Here you have the video-interview that they did to me to the "Periodista Digital" television, in which I presented my new book "Living to feel alive" and I talked about any important points of the South Pole expedition.

To watch it CLICK HERE (Spanish Interview)

If anyone wants to see the virtual lecture I made in the event "Barcelona Inspire Consciousness", here you have the link.

You can see that how is an external website, you need to register first to see the video (Lecture in Spanish).

You can listen my interview at "La Tribu" program of "Catalunya Ràdio". Here we speak about my book "Living to feel alive" and about more things with a lot of humor because the members of the program are the most funny that you can find on radio.

(Program in Catalan)

On Wednesday, May 8 at 19:30 you can participate live online in my lecture titled "THE ADVENTURE OF LIVING", included in the framework of the "Barcelona Inspire Consciousness" as part of the program "REINVENTION - Personal Creativity in Times of Crisis".

To follow live at 19h30 on Wednesday May 8, go to web www.barcelonainspiraconsciencia.com or CLICK HERE (Lecture in Spanish)

Here you have y interview made by Xantal Llavina to "Directe 4.0" program of Spanish National Radio. There I present my book ""Living to feel alive".

In this one it makes a great reflection about the South Pole expedition, indicating learning and reflections extracted about this adventure, and at the end, all the important values that I use almost all days of my life.

To listen it CLICK HERE (My part begins as from the minute 14:15) (Program in Catalan)

Here you can listen my interview made by Spanish National Radio to the "Nomads in Antarctica" program.

This is the second edition of the program that broadcast to talk about Antarctic explorers and pioneers of the adventurers of our time.

If you want to know a little more about the sixth continent, and relive a little of my adventure again, I recommend you this program.

To listen the program CLICK HERE (My part begins at the minute 26:48)(Program in Spanish)

The next Tuesday we celebrate the most popular, cultured and lived celebration in Catalonia... I invite all of you to meet ourselves in one of the book's signatures point where I will be all "Sant Jordi's" Day.

There are only three Catalans who have completed the project "7 summits"that involves climbing the highest mountains of each continent: Mc.Kinley (North America), Aconcagua (South America), Elbrus (Europe), Kilimanjaro (Africa), Mt.Vinson (Antarctica), Carstensz Pyramid (Oceania) and Everest (Asia).

And on Monday 15th was the first time joined the three, on the occasion of the launch of the latest supplement, entitled "My seven summits"

This is the first photo from ​​all three together: José Antonio Pujante, the absolute pioneer in Catalonia project, which ended in 1995. I myself I was the second finishing in 2010. And Joan Clofent which was the third ending in 2012.

The key factors for an entrepeneur attitude learned from my adventures.

I participate in the program "ENTREPRENEURIAL CLASS", which is focused to young and new entrepreneurs.

Due the new book that I wrote a few months ago, I have another presentation, this time in the FNAC inside "Illa Diagonal" (Avenida Diagonal 543 - Barcelona) on Wednesday, April 17 at 19pm.
So once again for those who were unable to come to the latest presentations or want to repeat, you're all invited! Attached is the invitation.

In case you want to get an idea of the good time that you can spend, you will see a link to an interview at "Ripollès" Television were made during my presentation at "St. Joan de les Abadesses". This was a great success, as it did in the "Casa del Libro" in Barcelona, and I think that the people had a good time and felt "alive".

To see the interview CLICK HERE (Interview in Catalan)

Reminder of the release of my new book "Living to feel alive" in Barcelona: Next Thursday april 4^th. - 19h at the Book Shop "La Casa del Libro" (Rambla Catalunya, 37, Barcelona)

Here you can listen my radio interview about the concept "The luck of failure"

It's my first interview exclusively dedicated to talking about my failures ... we should be proud of our failures and defeats, because these are a basic part of our life story, especially if we really want to do or live things quite intense and interesting.

Since I knew that this section of the program, led by Marta Caila and Albert Riba, I added in my web BIO my "Failure CV" because I realized that just talking about my successes wasn't the reality.

To listen to the program, CLICK HERE (Interview in Catalan)

I invite you to my new book presentation, that be held next Thursday April 4^th. at 19h in the "Casa del Libro" at the Rambla de Catalunya, núm.37 of Barcelona.

I would love to meet you in such special moment, which means closing the circle of the South Pole adventure, sharing all my learnings and thoughts in a book which has the purpose to be an inner journey and a reflection about self leadership in life even than the detailed explanation of adventure.

I promise you all that if you come, we will live together a very special experience, with the company of two experts in managing the verb "Living" in order to feel "Alive".

Are you ready?

Next Thursday 21st. we present the project "SpeakTacular ", a new concept in the world of lectures.

SpeakTacular is the result of hybridization of three worlds: the world of corporate management, the world of music and the world of adventure, the three surprisingly connected, very complementary and extremely enriching each other.

We put it together with three authors and speakers because we wanted to offer a memorable conference in a bold and striking format, able to convey thoughts and concepts of the most topical such as innovation, adaptation to change, reinvention, leadership, divergent thinking, teamwork and many more, but in a way that engages the audience and makes them think deeply.

March 21 - 10 am: I give a public lecture at the VII ECONOMIC CONFERENCE of Pineda de Mar

With only seven editions, this Economic Meeting has acquired a great prestige, and has received very high-level speakers. For me it is an honor to be part of this year's program, sharing the stage with such prestigious speakers as Emilio Duró, Pau Garcia-Milà or Raimon Samsó.

I will talk about Entrepreneurship, Leadership and project management in our "interesting" times (It's a way to say it) that we are currently living.

The event will be held at the Innova Center Auditorium. Torres Quevedo, 16 -Pineda de Mar.

The conference is free upon registration at THIS LINK

I've been given a very special award:The Voyage of the Year award for the "Spanish Geographic Society", which I presented during the annual ceremony of this prestigious organisation held in Madrid on Tuesday, March 12 night.

This year also have been awarded in various forms, such big names in the field of adventure, exploration and travel, including: Borge Ousland (Explorer and one of my absolute idols), Enric Sala (Spanish marine biologist and former resident of National Geographic Society), Salvador Rivas (Botanist and Mountaineer), Acciona (leader in promoting renewable energy) and Gerardo Olivares (Documentary and traveller).

Receiving the award is an absolute honour for me, and sharing this ceremony with so special people which are passionate about "Living" and "Knowing" our loved and delicate planet, is an absolute pleasure.

If you want to listen the interview, CLICK HERE. (Program in Catalan)

Young people have the fascinating and complex responsibility of creating the future. Their own future and also world's future.

One of the ways to maximize the learning I have acquired from my adventure and entrepreneur challenges, is to help convey to younger leadership attitudes about their lives and their life projects.

I have always been associated with movements and initiatives promoting activities, sports or entrepreneurship among young people, but now I make one more step and I have joined Núria Andreu, Specialized Coach in leadership for companies and for young people, in developing a very powerful program aimed at boys and girls between 18 and 25, the key ages for management, decision and approach for very important facts in their lives.

The YOUNG LEADERSHIP PROGRAM - FACING THE FUTURE is a 4-day event that will help young participants to be aware of where they are, to set up personal and professional goals, and take action to get it.

The next edition will be held from 19 to 22 April.

You can find more information on the website of the program: www.leadershipprogram.es, and/or come to the presentation session on Tuesday March 19 at 19h at GILD CLUB INTERNATIONAL , at the Passatge Permanyer, 5 - Barcelona .

All boys and girls that you have between 18 and 25 years, and all parents with children in this age group, you are invited to this briefing on 19 March (Please confirm by phone 93.414.54.48, 608.79.95.67 or mail info@leadershipprogram.es)

A good opportunity to participate in a unique program that will help developing the necessary "attitudes" to maximize the "knowledge" learned in normal school.

Next Tuesday march 5^th. at 18h, the Catalan Foundation for Sport and Ribé Salat Consulting will present his program for  efficient management for sport organizations.

I will give a lecture about "Objective Management", using details and examples from my entrepeneur and adventure experiences.

Tuesday march 5^th. 18h at Museum Dr.Colet, Street Buenos Aires, 56 - Barcelona

Launched my new book entitled "Living to feel alive" with the subtitle "2,304,400 steps until the end of the world"

The book traces the story of my expedition to the South Pole, but not for the purpose of explaining the adventure details, but to extract the reflections and lessons that an extreme challenge that can bring us in order to manage our projects, both personal and professional, athletic, social, cultural, etc.

Extreme experiences allows us to go to the core and essence of our existence, avoiding many superfluous things that contaminate us from day to day, and make a calm reflection on the key factors that affect the management of our goals.

In the book "Living to feel alive" you will find stories about a singular adventure, but also an inner journey and, if read in key of personal philosophy, you will reach some unexplored part of yourself, and make an exciting reflection on your own leadership and our ability to perform extraordinary actions even though  the vast majority of us we have ordinary talents.

Life is a great project, the most important for us, but it's so long, complex and unpredictable, that although we can or want to view it, is always beyond our control. But if we attend it with a more concrete and simplified look, we see that is composed of the sum of all the projects we're doing during our journey through this world. And each of these projects are under our responsibility. We are the leaders of each project we choose to make, and we must face them with full conscience to decide if we persevere, if we fight the most, if we enjoy every step; or whether on the contrary, we are not happy in that way and we must resign or rectify.

