Like most adventures this one began in a pub over a few beers, when two strangers united to share experiences and talk of trips around the world.
Now, local adventure-seekers Ian Evans and Jon Ralston are joining forces for the trek of a lifetime to the South Pole.
They are hosting a fundraiser event on March 22 at the Gorge Cinema in Elora.
Next November the pair is taking the long walk, approximately 850 kms, or 500 Nordic miles, from “the coast to the pole” across the frozen tundra of Antarctica, which will take an estimated 65 days, depending on weather and personal stamina in one of the harshest climates on earth.
“It’s considered one of the hardest expeditions on earth,” said Evans.
“This is something we both always wanted to do, to go to Antarctica,” said Ralston, 29, an avid adventure seeker and outdoor enthusiast with hobbies of diving, climbing and canoeing.
“It’s also the coldest and windiest place on earth. You start at sea level and go to 9,000 feet above sea level, up hill into the wind, and the wind is coming off the Pole.”
To complete the trek the pair will each be responsible for pulling a 100-pound sled loaded with a tent, food, supplies and fuel. Helping them stay on route, the company that organizes the trip provides an experienced guide, Keith Heger.
“It’s the only place left on earth not permanently inhabited,” Ralston said, adding he is fascinated by the legends and stories of heroic expeditions of the past. “There is something very mysterious and haunting about it.”
Evans shares his friend’s sentiment. Born in Britain, for him the history of previous expeditions has long been a fascination.
“The thought of walking in their footsteps is something I’ve never imagined,” Evans said, though he notes his desire to do this trek is more about personal accomplishment.
As an extreme adventure enthusiast, cyclist and marathon runner, Evan’s achievements include climbing five of the “Seven Summits.”
He cycled solo and unsupported across the continent of Australia, circumnavigated Iceland on bicycle, and from Skagway on the Pacific Ocean to Inuvik on the Arctic Ocean, as well as completing the “End to End” route in the UK.
“For me, it’s an extension of what I did in Australia,” Evans said. “I want to push myself to the edge of my comfort zone because at that point, that’s where I feel most alive.”
Evans admits he is twice Ralston’s age, but says he is fit enough to make the trip. Evans draws inspiration from the fact that, if successful, he will be the oldest Canadian to complete the journey.
“According to the Guinness Book of World Records, less than 350 people have ever done this expedition,” Ralston said.
“Twenty times more people have climbed Mt. Everest,” Evans added.
While they are both healthy and mentally prepared, the biggest hurdle to the trip is the cost. Each man will have to raise a staggering $190,000, of which $135,000 is for the airfare to Chile and Antarctica, within Antarctica, and back.
The remaining funds go to the food, supplies and fuel required to keep them alive and well, plus the cost of an expedition guide.
“We really need to raise the money for the flights and some of the other needs,” Evans said, noting both are paying a portion of their trip themselves.
Ralston said, “If we are able to fundraise and go above our sponsorship goal, the proceeds will go to the Centre Wellington Community Foundation.”
John Chalmers of the Gorge Cinema is hosting the South Pole Fundraiser event on March 22, showing the documentary Into the Cold, about an expedition to the North Pole guided by Heger. At the event Evans and Ralston will also speak about their goal.
“We want to create interest and get the community wound up for what we’re trying to do,” Evans said.
While on the trek, Evans and Ralston plan to keep connected to friends and sponsors via a daily blog and satellite communications. They will also be filming the adventure to show audiences upon their return. CBC Radio has shown an interest and may follow the men along the trek.
Nick-named “the Odd Couple” at the Shepherd’s Pub in Elora, the pair figure their differences will make them a good team.
“We’re fairly opposite in our abilities and experiences, and our ages,” Ralston said.
Adds Evans, “We are different, but those differences are complimentary.”
It’s the trip of a lifetime and a risk both men feel is worth every effort and every expense.
“For me to finally be able to go to a place I’ve read about and thought about and always wanted to since I was a kid is amazing,” Ralston said.
The South Pole Fundraiser will take place at the Gorge Cinema on March 22 at 4pm. Tickets are $12 at the door. For more information visit www.ianevans.ca/southpole or Facebook.southpole2014.
