January 2010

January 17th, 2010

Meagan McGrath – World Adventurer

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Meagan McGrath is a 32 year old former Sudburian, and a Major in the Canadian Air Force employed as an aerospace engineer in Ottawa. As a child, Meagan regularly visited Science North and was a regular participant in Science North’s summer camps and programs…and that inspired her to pursue a career in science.

In November 2009 Meagan McGrath, Sudbury’s best-known adventurer, completed a solo journey, over 1130 kilometers on foot, from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole, dragging 225 pounds of food, fuel, and equipment in a sled for two months. Meagan is presently attempting to become Canada’s first person to ski solo the vast distance from Hercules Inlet to the South Pole.

CANADIAN ADVENTURER SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES SECOND WEEK OF SOLO TREK TO THE GEOGRAPHIC SOUTH POLE

SUDBURY, ON  (DECEMBER 18, 2009) - Canadian adventurer Meagan McGrath has travelled an estimated 244 kilometers, since departing from Patriot Hills, Antarctica on December 7th.  McGrath is currently engaged in the Antarctic Odyssey – a solo journey, on foot, unassisted and unsupported, to the South Pole. The former Sudburian and Major in the Canadian Air Force is aiming to reach the Geographic South Pole, her pick-up rendez-vous point, by January 14, 2010.

At the beginning of the expedition, McGrath was getting used to a routine and  the physical demands of pulling her sleds when they were fully loaded down with gear and supplies.  This week, McGrath has been skiing an average of 10 hours per day and achieving distances in the range of 20 to 26 kilometers.

McGrath also spent the better part of last week and the beginning of this week travelling in white-out conditions.  As a result of the lack of sunlight she has been unable to fully power up her Iridium satellite phone.  This has forced her to keep her batteries on conservation mode, limiting contact with Science North and her Expedition Communications Manager.  Despite this, McGrath has maintained daily contact with the South Pole expedition agency Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions (ALE) to report her status.  The ALE team recently advised McGrath to put out her solar panels, used to charge her battery powered devices, regardless of the lack of sunshine.  On Tuesday, December 15th and Thursday December 17th, McGrath was able to post audio blogs to the Science North website to update the status of the expedition.

Fans of Meagan McGrath are encouraged to visit http://sciencenorth.ca/meagan regularly to learn more about the Antarctic Odyssey.  Visitors to the website can also post comments for McGrath, or ask her a question about the expedition.  McGrath will also be phoning Science North, when possible, to provide audio updates which will be posted to the website.

In addition to these amazing adventures……Meagan has completed the following world adventures….

Mt. Kilimanjaro – Africa – April 2002
- 5,895 metres (19,563 feet)

Mount Everest
In May 2007 she reached the summit of Mount Everest and achieved her dream of becoming the first Canadian Forces member and the youngest Canadian female to achieve the Seven Summits – the highest peaks on seven continents. Meagan McGrath made it to the “top of the world” at 7:15 p.m. Sudbury time on Sunday May 20, 2007 (5 a.m. Monday, May 21, 2007 Nepal time). Nepal’s Mount Everest is 8,848 metres (29,028 feet) tall at its peak.

Carstenz Pyramid

Sudbury’s best-known mountain climber, has also become the only Canadian female, and the first Canadian Forces Member to achieve both versions of the Seven Summits!
After a 5 hour climb, Meagan summitted Indonesia’s Carstensz Pyramid at 8:10 a.m. local time, on January 6, 2008.  Carstensz Pyramid is located in the Indonesian province of Papua. It is the highest mountain in Oceania (4,884 metres / 16, 023 feet), and is considered by some to be one of the Seven Summits.

Marathon Des Sables

On April 5, 2008 at noon, local time, Meagan McGrath crossed the finish line at the 2008 Marathon des Sables — a gruelling 7-day race through the Sahara desert, coming in 287th overall (out of more than 800 competitors)! Sudbury’s best-known adventurer completed the 245.3 kilometre marathon with a time of 40 hours and 48 minutes — only 21 hours behind the winner, Mohammed Ahansal of Morocco.

The Marathon des Sables isn’t any ordinary race, but the equivalent to six regular marathons. The race lasts for seven days, with the final stage of the race lasting through the day and into the night.

Meagan McGrath Antarctic Odyssey Public Lecture
February 3, 2010
Science North IMAX® Theatre
7:30 p.m.

Canadian adventurer Meagan McGrath will return in January from her biggest adventure to date – a solo journey, on foot, unassisted and unsupported, to the South Pole.  She will be pulling sleds that weigh an estimated 91 kilograms (200 pounds) and carrying about 18 kilograms (40 pounds) of fuel and supplies on her back. McGrath will be in Sudbury February 3, 2010 to talk about her Antarctic Odyssey.   Purchase your tickets here…

“ Nothing will work unless you do.” Maya Angelou