Life in general and the main objectives are focused from large powerful ideas or strategies, but then they are played in the everyday live, in every step. So I dedicate this compendium of thoughts accumulated during 2,304,400 steps to reach the South Pole. Because existing is not enough, and life is about living to feel fully alive.

Interview at "Diari d'Andorra" CLICK HERE (Article in Catalan)

This thursday 21st. I'll give an open lecture in Andorra la Vella at 19h, organized by the Space "Journal of Andorra - Deloitte "

In the event I will talk about key leadership attitudes drawn from the experience of the South Pole expedition done between October 30, 2011 and January 4, 2012.

Attendance is free upon registration in the mail mktand@deloitte.com or calling at the telephone +376 00 380

Radio program about loneliness at Catalunya Ràdio: CLICK HERE (Program in Catalan)

What is the training needed to start a business project?

There is not an specific training to be an entrepreneur. Studying is important, but it is not what will make the difference. Acquiring knowledge is essential because it provides the best tools that everyone can take to tackle their projects. But the key is always the attitude, experience, intuition, commitment and taking the right decisions any time.

I participate in the program "ENTREPRENEURIAL CLASS", which is focused to young and new entrepreneurs, speaking in this occasion about the formation of entrepreneurs.

You can see my reflection in this program by CLICKING HERE (My part starts at minute 6:03 - Program in Catalan)

On Thursday January 31 at 18:30, I give a lecture at the Mataró Tecnocampus, entitled "Passion for Entrepreneurship", during the journey of innovation and entrepreneurship included in the program for high performance and innovative technology-based.

When talent meets young, eager to innovate, entrepreneurial attitude and leadership commitment, the result is always very powerful and creates a special energy for all participants, and at the same time very useful for the whole society.

It makes me special pleasure to participate in this event, and I promise to give it all that day. All those who identify yourself with one, several or all of the factors discussed, you should feel encouraged to come, and to do it with the same will.

At the end of the day, the brain is like a parachute ... it works only when it's open.

Free entry upon registration at: comunicacio@tecnocampus.cat

More information: www.tecnocampus.cat

Here's the video of my speech at the TEDxAndorralavella last month, where I talked on lessons learned about human attitude and behavior coming from three people who, despite living with important limitations, they have achieved great goals (and I shared some of them with them)

Exactly one year ago, January 4, 2012, at 14h50 I was hugging the ball indicating the exact geographical South Pole of the earth. After 67 days of expedition of which 48 was all alone to ski 98% of the way, I managed to reach the southernmost point of our planet after crossing Antarctica from the coast using only my own energy and receiving no resupply.

Remember that time is now, and will always be special in my life. But today, as we celebrate the first anniversary, I want to dedicate this milestone again to everyone who helped me to achieve that challenge: My team of 7 people working for almost a year and a half to make this happen together. My family supporting me all the time. The sponsors who risked so much money on the project. The media, that always offered me their support. To all the fans who sent me energy constantly. And, of course, my partner Carles, who could not continue for some of physical problems right at the start of the journey.

It has been a year of celebrations, conferences, awards, reflections, learnings, and lots of feelings that will enrich everyone involved in one way or another. Now I have finished a book coming out in March, which includes both the essential part of this adventure, and all the learnings and insights that can be drawn from it and that can be useful to everyone for dreaming and making many projects in his life to get what is so magical that happen some times: to come from speaking and dreaming life to live it!

We continue dreaming and working to realize other projects since at the end of the day, life is this, right? ... doing a lot of projects that ultimately are what make up our great live project.

To all who follow me in one way or another and think that in the end, life is a wonderful adventure that you worth to live intensely, I offer them this first anniversary.

About to start a new year we usually make some balance on the previous year and aim very good intentions for the new one.

So powerful is this change of cycle, that usually we get  very encouraged by what's to come, as all our good intentions for next year come to us as really possible, getting us convinced to be able to achieve our goals.

I truly wish that to everyone, but without intention of wanting to be negative, but rather realistic, I would like to share with you my opinion that the most important thing is not what we think or what we program, but what really "We Do". Thinking is very  important, but it is free. Planning is essential but finally this is rectifiable. So what really counts is the action, which is what really bring us a certain result really related with what we intended to do.

For this reason, I do not wish you that 2013 will come true your dreams, but I really wish you to make your projects; moving one of your dreams to the category of a project, and make the project leading to effective action.

To accompany this wish, I expose the 12 concepts that will work this year, spending a month in each one through different pathways: Posts on this website, networking comments, articles, and some concrete action that will serve me for me to put into action some of my projects, and also as an example or reflection for everyone else to follow. These monthly factors for 2013 are:

1) LIVING WITH UNCERTAINTY. ADAPTATION AND CHANGE.

2) MANAGING RISK

3) BALANCE BETWEEN RISK AND FAILURE

4) LONELINESS AS AN EXPANSIVE FACTOR FOR SELF-CONFIDENCE

5) GRADUATING AMBITION AND LIMITS

6) SEARCHING GOOD LUCK

7) THE MIND'S POWER

8) POSITIVE ATTITUDE

9) PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSFORMATION

10) BEING FOCUSED  TO ACHIEVEMENT

11) CONSCIOUS LEADERSHIP

12) BE HAPPY TO LEAD

I wish everyone a good 2013, hoping that we can share a lot of experiences and learning.

Last year I spent Christmas alone and lost in the middle of Antarctica. From this adventure became a documentary film made by filmmaker Joan Riedweg, entitled "2,304,400 STEPS"; and this Christmas me and all of you will be able to see it on TV.

The documentary film will be played in TV3 sport channel "ESPORTS 3" (in Catalan language) the Christmas Day at 21h30 and at 1am.

All snug and warm (me also this year) we will be able to see and live the experience of extreme loneliness of crossing Antarctica from the coast to the South Pole.

With this, I take the opportunity to wish you all, a Merry Christmas and a 2013 full of life adventures in any field (Sport, professional, social, personal, etc ...). The most interesting thing about the future is that it is completely unknown to us, and that's the key point to the "Spirit of Adventure" that should be part of all of us at any level:  Live passionate in advancing into areas that are unknown to us and will drive us to a lot of surprises ... negative some times, but full of opportunities in most of the occasions. Happy Adventure 2013!!

The editors of the APP application (Book enriched "Spirit of Adventure") propose a special offer for this holiday, at a price of 5.99 €.

A great gift for these dates, for discovering not only the contents of the book, but all documents related like videos and photos. With witnesses of such famous characters as Nani Roma, Anna Corbella, Didac Lee or Xavi Berneda, on each of the key factors of leadership, entrepreneurship and adventure treated in the book.

H2Optima is an entrepreneurial project in which I participate, and I am particularly proud.

I joined this company when they were developing the first prototype of an autonomous and transportable water treatment for salt, saline or contaminated water, leading a a small group of private investors who thought their money could achieve the objective of obtaining benefits, while participating in an initiative that would provide social and environmental prosperity.

Now the company has already made its first sales, all overseas, in countries as diverse as Haiti, Malaysia and Indonesia; and it seems that, even with many risks and obstacles ahead, the project is quite well focused.

I say that I am particularly proud to be part of all H2Optima partners helped because I contribute to create technology and occupation in my country, while the product covers  essential social needs (access to potable water in remote areas, underdeveloped countries or emergency needs), and does it in a completely ecologic way, using only renewable energy (solar panels)

A clear example is the recent sale of a contaminated water treatment unit to a German NGO to be installed in a Haitian orphanage.

If you want to see a report recently issued by TV3, CLICK HERE (In catalan)

Next Tuesday 27^th. at 19h30 I give a conference about Leadership and Goals Management at ESADE Business School .

I'm excited to give this lecture, because I studied my college career here. At that time and stood by my dual activity, and I was combined studies with work in the morning (during the last three years), and motor-bike competition. I beat a decent career, but saving many tests in September, and not too bright notes ... but is that even then I did not want to give up living the different aspects that live was showing me, preferring to do many different adventures, not being a "great student" specialist on getting excellent marks.

It is a conference open to everyone upon registration at the following LINK: ESADE CONFERENCE

It will be in the building of the ESADE-FORUM Av.Pedralbes, 60-62 in Barcelona.

The Mediterranean Week of Economic Leaders is one of the major economic events in the Mediterranean region. Bringing together Businessmen, businesswomen, representatives of multilateral agencies and international institutions, it offers a unique platform for thinking and exchanging experiences. In other words, this event is aimed at consolidating and defending the euro-Mediterranean integration and collaboration as the driving forces behind social and economic development of the region.

On Monday the 19th I start a course of 10 days almost completely filled with stakes in acts related to leadership conferences and passes of the documentary film "2.304.400 Steps" from the South Pole expedition.

