tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269171842571512673.post2803596279913306650..comments2023-05-01T08:13:12.901-07:00Comments on The South Pole: Solo but not Alone: Day 27: This is starting to get REAL tough... I fought for every footstep today!Howard Fairbankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17287350290132763213noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269171842571512673.post-76363861460804459252011-12-24T16:49:18.347-08:002011-12-24T16:49:18.347-08:00Hi Howard,
Good to see that there are rewards -car...Hi Howard,<br />Good to see that there are rewards -card from Ruth!Well done on the time on the ice & the distance!Nature always has a habit of sorting man out.In deed I do feel guilty passing comments from sunny Kommetjie & great surf.Well done !!!It truly humbling how you keep to the purpose & the plan/goal.<br />Cheers<br />PetePete Joneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04398939690989413097noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269171842571512673.post-68569106473607058992011-12-19T23:45:53.075-08:002011-12-19T23:45:53.075-08:00Howard I can see from the more recent blogs the mi...Howard I can see from the more recent blogs the mind has such powerful place in the challenge you are facing I know we all say the body says no but if you can sort the mental side you achieve the unbelievable<br />Well this definitely proves it. You have brought in another element which I had not considered and that is mental illness in the way of depression re the Abyss but wow you have recognised this your self (no other options available) and able to write down in your blog.<br />Here I am sat on a packed commuter train going into London thinking how cold it is this morning (3c!!)<br />Keep safe you are truly inspiring <br />Q' how long will you be resting until the kiting'<br />spSimon Prankardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08075566974108130034noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269171842571512673.post-28846964158037540462011-12-19T16:12:07.942-08:002011-12-19T16:12:07.942-08:00I look forward to your blog everyday, Howard!
Toda...I look forward to your blog everyday, Howard!<br />Today, I wanted to leave you with a joke, but I couldn't think of a good one. Charmaine made me laugh today though, and was glad, because I thought you did too! Sandy T.Sandy T.https://www.blogger.com/profile/00068336449115321803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269171842571512673.post-66895442727357487802011-12-19T15:53:24.836-08:002011-12-19T15:53:24.836-08:00Howard, when I read about your moment to moment st...Howard, when I read about your moment to moment struggles and your mind abyss, I say to myself, why was he doing this again? Then, I remember you said you need to experience the adventure by doing it, and you want to see what it takes to do it and you want to see if you can do it. Not your exact words, and hoping I got it right because I'm thinking the struggles and mind abyss are a big part of this experience, but just keep reminding your self they will pass. In six days it's over! I have immense admiration for you for taking on this adventure like you have. Yes, when you arrive at the South Pole you will be the first South African and oldest person to do it going solo, unsupported, and unassisted. BUT, let's add to that: doing it without an IPOD, books or MP3 and see who would even want to take on that mental challenge! Howard, I wish I could be at the South Pole when you arrive waving my arms in the air, YouuHoooing at the top of my voice and say, "Howard, I don't know any one like you! You are crazy! Crazy amazing! Sandy T.Sandy T.https://www.blogger.com/profile/00068336449115321803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269171842571512673.post-72105196144870658092011-12-19T15:18:51.823-08:002011-12-19T15:18:51.823-08:00Howard your blog is addictive and I look forward t...Howard your blog is addictive and I look forward to 'reading you' each morning. You're doing great...so keep pressing forward. When I read the part of your blog re your 'abyss thought' and 'broken spirit line' I instantly thought of Rumi. <br /><br />Here's a little Rumi for you to mull over:<br />Patience is the key to joy (you'll be at the Pole before you know it!)<br />What strikes the oyster shell does not damage the pearl (we know you can handle what ever the pole throws at ..you're a tough cookie)<br /><br />OK...keep it moving <br />hugs Janet and Chris xxAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269171842571512673.post-75782116123563370482011-12-19T11:55:34.512-08:002011-12-19T11:55:34.512-08:00Once again, I've enjoyed my "walk" w...Once again, I've enjoyed my "walk" with you today, as you describe your incredible journey. The mind is such a powerful thing, and to keep it reigned in can be a very tiring task. I wish you well as you face the challenge of keeping your mind out of the abyss. <br />On a lighter note: In Memorium <br />With all the sadness and trauma going on in the world at the moment, it is worth reflecting on the death of a very important person, <br />which almost went unnoticed last week. Larry LaPrise, the man who wrote "The Hokey Pokey", died peacefully at age 93. <br />The most traumatic part for his family was getting him into the coffin. <br />They put his left leg in. And then the trouble started.<br />..