.com)
Sat, 10 Jan 1998 09:37:30 -0800 (PST)
Dirk Dansecoeur, 1981 Moscow High School Graduate, and American Field Service
Student from Belgium, reached the South Pole on January 3rd. Dirk and his
colleague, Alain, have traveled over 1,900 miles to the South Pole from the
Belgium base. They departed from the Belgium base on November 5th pulling
sledges on skiis. Each sledge was filled with 450 pounds of food and supplies.
The team advanced from sea level to 12,000 ft. to reach to plateau. They then
used parasails to assist them pick up speed on their journey.
They broke the world record for one day travel covering over 120 miles under
ideal conditions. Problems have been encountered by the team--whiteouts,
new sledges had to be resupplied, and problems with cooking food under
-40 degree temperatures. The team must arrive at McMurdoo Sound by January
30th to catch the last ship out. They are presently about 600 miles from
McMurdoo.
Dirk lived with our family for a year, and he still has many friends in the
Moscow community.
Tom Trail
Dr. Tom Trail
International Trails
2039 Mt. View Rd.
Moscow, Id. 83843
Tel: (208) 882-6077
Fax: (208) 882-0896
e mail ttrail@moscow.com
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