Some of these events are closed and some open. This is the detail in case anyone is interested in attending:

- Monday 19 - 20h: Presentation and Discussion Documentary Film "2.304.400 Steps" at the Athenaeum Theatre in Igualada-Barcelona (Free entrance )

- Tuesday 20 - 18h: Conference "Passion for Purpose" at the Hotel Montanyà - Seva (Barcelona) (Private Event for the company GIRBAU )

- Thursday 22 - 12h: Conference "Passion for Purpose" in the CAR St.Cugat (Barcelona) (Act by invitation of the organizer)

- Thursday 22 - 14h: Conference "The Adventure of a Prosperous Future" on Llotja de Mar in Barcelona, ​​included in the "VI MEDITERRANEAN WEEK OF ECONOMIC LEADERS " (Act per booking via website or invitation from organizers)

- Friday 23 - 11h: Conference "2,304,400 Steps in Antarctica" in Figueres. Act aimed at students between 12 and 18 years, within the framework of the Figueres "Mountain and Adventure Show "

- Friday 23 - 18.30: Presentation Documentary Film "2.304.400 Steps" at the Torelló Mountain Film Festival (Entry by booking through the WEB)

- Friday 23 - 21h00: Presentation and Discussion Documentary Film "2.304.400 Steps" at "The Cate" in Figueres (Girona), on the occasion of the "Mountain and Adventure Show " (Free access)

- Saturday 24 - 10h: Conference "Leadership in critical moments" at the Plaza Hotel in Barcelona, ​​included in the "4th. MicroONGs Congress "(Entry by invitation of the organization)

- Tuesday 27 - 19.30: Presentation and Discussion Documentary Film "2.304.400 Steps" at the ESADE business school in Barcelona (Entrance on prior registration via WEBSITE )

On Monday 19th at 20h we project the documentary-film "2.304.400 STEPS" from our recent expedition "South Pole 1911-2011" at the Ateneu Theater of Igualada.

Free entrance

To see the article CLICK HERE

I will participate in the "Mountain and Adventure Festival" of Figueres (Girona-Spain), next Friday 23^rd of novembre at 21h, giving a lecture and passing the film of the "South Pole 1911-2011" Expedition, entitled "2.304.400 Steps".

More information:  www.lamostra.cat

Promotional video: CLICK HERE

Next Thursday 25th I will speak at the "4th. Entrepreneurship Day" held in the Auditorium of Sant Cugat (Barcelona), organized by ESADE CREAPOLIS and the Chamber of Terrassa.

With an expected attendance of 600 to 800 people, this is one of the main events of entrepreneurship done in our country, and where I have the honor of being one of the keynote speakers.

Admission is free, but registration required at www.jornadaemprenedoria.com

"COMFORT IS TOXIC." That's how Bibiana Ballbé titled the interview she made me last Thursday on the back page of ARA journal, which you can see attached or, more enlarged, by CLICKING HERE (article in Catalan)

I have done many interviews, but there are some that stand out for their intensity and collect some concepts that try to reflect and report on attitudes of leadership and self-leadership. At the end of the day, the most important of our adventures are not the photos, or the challenges achieved​​, or the sport side itself, but the learning that it provides us and, in my case, which I try to share with others.

It's official: The Torelló Mountain Film Festival selected our documentary "2.304.400 Steps" for the competitive section of this year's event.

Of the 119 films submitted, 31 were chosen for the final stage, which will be screened during the festival which takes place between 16 and 25 November. And ours will be on Friday 23th at 19h.

This is great news for our project, because this festival is one of the largest in the world in this field.

A flash video I recorded to introduce the lecture entitled "How to lead a project " that I gave at the last edition of EXPOMANAGEMENT held in Madrid last May.

Most of my professionals lectures, are focused on leading projects, organizations/teams, or to self-leadership; sometimes treating the issue generically, and other ore specifying some aspects of the necessary attitude to lead in critical situations, radical changes,  in risky environments, in team management, on focusing to results, and so on.

I must say that I am very satisfied with how I improving as speaker, because I notice that the concepts speak about, coming from my actual experience lived intensely in both the professional and extreme adventures, are strong, credible, enlightening and quite well transmitted to the audience.

To view this short video: CLICK HERE

This Saturday October 6th at 19h30 I give a lecture at the 11th Mountain Book Fair Collsacabra, about the "South Pole 1911-2011" Expedition which led me to make the Antarctica integral crossing from coast to the geographic South Pole, without external assistance and 98% Solo.

The presentation in commercial cinemas of the documentary "2304400 steps" about the South Pole expedition has been a great success.

On Thursday September 20^th. was played the first sponsored commercial screening of the film, and there were 40 people left on the street because it had assigned a room of only 100 seats.

The following Thursday 27th, the direction of the cinema moved it to the largest room with a capacity for 300 people, and was almost completely filled.

Next Thursday October 4^th. it will remain in the big room and attendance is also expected to be very good.

These three passes have been sponsored by "Caja de Ingenieros", and the public had no admission charge.

I myself and Joan Riedweg, director and producer of the film, we have attended the each screening, which allowed us to make a brief conversation with the audience.

We don't know the full potential of diffusion that we can give to the documentary, but the reality is that we are very encouraged because public's reactions have always been very good, and we believe that we have managed to convey very well the human side behind this challenge.

To all those who feel like to see it, you are invited next Thursday at 20h in cinema Girona (C / Girona, 175 - Barcelona)

Just starting a new adventure. An intense, exciting, expansive and rewarding adventure. And an adventure we want to share with you all. Do you join us?

But this is not a sports project.  This is a human and music adventure, born from the relationship with Camila Vargas following the expedition to the summit of Everest in 2010.

Camila, who artfully chose the name of CHANCE, has immense energy and a huge musical talent. And is a great example of perseverance of someone who pursues his dreams despite having very difficult circumstances in life.

Different physical problems that have accompanied him throughout life, have led her to have been twice transplanted lung. But despite having reduced lung capacity, his passion for music has led her to be an excellent songs writer and singer.

After editing the first song titled "I can get it ", now we have decided to do a whole album together with a very powerful video-clip. And this is the adventure you want to share with you.

Here we propose really "Entrepreneur" a project in many ways. We do not want selfless contributions. We want partners who believe that it is worth investing a little on a project where we will draw some revenues certainly important at energy level and happiness, and that possibly we can take back the money and, why not, even earn some or much.

The minimum contribution is set at 100 €, but everyone can choose their level of investment. You can see all the information in the specific project's website we have prepared: www.chance-music.net

We promise positive energy and hard work to make the CHANCE project succeed. We do not know where we can reach, but we know that just launch into it, we have reached an important part of success.

Do you share this adventure with us?

Together "We Can Do It"

You can listen to the song "Lo Puedo Conseguir" CLICKING HERE

I fully support and actively participate in the "European Week Land Stewardship: Connect with nature " within the European project LANDLIFE

Through my adventure activities I have a direct, experiential, and almost carnal contact with the nature of the fantastic but often delicate and threatened places I visit around the world. This has led me to feel a very deep love for nature, and to commit myself with the respect to our planet.  I try to connect all my personal, professional and sports actions in my life with this purpose.

Look at his website and I encourage you to participate in the activities, and especially the joy of meeting the little pleasures that provides the contact with nature, and the values ​​this means for our world.

I want to live connected with nature because I want to live connected to life, and because I love the world and working for the of everyone's future, further of my particular interest.

Just Connect.

Today I ran one of the best mountain races in the calendar: the "TAGA EVO 2040 ", XI Catalan Cup.

It was held in my town, Sant Joan de les Abadesses, and consisted of a beautiful journey that combined both high mountain, and forest trails, crosses meadows and forest tracks, allowing also to enjoy spectacular views on a sunny day and perhaps even too hot.

In total we have 27km. totaling 1940 positive meters of altitude.

It would have been a great day if I had not felt really bad on my energy level.  Even that, I could finish the race in the first half, ranked 225 overall within 500 runners

It's those days when you have to concentrate to think if you really enjoyed or not. At the end the conclusion is that I have not enjoyed during the test, but I have a feeling of great pleasure for having played and, above all, for having finished despite being broken.

And excuses aside, the most important thing is to realize that I was not well prepared, and that these endurance races can not be crushed if I haven't trained enough and I don't feel perfect.

Next 20th. and 27th. of September, and also 4^th. of October, you can see the  documentary film "2.304.400 Steps" of my expedition to the South Pole, in the cinema at Barcelona city.

The film will be broadcasted at 20h during these three Thursdays and will have my presence and that of Joan Riedweg (Director and producer of the film).

This is a commercial broadcasting, but it will be sponsored by "Caja de Ingenieros", so attendees do not have to pay for the entry.

I can book tickets for a certain number of people for each session. So those who are interested in having a site previously booked, please send an email to Montse at the address mbertran@invergroup.com, and she will tell you whether or not she still has spaces available reserve. Besides this, you can go directly to the movie at 20h.

You can listen to the Pod Cast of last chapter of the section "Spirit of Adveture" included in the program "La Posta" of COM Radio, where I have been participating each Wednesday during this summer.

In order to say good bye to the audience, we have been speaking precisely of the first polar expeditions in general and about my last expedition which led me to cross Antarctica from the coast to the geographic South Pole.

To listen to the program: CLICK HERE (Program in Catalan). To go directly to the section of Spirit of Adventure, go forward until minute 17:42

You can listen to the Pod Cast of last Wednesday's program at "La Posta" of COM Radio, where I participate in driving the section of "Spirit of Adventure" every Wednesday during the summer. This time we talk about the communications of the Adventures.

To listen to the program: CLICK HERE (Program in Catalan). To go directly to the section of Spirit of Adventure, go forward until minute 23:00

You can now listen to the Pod Cast of last Wednesday's program at "La Posta" of COM Radio, where I participate in driving the section of "Spirit of Adventure" every Wednesday during the summer. This time we talk about Adventures near our home.

