Some great news to share today: A North Bend couple made history over weekend at the bottom of the world!
On January 18, 2014, Chris and Marty Fagan of North Bend became the first American married couple to ski, unguided and unsupported, from the edge of Antarctica to the South Pole. Only about 100 people have completed this type of full expedition to the South Pole.
After 48 days in conditions few will ever experience, Marty says, “There is a reason it hasn’t been done very many times.”
During the grueling 48-day journey, Chris and Marty each hauled 220 pound sleds filled with food and equipment, averaging 9 hours a day for 570 miles. During their seven weeks on the ice, they endured the coldest and windiest place on earth and intense physical and mental challenges. Talk about marital challenges!
The high-adventure couple say adventure is in their DNA. Chris explained, “We longed to experience the challenge of Antarctica’s wild and pristine environment.”
Chris and Marty, both endurance athletes, were very prepared for Antarctica journey. Between them they have climbed some of the world’s highest mountains, including Denali, Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro, along with completing numerous 100-mile mountain races.
But they admit the challenges in Antarctica were beyond anything they had ever experienced.
To sum it up, Marty explained, “Chris and I never, ever, talked about stopping. We always knew we were going to keep driving on,”
The Fagan’s hope their successful South Pole journey will inspire their son, the students at his school and all the people who followed their journey since they left for the South Pole last November.
To read the complete details of Chris and Marty’s amazing journey visit the 3 Below Zero website or their Facebook page.