<br />Regards<br />CharmaineCharmainenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269171842571512673.post-84478004338741176332011-12-19T11:47:57.185-08:002011-12-19T11:47:57.185-08:00Can't imagine that hell can be any worse. I w...Can't imagine that hell can be any worse. I was reminded of Sisyphus pushing the rock up the hill only to have it roll down and then making things even worse for him by doing it in -25 weather. You honesty and comments are both interesting and challenging. I am impressed with your ability to confront a fear and to then somehow let it go.<br /><br />BobAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269171842571512673.post-61963254535993411902011-12-19T10:56:12.774-08:002011-12-19T10:56:12.774-08:00Remarkable your accomplishment so far, remarkable ...Remarkable your accomplishment so far, remarkable your fortitude and determination, remarkable your resilience and focus; that broken spirit line doesn't stand a chance of crossing your path, and that mind abyss is so far below you that it will remain a distant depth. Safe and God speed Howard... you inspire me.<br /><br />And to Patrick and Brigitta for their earlier comment, thank you too for that special inspiration...Alinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269171842571512673.post-15490043479515719402011-12-19T07:54:47.532-08:002011-12-19T07:54:47.532-08:00Hey Howard,
I posted one of you posts on salomonno...Hey Howard,<br />I posted one of you posts on salomonnordic skiing facebook page and you got lots of very positive comments. People are inspired by you!<br />Keep it up! <br />Good luck and I hope to get together at some point in the near future<br />Alexei SotskovAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269171842571512673.post-28181210267430780432011-12-19T04:36:28.596-08:002011-12-19T04:36:28.596-08:00Hi Howard, if ever i need reminding that we are so...Hi Howard, if ever i need reminding that we are social animals, I will reread your blog and meditate on your struggles! A good laugh and tease from a friend along the way would ease a lot of your issues. Being part of a group, brings its own issues of course. In terms of dealing with the "mind abysses", that haunt you each morning, can i humbly suggest you bow down on your prayer mat and give thanks that you are alive, that lots of people care deeply for your well-being. Also, can i suggest you make up a story as you go along each day. There is a lovely story form Irish Folklore about a famous builder who sets out with his son to go to a king to build a new castle for him. Soon after they have left home the man says to his son "shorten the road". The son is confused as he reckons they are on the shortest route to their destination. A little later the father asks, "is this the best you can do?". When the son cannot suggest another route, the father says, we are returning home. This happens two days in a row, until the builders wife asks the son why it is that they keep returning home. Are they forgetting some tools or what. When the son explains what the father keeps asking, she laughs and whispers something in his ear. The next day they set out as usual and father asks his usual question. The son replies by asking the father had he heard the story about.... The father said no and the son started to tell the story. Two days later as they approached the kings fort, the son finished the story and the father exclaims well done! A story shortens the road. You need to keep yourself occupied with a good story, which you make up as you go along, and before you know it, you will be at the South Pole!! Warmest wishes.. Patrick and BrigittaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269171842571512673.post-19935598961007044032011-12-19T04:19:26.393-08:002011-12-19T04:19:26.393-08:00hello Howard...when i read your musings i find mys...hello Howard...when i read your musings i find myself examining my own day-to-day procedures and try and imagine what it must be like to be in 'survival mode' as you are. it's a daunting thought process and thanks for being so honest as this enables me to draw these valuable comparisons.I was telling Anne van Zyl about you over lunch earlier. She heads up the Oprah Winfrey Academy in Gauteng and the thought crossed my mind that the girls there would benefit from your insights as they prepare for the big wide world so when you get back we can set something up if you like. take care, peter and patAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269171842571512673.post-37484859945423642282011-12-19T03:42:30.964-08:002011-12-19T03:42:30.964-08:00Hi Howard
Just a few more days - seems your mind i...Hi Howard<br />Just a few more days - seems your mind is still very strong. Great! This South Pole trek appears to be an extreme challange, both for body and spirit. You definitely are up for it.<br />Keep well and focused <br />MartinAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269171842571512673.post-59364049618823371802011-12-19T02:42:14.258-08:002011-12-19T02:42:14.258-08:00Hey Howard, All's well at Drivers, thinking of...Hey Howard, All's well at Drivers, thinking of you,the sastruggis and the soft ice just a little different to Muizies. Keep strong boet you are amazing.<br />Patrick and PhyllyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1269171842571512673.post-32950039778849378572011-12-19T02:16:21.357-08:002011-12-19T02:16:21.357-08:00You remind me of Lord of the Rings. The ring got ...You remind me of Lord of the Rings. The ring got heavier as the hobbits got closer to Mordor and the place of the Ring's forging. Take extra car please. Lots of people are thinking of you.<br /><br />I walked up a short hill on Hampstead Heath yesterday and my nose began to get cold, while I got a little out of breath. What you are doing puts everythign lese into perspective.<br /><br />GilesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com