To listen to the program: CLICK HERE (Program in Catalan). To go directly to the section of Spirit of Adventure, go forward until minute 16:00

It is already in the market the new edition of the "Bible of Outdoo r", which is the most comprehensive publication on the whole range of material available that might be needed in any outdoors activity.

This "Guide" of material is published by the magazine "Outdoor Actual " (Spanish), and this time I had the honor to write the prologue.

Can be found at major newsstands or in most mountain shops. You can also consult it in Internet by CLICKING HERE .

Obviously, within the wide range of products and information that you can find, there will also be products of major brands which sponsor me: POWERBAR , GRIFONE and SUUNTO .

You can now listen to the Pod Cast of last Wednesday's program at "La Posta" of COM Radio, where I I participate in driving the section of "Spirit of Adventure" every Wednesday during the summer. This time we talk about Unlimited Adventures... done by persons with disabilities, although when you know them, it would be more correct to say "People with 'MORE' capacities."

To listen to the program: CLICK HERE (Program in Catalan). To go directly to the section of Spirit of Adventure, go forward until minute 19:35.

This Sunday was published in the newspaper "La Vanguardia" an interview/article about me, written by journalist Mar Galtés.

I was worried to give a too successful businessman image (unfortunately it is not the reality), or a look of a seedy entrepreneur (I hope not the case), but it was really well balanced.  I really like the explanation about the mixing of my adventurer and entrepreneur world, and makes me especially happy how it was treated the issue of values ​​and commitment, which I always try to convey through my communication.

To view the full article: CLICK HERE

You can now listen to last Wednesday's program at "Oracle" of Catalunya Radio, where we talk about the Value of Effort between myself and the philosopher Francesc Torralba. This very well managed and coordinated by Xavier Grasset, the director of the program.

To listen to the program: CLICK HERE (Program in Catalan)

In this occasion we talk about Movies Adventures.

You can listen to the program: CLICKING HERE. And to go directly to the "Spirit of Adventure" section, go forward until minute 22:10 (Program in Catalan)

Who said that today's youth is not powerful?

As it has always happened, there are good and not so good young people.  What happens is that those times are particularly complex for society in general and specifically for them, and they do not have it easy to realize their full capabilities.

I would venture to say that there is a majority of really good young people. Well-educated youth is much more than at any previous time. And young people with a proactive attitude also abound, much more than we can see or hear.

Recently I have been invited to participate as a speaker at two events organized by two powerful entities of youth with leadership skills and proactive attitude: The AIJEC (Young Entrepreneurs Association of Catalonia) , and JCI (Junior Chamber International) .

With the AIJEC I have been related the last twenty years, and have been a partner, board member for 18 years, and now president fo the AIJEC PLUS (Senior Section for members over 41 years). On Monday they made the annual event of Catalonia Young Entrepreneur Award in a ceremony really innovative, intense, original and full of important business people (Senior and Young)

I have worked with JCI often in recent times, and I am impressed with their ability to work, their talent and his desire to enable future projects. Two Fridays ago they made the Young Entrepreneurs Forum, in El Vendrell. An act of training, learning, networking and leadership management, which lasted all weekend.

When you see young people motivated to go ahead with their own projects and other associations in the field, able to devote plenty of time and energy to different tasks and to prepare their future and that of all the society, to spend a July weekend to form and voluntarily enrich themselves far beyond formal education, one finds that if there is light at the end of the tunnel, it is the light coming from those passionate and committed entrepreneurs.

I love being in close contact with these people, because I learn many things, because I see that everything makes sense, because I notice that we will go ahead despite the hard times we are living, and because I realize that most of them are not focused on difficulties in the present circumstances, but on the opportunities ahead. They are working with the new parameters of the 21^st. Century, and are not anchored to the yardsticks of the last Century.  It is not being easy for them, but they have a clear idea how to succeed.

Even in the most negative moments in the history of humanity, there has been room for creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship. And if anyone is representative of this room today, these are the proactive young people, youth leaders and young entrepreneurs.

We are living a unique moment in history, where for the first time young people can nearly teach more things to elder people than the reverse. The change, new technologies, new values, new ways of relating to both social life and at work. Everything makes it a time where young entrepreneurs have much to say and do.

Men learn from both successes and errors, and even the second teach more than the fist concept.  So that young people will learn of all the monumental errors done by the senior society in recent times, and they will focus towards a new paradigm where the creation of wealth and welfare will be directly linked to values ​​of prosperity, at economic, social and environmental levels.

It is very important the future of young people, because it is the future of seniors and the entire society.

To AIJEC, JCI, and all active young people I've met in recent times, thanks for passing to me so much energy, for teaching me so much, and for making me reaffirm that despite the difficulties, the future ahead will be really exciting.

You can listen to the program: CLICKING HERE. And to go directly to the "Spirit of Adventure" section, go forward until minute 15:00 (Program in Catalan)

This summer I will participate as a collaborator on the program "La Posta" at COM Radio, leading a section called "Spirit of Adventure".

This program led by Elisabeth Solsona, will be on air every day from 20 to 22h, and I will do my section every Wednesday from next day 18^th. of july. It will be about 15-20 minutes to discuss various topics related to adventure, in a very pleasant, fresh and summery way, and interviewing interesting people related to this environment.

We will touch upon topics as curious as the world's most expensive adventures, the film adventures, starring Adventures with disabled, Catalan adventurers, the Adventures close to home and communication in the Adventures.

It will be the first time instead of me being the interviewee, will act as host and interviewer. A good challenge and an exciting adventure that I invite you to listen on COM RADIO from next Wednesday and throughout the summer.

I just incorporate as new "Ambassador" at SUUNTO. This is the name they use for athletes who represent their brand, which will enable me to test their technology devices wrist in my adventures, subjecting them to the rigors of the most extreme places on the planet where I go for any of my challenges.

The model AMBIT will be now a fix part of my equipment. This unit has a built-in GPS, many important functions for my activities, and an attractive and very comfortable design for any type of use.

Founded in 1936, Suunto is a leading designer and manufacturer of sports precision instruments and solutions for diving and outdoor sports. Suunto products guide and motivate professional athletes and enthusiasts who value design, accuracy and reliability. Suunto is headquartered in Vantaa (Finland), has over 500 employees worldwide, and its products are sold to more than 100 countries.

For me it is a great opportunity to work with this brand, as this allows me to always have the best technology in such an important tool for my challenges, while it fits perfectly with the values ​​and approach that I develop in my Outdoor activities.

Next wednesday july 4^th. at 18h the APD (Association for the Advancement of Management) organized in Barcelona a very interesting event that combines adventure and management, from the documentary film "Beyond 360", about Anna Corbella's sailing trip nonstop around the world, participating in the latest edition of the BWR (Barcelona World Race).

The event will feature the protagonist of the adventure (Anna Corbella), the Rally-Raid pilot Marc Coma, and myself, who will participate in a discussion after the screening of the film. This will be presented and coordinated by Antonio Gasso (GAES CEO), and Ovidio Penalver (Partner of ISAVIA).

Just watching the film will be very interesting, but surely listening to the comments and subsequent reflections will be quite rewarding for attendees.

For more information and registration: CLICK HERE .

From June 26^th. to June 30^th. it will take place PICURT : The 6th Mountain Film Festival, between the villages of La Seu d'Urgell and Artedo (Lleida - Spain).

This year I will be presenting the documentary film "2,304,400 Steps" of the recent expedition "South Pole 1911-2011," which led me to cross Antarctica from the coast to the South Pole totally unsupported and 98% Solo.

This documentary, produced and directed by Joan Riedweg, can be seen on Thursday 28 at 19h in La Seu d'Urgell, during the night Grifone. But for 5 days can be seen magnificent works in this show especially dedicated to the mountain and Out Door activities.

For more info: CLICK HERE

We have closed a sponsorship agreement with the brand POWERBAR, which will provide me energy at least through 2014.

I am very picky about everything about eating supplements of any kind, and I hate to swallow anything but the highest quality, and is not sure that only brings good things for my performance and my health. Too often in the sports world there is people who does not get any health or ethical limit in this area, just ignoring or disregarding everything they put into theirs bodies.

I am a long time consumer of POWERBAR energy products, and working directly with them now is an honor that allows me also to have the best products for the sport to a high level demanding.

POWERBAR products provide a varied assortment, powerful and with very good tastes, and they are also backed by the high quality of the owner brand: NESTLE .

And if I have always been a user and fan of these products after they formed part of my success at the expedition of Antarctica, they have become an indispensable companion of all my adventures.

To the whole team of POWERBAR: Thank you for your trust, congratulations on your products, and hope to share many adventures with you in the future.

To hear it: CLICK HERE (Interview in Catalan language)

We signed a contract with "Ediciones B" for a new book coming out in early 2013.

This book will review the South Pole adventure as a reflection on the philosophy that brings such an experience to carry out any project in life.

Now I've started to write it, to be delivered to the publisher in early November. I do not know yet the title, but will become something like "Beyond the Pole" or "The other South Pole" ... always to highlight that the most important of these experiences is not the sport side or events in themselves, but the inner journey of personal growth or the life lessons provided for these intense and extreme experiences.

"Ediciones B" has bet strongly for this project, pledging to put a lot of tools for the launching of the final result. From here I want to thank them for his support, making sure that we will be good traveling companions in this adventure.

The program gives an extensive treatment to our recent expedition "South Pole 1911-2011", which led us to cross Antarctica from the coast to the South Pole, totally unsupported, and finally completed by 98% alone.

You can see the program CLICKING HERE  (Program in catalan language)

Apart from this lecture, this week I will also participate in the following events:

- Monday 21 - 19h: IV HUMAN FACTOR AWARD MERCÈ SALA under the motto "We are part of the solution.".  Event held in the Auditorium of the CaixaForum in Barcelona, ​​and hosted by journalist Manuel Fuentes.

- Wednesday 23 - 12h: EXPOMANAGEMENT. One of the most powerful leadership events that are made in Europe. It is organized in the Congress Palace of Campo de las Naciones in Madrid.

- Thursday 24 - 21h: AMPA Association of Vic, talking about how to apply the Spirit of Adventure and ambitious project management to the education and the inculcation of values ​​to children.

- Saturday 26 - 12h: National Convention of the "ENGINEERS BANK". A pleasure to participate in an act of a small bank, serious, super healthy, moderate and very well managed. ESADE's Auditorium in Barcelona.

- Sunday 27 - 18h: Fair SUSTAINABLE SEVA. Already mentioned before, and more information on the poster attached.

Vic's presentation will be at 8 pm in the auditorium "Marià Vila d'Abadal" on the ‘Sucre' facilities, organized by the Vic's Mountain's Club.

Those who can go there, will see a documentary that highlights the human and intimate version of this adventure. It is not a movie too focused on the sports side, due to obvious limitations to record in those extreme conditions and being alone for most of the way. Thus the famous director and producer Joan Riedweg, responsible of the film, wanted to draw attention to the feelings and the emotions of the expedition, from a very natural and real viewpoint.

It is expected that this documentary film will be showed commercially in the cinemas, "Girona" in Barcelona on a date to be determined. It will also participate in some mountain film festivals as PICURT on La Seu d'Urgell (June 2012 - www.picurt.org/) or Figueres in the month of November.  Normally it will also be seen at TV3, TVE and other possible channels of TV.

A good Sunday, good workraining, and a good way to remove my machinery.

For more info: CLICK HERE

In fact, I have a week filled with lectures of different types:

- Thursday, May 3^rd. - 8:30 am: HEWLETT PACKARD World Convention at the Hotel Arts in Barcelona. (Private Conference).

- Thursday, May 3^rd. - 21h: AIJEC+ Event (Young Entrepreneurs Association of Catalonia) (Conference by invitation)

- Friday May 4^th. - 21h: Rotary International Convention in the Barcelona Polo Club (Private Conference)

- Saturday May 5^th. - 12h45: XVII Economic Journey of Solsona. (Open Conference) More info: CLICK HERE

- Monday, May 7^th. - 12 pm: University of Vic (Open Conference)

I invite you to read the article and I use this opportunity to thank the colleagues of the newspaper "L'Econòmic", who entrusted me with this platform, the opportunity to express myself in a publication devoted to the Catalan economic environment.

LES NORMES DEL JOC

Qui emprèn, se la juga. Tot projecte comporta sempre un marge d'incertesa. Però els inversors que conserven el seny avaluen les possibilitats de sortir-se'n abans d'arriscar els seus diners. Un anàlisi principalment basat en el terreny i les normes del joc.  Uns paràmetres que també serveixen per valorar les possibilitats de culminar una aventura com l'escalada al cim de l'Everest o arribar al Pol Sud des de la costa de l'Antàrtida. Es pot girar un temporal que t'obligui a estar tancat dins la tenda; et pots lesionar; se't pot estripar un dels guans... Hi ha molts imponderables, però les temperatures mai passaran de gèlides a tropicals. Si fos així, ningú s'arriscaria a emprendre l'aventura. L'esperit quedaria amputat. 

I així és com han quedat les aspiracions dels empresaris del sector de les energies renovables i eficients incloses en el Règim Especial. Un àmbit que crea llocs de treball qualificats i és una aposta de futur i sostenibilitat. Ho és, però deixarà de ser-ho. D'aquí a uns mesos es veurà com queda l'escenari després del revés del Consell de Ministres, que ha suspès tot el marc tarifari que regulava les diverses tecnologies. Una decisió inesperada i indefinida que posa el sector en escac.

Els emprenedors estan acostumats a gestionar incertesa, però necessiten un context amb ànim de modernitat, que aspiri a formar part del club dels millors. Seguretat jurídica i coherència. Sense aquestes condicions, el que queda amputat és la creació de llocs de treball, riquesa i lideratge d'un sector amb valor afegit, llarg recorregut i destí inevitable.

Em vaig fer empresari als 26 anys amb ganes de tenir un projecte professional propi, expansiu, enriquidor i amb beneficis socials. Una carrera amb alguns èxits i força fracassos, però amb convicció. He donat la mateixa importància als resultats econòmics i a la consecució d'objectius mediambientals. Fa 8 anys que vaig derivar cap al sector de l'energia eficient i renovable. Això m'ha permès fer negoci i treure'n alhora rèdits mediambientals. Una inversió de temps, diners i illusions per crear un projecte empresarial sòlid, no especulador, que potenciï la I+D, que permeti captar talent i dinamitzar l'economia del nostre país. Catalunya és líder en la installació de plaques solars a tot l'Estat a través d'una àmplia xarxa de petites i mitjanes empreses. Però les tornes han canviat. Portats pels resultats a curt termini, el nou executiu de l'Estat ha deixat els empresaris del sector tirats a la cuneta. Ha canviat les normes del joc. És, en definitiva, com si el clima del Pol Sud hagués passat de gèlid a tropical.

L'Estat demanava inversions en una energia més neta i menys dependent del petroli i dels mercats exteriors, que són inestables i complexos. A canvi, oferia un marc legal que garantia un mínim de seguretat per generar beneficis socials i empresarials. Ara, ha menyspreat l'esforç, ha traït als que van confiar en aquesta proposta, ha anullat l'aposta per una economia de futur basada en el talent, el desenvolupament tecnològic i el respecte al medi ambient.

Es tracta, per tant, d'unes mesures basades en el curtíssim termini i d'una claudicació en front dels lobbys de les grans energètiques. Dels que ens volen convèncer que la solució és cremar més carbó, més petroli, o més urani.

El sector de les renovables i l'eficiència energètica s'ha d'adaptar a cops al canvi de les normes del joc. En canvi, l'Estat i la Generalitat es mostren disposats a empassar-se les lleis actuals, per emmotllar-se a les exigències d'un complex monumental i de mal gust com l'Eurovegas que promou una economia antiga i buida de valors de tota mena i que, a més a més, posaria en perill l'aqüífer del Delta del Llobregat i ens hipotecaria la imatge de Barcelona i de Catalunya per moltes dècades. Potser els emprenedors i el talent local hauran d'obrir joc fora d'aquí, si és que no hi ha lloc pels projectes amb sentit. Tot plegat, una qüestió de normes i joc. 

http://www.leconomic.cat/neco/article/4-economia/18-economia/528651-les-normes-del-joc.html

This selection works by popular vote, and I can only thank all who have been voting me, for the recognition and support they are giving me with this participation.

I am very excited by the fact of making a decent role in this competition, where there are people of great prestige among the selected candidates and among the winners of previous editions. On the other hand I feel a little bit uncomfortable in the middle of so valuable people that probably deserves the prize more than me.

I guess that if I have any merit for this prize, is the fact that I represent quite a large group of people who, without being touched by a special talent in life, they are willing to fight and strive to try to move ahead on and realize their dreams. Because normal people can also do special things.

On Sunday, the newspaper "El Periódico" published a full page interview. You can read it in the following LINK: "I was very cold, there was a risk, I was suffering, but I was happy"

From now on candidates with fewest votes will be phased out to be only three ahead of the final to be decided at a gala to be held on May 22^nd. You can vote for the candidate you like in the web: www.cataladelany.cat

Obviously part of this task is focused in a completely professional way, charging appropriate fees according to market rates. But I make some lectures completely altruistic, to share with specific groups some learnings coming from the intense experiences both in the world of adventure as entrepreneurship.

When is a professional issue, if I have agenda, I go where I'm called if we agree with the price. And when is a matter of pure cooperation, I try to focus on issues of universities or youth, and entrepreneurship. I would like to reach many more groups, but limit myself because it is impossible to be in all places where I am asked to.

This Thursday, for example, I have two lectures of this type, given as a collaboration, which make me special pleasure:

One is in the morning in the "Penitentiary for Young people", where I talk about the learning from the South Pole as a life experience, to a group with very complex circumstances.

The other is in the afternoon (20h) in Vic, where I will talk about the attitude of Entrepreneurship. It is open to everyone upon registration at: http://www.ticketday.cat/

Very often people who want to make mountaineering, use to focus the North, and places like the Ports of Beceite keep quite unknown. Therefore I strongly suggest it, because it is a spectacular area with an incredible variety of landscapes, canyons, forests, closed and open views ranging from pure mountain to the sea and the Ebro Delta.  A great luxury for the senses. Moreover, this particular route, is well marked and easy to follow, while that is designed to explore the most special parts of the natural park, crossing small trails rather than large forest tracks.

This circular route is advised to do it in 5 stages of 6-8 hours of trekking up to pace, always finding accommodation in shelters, hotels or country houses. The usual stages are: Refuge Monte Caro, Paüls, Arnes, Beceite and Refuge Font Ferrera. We have done as excursion-training of ultra-marathon, and we eat in 2 very intense journeys.

I've done a lot of routes throughout Catalonia and Spain, and I can assure you that this is one of the best. If you want more information, see the website of the route: www.estelsdelsud.com

Like this I can have the excellent material of this brand, working closely with them both in developing and promoting it. Members of the "Grifone Team", mountaineers, climbers, runners and mountain skiers are people who, ahead of all, believe in the brand, use it in the most extreme situations, and participate in the design to improve it and make it more useful.

GRIFONE is a Spanish brand, based in the heart of Catalan Pyrenees, highly specialized in alpinism and high-level mountain sports, which has been designing and manufacturing its products with passion for 30 years, with a philosophy and values ​​that like very much: Make users feel more human, more environmentally responsible, more authentic and, above all else, free by nature.

Obviously I am delighted that there are people who have remembered me for this event, and has devoted his time to propose and/or vote for me. But I have to say that I feel a bit beyond me to be so near to people that I admire very much and, honestly speaking, I think they have far superior reasons to mine to be chosen as the Catalans of the year.

I am really impressed just appearing beside some characters such as: The journalist Joaquim Maria Puyal, the rock group Sopa de Cabra,  the pilot Laia Sanz, the pop musical group Catarras the sculptor Jaume Plensa, the Basketball player Marc Gasol, the sailor Anna Corbella, or the designer Javier Mariscal.

To all I wish lots of luck, because for me just being appointed to the nomination has already been a success, and being in the same website as them, a whole pride.

If you want to participate to vote or to support any candidate, or to propose some new one, you can connect to the website www.cataladelany.cat

At the same event were awarded all athletes or climbers of the FEEC featured in 2011.

The FEEC is the organization which represents and give services to all catalonian hikkers, climbers and mountain competitors. It is one of the mountaineering world's most powerful federation, bringing together a huge  group, and with impressive numbers: 394 Clubs and Organizations.  70,000 members of alpine clubs. 35,000 people with license. 23 mountain huts. 9,000 km. of marked trails.

I have always been proud to be part of the FEEC, and it was quite an honor to receive this recognition.

This Friday is organized in Lleida an event called "The strength of Lleida's entrepreneurship". I participate in it giving a lecture entitled "The Adventure of Entrepreneurship"

Among the contents, they will commemorate the first 100 anniversary of the founding of the hydroelectric plants of "The Canadenca" and "Energía Eléctrica de Catalunya", which together with other power plants, marked the beginnings of industrial development in Catalonia.

The APP for iPhone version is spectacular and it's really different from a normal book.  It is an absolutely innovative format which expands the book's contents, which are presented both in written format, such as photos or videos.

The design prepared by the publisher of APPs 'Enhancing Ebooks' is really good: Attractive, comprehensive and easy to manage. Altogether there are more than 4 hours of videos, with interviews on the content of the book, made ​​to the author himself and a few adventurers and extreme sport men such as Nani Roma (first Spanish winner of the Dakar Rally), Anna Corbella (first Spanish woman to complete the nonstop sailing world tour, within the BWR), and Ferran Latorre (Mountaineer climbing the 14 peaks over 8,000 m. in the world); and also to some entrepreneurs, such as Paco Martin (CEO of MRW), Xavier Berneda (Partner and Marketing Manager of MUNICH), or Didac Lee (Entrepreneur featured in the internet sector).

The project is very entrepreneurial itself, and represents an important innovation in the contents sector in general, and the books in particular.

To all you who want to read all the stories and look at the multimedia contents, and, and all that you may be anxious and curious to meet new formats in the world of communication, I strongly advise the purchase of this APP application.  Unfortunately it is only available in Spanish language at the moment.

More info (Video promo and purchase): CLICK HERE

It was great ... the new bike circuit is very funny for those of us who like racing and looking beautiful landscapes, and forgetting the drafting (go all together engaged). And the very hard stage for the bike, combined with the tough running circuit, has made this race very nice but also very selective and very tough.

Even I haven't done a good race, our whole team has achieved a magnificent result. The Triathlon Club Sant Joan de les Abadesses (CTSJA) has won all categories:

- First overall in male category: Aleix Fàbregues (CTSJA)

- First overall in female category: Alba Xandri (CTSJA)

- Team winner: CTSJA

The SGE (Spanish Geographic Society) organizes at 19h in the auditorium of the Ramon Areces Foundation of Madrid (C/Vitrubio No.5), with 3 of its members, who have done a very special international expeditions.

Ramon Larramendi is the most known polar explorer in Spain, and this year has done a Non Stop travel of 3,500 km on a catamaran to cross the Antarctic continent, reaching the geographic South Pole, in full autonomy for 35 days in the most extreme conditions.

Diego Cortijo, whose photos of an uncontacted tribe in the Amazon have been around the world:  He got pictures of an uncontacted tribe, the "Mashco pyro" in the Peruvian Amazon on an expedition to document unknown ruins and petroglyphs.

The conference is free.

Tuesday, March 13^th., 2012. - 19:00 h.

Auditorium. Fundación Ramón Areces. C/Vitrubio No.5. Madrid.

More information: CLICK HERE

The act was done in the DAMM's old factory in Barcelona, ​​with the presence of Mr.Enric Crous, General Manager of the company.

Having DAMM as sponsor has been for us a very important support, and we are proud to work to promote a brand which very symbolic in our area, which helps to promote many sports and cultural organizations.

I insist again my gratitude to the company for its confidence in us, and we are specially happy to see that they are fully satisfied with the results obtained, and already have told us they want to be with us in the next adventure.

The best satisfaction for us after doing such a  demanding and risky project, is to see that this made ​​sense both for oneself and for all people, institutions and companies who have contributed in one way or another.

Admission is free, but requires confirmation. You may register through the website: CLICK HERE.

It is a pleasure to share experiences and lessons drawn from the intense adventures, which can be useful for people or companies here.

When the word ‘leadership' has a true value is not in the moments when everything goes perfectly, but when the situation is critical and complex, as in the present moment. From all of this and many interesting anecdotes, is what will speak about next wednesday in Terrassa.

More information: www.ciclemuntanya.cat

Admission is free.

This week I also give an open lecture open (free of charge) at the University Foundation of Bages, in Manresa, entitled "The Adventure of Life." I will not talk about the South Pole in this case, I will share some ideas about the entrepreneurial attitude in life (Personal, Professional and Enterprise) as a way of focusing life. That will be in the FUB of Manresa on Wednesday at 19h00

It is one of the best interviews I have done. Complete, comprehensive, and collecting the motivations and learnings of everything I do.

There are some powerful sentences highlighted by the reporter, from which I am especially happy now that I see them written. I Reproduce 3 as an example:

"What makes us become old is not the age, but the responsibilities"

"If in businesses you only want to make money, set up a brothel ... surely you will earn a lot, but may not give anything to society "

"Leadership is believing in the future, and I want to be leader of my life"

Very few times, if any, I have been first in any competition. It turns out that once that I won a first prize, I'm not myself, but a double dressed of me. It's funny, isn't it?

Lluis: Congratulations for the prize, and grateful that you have used me as inspiration for the carnival of our village.

One of the most active followers, leaving me very emotional, really horny and quality messages, was Josep Lluis Garcia (Pepeluis for friends).

He said he had put the computer with a picture of me at the family table on Christmas Day, and now he confirmed to me, with the picture that heads this post. Yesterday I sent a mail saying: "Due to writing at your blog and see that there was a hit on my posts, I have launched to write in my blog".

The address is: http://iamtipet.blogspot.com/2012/02/fets-reals-histories-ficticies-final.html, and I encourage you to follow Josep Luis, because writes very well, containing powerful contents, and fine and intelligent humor.

Therefore, this text serves to thank him personally, on behalf of all the people who let me hundreds of messages of support during the adventure to the frozen continent. I'm glad that someone has been encouraged to blog from having experienced the pleasure of writing on our South Pole web.

After that, the next step is to conceptualize these lessons and share them with others through lectures, articles, books or this website.

The communication exercise is a part that excites me especially around this issue, and every day I work it more seriously and with greater passion.

I love giving lectures and being able to share directly my concepts, my experiences and my own energy.

Writing is becoming for me a real passion / purpose. I collaborate with some publications making timely opinion pieces. In 2010 I launched my own first book called "Spirit of Adventure - The 7 challenges of the entrepreneur," where I make a parallel between the figures of the entrepreneur and the adventurer.

In late February, they will launch the APP version of this book, but in an expanded book format (Enhanced E-book), which allows to supplement it with videos of interviews with sport adventurers and entrepreneurs adventurers and other attractive and interesting content.

Right now I'm talking to two publishers to close a project of a new book to be published later this year or early 2013.

And the blog / web project of the South Pole (www.polosur1911-2011) was followed by a total of 48,000 different people.

In short, I can say that the adventures have made me enjoy and learn a lot by themselves, and also allowed me to move in a new aspect very interesting and intense through the disclosure of all that I bring.

It does not mean that news about the South Pole project are finished.  But everything is leading to more personal issues either than to the global project, and link to other things that have no direct relationship with it.  Therefore, you can follow all the content on my personal website: www.albertbosch.info/.

So to all those who want to follow me and the issues always related to the adventure of living in general, either at a personal, sport or professional level, I invite you to connect directly to my site.

As I mentioned in the South Pole blog once, and quoting directly to Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard, I think that "Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced." And this is the philosophy that permeates everything I do and what I am commenting on my website.

We remain in contact, because there are always new projects to be undertaken, challenges to dream, and new adventures to live.

Few days ago I was featuring all the time I wanted, being the only one who managed it, and without any pressure from anyone, and now I have a radical agenda absolutely saturated, without having time even to read mails or answer phone calls, and grazing near that concept which was totally parked for me in Antarctica, which we call 'stress'.

A busy but very interesting week. But fortunately, this has been for very positive reasons, because the goal achieved had an enormous impact on all levels.

During this week I have been about 10 times on television, I've been on various TV news both Catalan and around Spain, there have benn published articles and interviews in a pile of newspapers in all the country, I have spoken at major radio stations in the Spain, I have received all comments by mail, the website or by phone, and so on. Even the President of the Catalan Government congratulated me, and he will make an official reception for me on Tuesday day 17.

I can not be more grateful for having received so many compliments and public recognition. But what it has make me more happy, more than the amount of support received and media coverage, is that almost at all levels, they have placed more emphasis on values, attitudes, and the fruit of the efforts, over the purely sporting challenge or endurance of the Antarctic voyage. I believe that part of the success of this project has been because there is many people who think to be clear about certain behaviors and attitudes in life is critical to advancing on our projects and to evolve and improve as individuals and as a society. And I'm proud that my small contribution through this adventure, has been reflected or has served as an example in this whole approach.

But sad to leave behind a unique environment and a situation or way of life radically pure and away from the habits of our society. Sadness because all the excitement and energy put into a project, now are only memories and stops being a motor for moving towards a goal, which now is already achieved.

One of the great efforts that we humans always should do, is exploiting and living the present moment. This does not means that we do not have to remember with love and desire to learn the past, nor fail to plan and work for the future, but always being very present and being very conscious in real time we are living. Too often occur that when we are in a site (for example in normal life), we want to be in another (ex: doing an adventure like the Antarctic), whereas when we are in the other (but living a hard time but very intense time in the adventure, for example), we just want to return to the previous location (home, or to normal life). Believe me when I insist that developing this skill should be a great challenge for us all.

Anyway, yesterday when I connected my Blackberry (I'm not in iPhone yet, sorry), I got the feeling of being plugged back to 'Matrix'. But I am naturally very excited to go back home, and not only to reconnect with family and friends, but also to enjoy the best of my normal life, hoping to have evolved a bit more as a person and thus see the two worlds or two spaces can coexist and merge into oneself to the end, try to be happy whatever the situation or the time you are living.

One of the things that I will unavoidably miss, is your contact and constant energy, after being sharing the experience of this Antarctic adventure for so long time. I hope that either through this website, or through some other means, we can continue connected in some way.

Meanwhile, I'll throw myself to the more radical 'greed', and I think swell to eat a lot of everything, though I die of stomach pain ... I have to recover the 15kg. I've lost, and incidentally make an obsession that I constantly had during long hours of walking alone during the voyage: Eat, eat and eat! I advise friends and relatives to not even think about inviting me to lunch or dinner at a restaurant for a while, if you do not want to risk ruining.

Hours of Journey: 11h - Accumulative: 480h'
Km./Day: 34,5 - Accumulative: 1.155,2Km. Remaining to the South Pole: 0 Km.
Days of progress: 52 (48 Solo) - Inactive Days: 15 (0 Solo) - Total Days: 67
Position: S 90º 00,000'

Today, at 14h50' I have reached the South Pole after 67 days of expedition, from which, 15 were lost in the tent, 4 were shared with Carles and the other 48 have been on my own without any day lost.

At 17h30, with some delay, a plane has landed to take some material from the South Pole to Union Glacier; and at 18h30 we were taking off. It has given me enough time to visit the Pole, take the usual photographs, to breathe that frozen, special and symbolic air that exists there and to be able to be sat in a chair and have a proper meal at Union Glacier. On top of that, with a great deal of luck, it was worth it to sleep only a couple of hours to be on that flight, as the following pick up would have been this coming Saturday, 7th of January. And then the Ilushion plane that was taking me to Punta Arenas, would have flown on the 12th... Instead, tomorrow, fortunately, there's a one available to Punta Arenas, weather allowing, and I will be able to sleep in a hotel in Chile... and I expect to be in Barcelona by Sunday or Monday. I've gone slow as a turtle during the expedition, but I have the felling I'll break a historic record of going from the South Pole to Barcelona.

In all, it has been 1.124Km. covered on my own and 31 with Carles; which officially cannot be considered as a solo expedition, but you can to a 97,5%. In fact, it seems to me that there's only one way to cross the Antarctica solo... and this one is to do it solo without having it planned.

Planning, mental preparation and execution in general are completely different.

Be as It may, I have become the first Catalan that completes the Antarctica traverse, from the coast to the South Pole, and the first Spaniard to do it in unsupported and self sufficient.

I have never done anything where I was so physically lonely, but in all honesty, I have been very well accompanied, supported and cheered by so many people. For that reason, and in capital letters I say that WE HAVE MADE IT, and that's why the chronicle title, with a big hug to all of you.

We have made it, with my family, my wife Maria, the centre of my life, at the forefront, and the basic support of my children, my mother, my brothers. Family: Many thanks.

We have made it, with the project team who has been working for over a year in order for this to happen. To all the team: Many thanks.

We have made it with Carles, who I planned this challenge together with, and with whom I started it, despite having some unexpected problems and being rescued after 19 days and 31 Km. covered. Carles: Many thanks, and it's a great pity that we are not here today, together in the South Pole.

We have made it with all the web visitors and followers, who have given a special sense to this project, through their messages which have constantly motivated me with an incredible energy. To all of them: Many thanks. As promised, I will answer to everybody who has left a message, but do please bear in mind it will take some time, for obvious reasons.. I would like to encourage you though, to still keep an eye on this blog, as there are plenty of things to talk about this challenge. And you will also be able to follow me on www.albertbosch.info which I normally update a couple of times a week, always talking about the adventure of life, and more specifically within the entrepreneurial and sports challenge world.

We have made it with all the sponsors who put their trust in this project and provided us with their support and commitment, both economic or technical, both key to make it possible. To all the sponsors: Many thanks.

May I finish with a sentence from Marcel Proust which it's been in mind during the last expedition km., when I could finally see the South Pole: "The real act of discovery consists not in seeking new lands out, but learning to see the old lands we know with new eyes". If from this adventure, aside of my own personal enjoyment, aside of having shared this project with plenty of people, aside of having navigated deep inside of myself, and after having learned and developed plenty of concepts, only remains a bit of understanding, love and respect towards our planet, I would already be very pleased with the project it.

See you very soon to those I am going to see them face to face, and see you very soon, to those that we keep in contact by mail o through the web.

I've only covered 25,6Km., but hey...in 11 hours. I cannot reach more speed as I'm mentally unable to give more power, the body does not respond as its going at the edge of its possibilities, but at least I can control the resistance, and at less pace, more hours to cover the minimum distance I require to be at the South Pole on Wednesday.

In fact, I'm a bit confused; as I look at the remaining Km. According to the GPS (67,6), I see very difficult to do them in two days at the pace I am doing. But if I look at the degrees covered over the last days, and where I am, which is exactly in the middle of parallels 89 and 90, then I see It feasible. So, I'll wait to tomorrow's stage (day 3), and looking back at how it's going, I'll decide to have two quieter journeys, or do it on the fourth , in one go, no matter how much time it takes me.
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WHY DO I DO THESE THINGS?

Surely a lot of people must be asking themselves why do I do these things, this adventures...Maybe there are some that do not understand it, others may think they know already, and some do look at the facts, and not bother about the why. ... But It's been a few days now I have been thinking , now I'm getting closer to the end, and at risk to bore you to death, I think It's worth it to tell you why I do this.

In extreme projects of this kind, there's always the topics of self-improvement, tenacity, perseverance, ambition, crisis management, key decision making, etc... but these elements are not sold in a street shop, nor I think they are talent we are born with, and it is not exclusive from a specific type of people. All these factors are at everyone's hand, but they all depend in a great deal of another key element which is the one who activates all: motivation.

I'm getting closer, but it's getting harder to keep going. It took me 10 hours and a half to make 26.5 Km., and with that, at least I advanced a quarter of a degree to stay on target for Wednesday 4th.

The day is not too windy, sunny and nice. The skies became grey by the end of the afternoon and the wind came out again, so at the moment of putting the tent up, I got frozen. But the fact that it's hard to do kilometers, it's only because of the terrain surface, which is flat and hard, and there are plenty of snow packed areas brought by the wind, which makes the sledge go slower, and also because I am tired, and I'm not feeling full of energy, it's hard to make efforts to speed things up.

If I look the latitude minutes that I've done yesterday and today, I think I am ok to arrive on Wednesday 4th, because each day I have done 15 more minutes, and with the 15 I have for the next three, I should be able to make it. And yes, I look at it by kilometers, and that way it should work because I would have to cover 30 by day, and by the way I feel, I don't think I would be able to give a big shot one day because I don't feel like doing extra efforts. I'd rather look at the minutes of latitude I am going forward and think positively... but I do not discard to make one more day and arrive to my goal on Thursday.

Now, this last part is becoming long and hard, and if I have to jump to January 5th it would not be so bad, but it wouldn't make me feel better.

But let's take a look at the positive side. I have started the year in the best way. First thing I did this morning after breakfast was to go to the toilet in a bag for the first time in the expedition. Remember that ... for those that are here, we compromise ourselves to defecate in bags and take them back to the base while we are in this last latitude degree. Well, I made a piece of art worth of an artist and I have it on the sledge, well frozen. Tomorrow I will make another piece to go with it, so it does not fell so alone, and I will keep doing like that until I reach the South Pole.

You might think there is nothing less comfortable in the world than doing your vital necessities trying in a bag while you are freezing with the cold temperatures and the wind, right? Well, you are absolutely right. What happens is that we learn to take it with some philosophy and try to find the positive part in the symbolism of what this represents, which means, I am very close to the prime meridian! 64 days ago we were at Union Glacier Base and they provided us with the bags, and I thought I was going to be happy the day I would start to use them, because it would mean that I would had crossed the 89 degree. And that happened this morning at 7.45 a.m. happy new year that starts giving me great news in a "special" way!

I DEDICATE THIS DAY TO

Today I rather not dedicate the day to anyone, and with the picture I put on it could make someone angry or uncomfortable or create misunderstanding. Or maybe dedicate it to Millet, Camps, Urdangarín and all these people, that taking advantage of their positions increases their assets and do all kind of frauds using other people's money... To them... I would send a bag of these (that you know now) as a gift...

Today's stage brings not much of a story. Thankfully, it has not been very cold and windy, and I have been able to enjoy the last day of the year without much suffering. It's been a bit tough at physical level, despite not being steep at all, you could feel the inclination, and the fact of the wind of previous days, has created constant snow accumulations that slows my sledge down.

All in all, I've been able to cover 27,4 Km. And I crossed Latitude 89. So, New Year's Eve is going to be within the last degree of the earth's southern hemisphere, and much motivated because next direct focus is on the South Pole. Weather or visibility conditions allowing, I should be at the Pole by Wednesday afternoon/evening. Amazing, huh? I'll still make it!

As I told you yesterday, I did the bell ringing inside the tent at home time, having been able to talk to my wife and my brothers after all the celebrations.

Of course, I toasted with a Estrella DAMM; to all of you from this very special place, have a magnificent year!

Although I have been invited to some parties, I have decided not to have a night out, and I'll be off to bed very soon, tomorrow then I'll be able to have an early wake up and go skiing...of course, being the first day of the year, and early morning I will not find anybody in the piste here.

I've gone through some New years in strange place during my life, but never in such a special place like this one, and being on my own. If it wasn't for the pain for not being able to be with my family these days, I would say I've had a great, phenomenal, Intense and unforgettable end of the year. But I have one thing clear, and that's next end of the year I'll be with my people, whatever happens!!!

Wishing you a good start of the year... I will do exactly the same I have been doing for the last 44 days, but with a renewed motivation and energy to see I'm at the very final stage of the challenge.
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I DEDICATE THE DAY TO:

My uncle Pere. Because he had a very bad end of the year at health level, and still is recovering of a major problem.

He is a vitalist person, strong and unfamiliar with illnesses, and for this reason it must be harder on him. In any case, as he is also a very positive man and a vitalist, surely will overcome all those problems soon, and will be back to an intense and active life as he always did have.

Uncle: I know you are also on your particular Antarctica traverse and are through a horrible time. But it will go soon, and in short space of time we will see you riding your bike again and burning Kilometers as a mad man. I'm sorry your thing caught me during my long absence with the expedition, but I'm back soon at I know you'll be much better. And I take this opportunity to ask you out on our bikes as soon as you can (I'll find one) and a good meal in a place surrounded by curves and bends, I'll pay! A big hug and lots of courage I.

Today it has been completely opposite to what it was yesterday. I got out of the tent with serious cold and wind and a very reduced visibility (about 50 meters). I've put on the heavy anti-cold artillery, and off I went.

Whilst taking down thetent and preparing the sledge I have felt much cold on my fingertips, as I cannot manipulate anything with the big extreme mitten from Izard, and I use a less thermal ones (the ones on the photo).

Then the day has divided itself into three parts: The first one, very cold, windy and with not much visibility, but I could push better than yesterday, where I could not see a thing and I was coping fine with the cold as I was well protected with all the tech gear I was equipped with. The second part was pretty good with a nice temperature with the gear I was wearing, the sun has appeared for a while, and temperature has risen. And the third and last part, the sky was almost cleared, sun has warmed me up quite a bit and the wind slowed down quite substantially and I got too hot walking with too many clothes on.

Be as it may, quite a decent journey with regards to the Km. covered, making me feel happier and more motivated than yesterday, that leads me to assume , weather allowing, that I have to be able to reach the South Pole in 5 days, including the journey of the 31st.5 days of countdown pretty realistic, but not for free. It's always possible to be delayed for another day, but it shouldn't happen.

Tomorrow, with a little bit of luck I'll sleep on Latitude 89º. It will be nice to be able to celebrate the New year right at the doorstep of the last parallel of the planet's southern hemisphere, and knowing that the next degree is already the S90º00,000´...the South Pole.

Besides, I have beaten the 1.000 Km. mark, and I have less than 150, and I'm at 2.570m high, only 85 below the South Pole.

Everything looks fine. Spirits are at a maximum and getting better every day as I get close to the final objective. I'm at the extremity of my strength, but I ´m getting through without any major problems. 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1... and maybe I will have reached the South Pole.
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HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012

As my tomorrow's chronicle (day 31st) will be sent at about 2AM, may I take this opportunity to wish you a happy new year. Have a good 2012 in all aspects and enjoy tonights party.

As per what happened to me in Christmas, I'll be alone in such special day. But the fact of having perfectly clear on target the last degree South of the Earth, it makes me feel so happy and motivated despite having to be so far away from my family and friends. But is now that I am confident enough to achieve it, makes me understand that this sacrifice of being away at Christmas, will at least, be worth it.

I will celebrate the coming of the New Year at the same time back home, which will be 20h in Antarctica. In fact, one of the advantages of being alone and have sunlight all day, is that I can choose the hour it suits me best. At 12h Antarctica, I have to be sleeping to rest for the next stage, and on top of that I will be able to call home after the ´bells´ to wish them a Happy New year.

By the way: ¡Do not think I'm not having bells, eh! I've got it all planned. I'll hang from the tent ceiling the cover of a cooking pan, and a stick, and I'll do the ringing, one after the other whilst eating the lucky grapes. Actually, instead of grapes I will be using 12 roasted hazelnuts. Honestly, I have been looking to find grapes around here, and I have spent more than 1.000 Km. during 62 days to see if I can get the bloody grapes, but they keep telling me everywhere that they do not have, and that the crop in Antarctica this year hasn't been good.

Anyhow, in this occasion, what they say about ´a fresh start to the new year´ will not apply to me on the first of Jan, but the fourth (I hope), to reach the South Pole. On this day, and after 66 days sleeping on the ice, suffering the cold, making enormous efforts and living in total discomfort, I'll really do think that's going to a fresh start to a new life...

¡Happy new Year to all of you!

I DEDICATE THE DAY TO:

All of those out there who think next year is going to be a great year to them, or a good year, or at least, better than the last one. But I'm referring to those who believe it, not because they wish that, but are absolutely decided and committed to taking concrete and resolute actions for that to happen. In the end, what matters are not the desires, the dreams, the thinking or the talking. What matters is what we do.

I have taken down the tent and started the journey with a good sunshine, very little wind and a nice temperature. It was promising a good stage with the chance of doing many kilometers. But after an hour and a half the sky started to cover and in a short space of time I could not see a thing. I've started to navigate on blind mode with the GPS and the compass, like before, and then the temperature plummeted and the wind started to rise until it got very intense and carrying snow.

With all of that happening during the whole journey, it has been a horrible day. To be able to look where to go, I had to stop every few meters and check the compass constantly and the GPS every now and then. With these stop overs and the gear management I froze a few times. Several times I have had to make recovery exercises for my hands, as I was worried about potential frostbites. It has been the day I suffered most because of the cold, of the entire expedition. When the wind was at highest peak I decided to stop and put the tent up, but I immediately realized that it would be worse, so I decided to continue as I could for a bit more time and try to stop when conditions improved... at least, If I get going I'll keep the temperature up.

In the end, I've completed the journey with only 21,5 Km, which given the circumstances, I am already pleased with. To put up the tent has been another odyssey as the strong wind has made things very complicated as there was snow everywhere, and my fingers where getting frozen at each movement I made.

I then consider the wildcard as already used in my own countdown towards the Sout Pole, started on Christmas day. I was hoping to arrive on the 3rd of January, and I've moved it to the 4th, with 6 days left with tomorrow's (30th Dec) journey, weather allowing. If weather conditions get worse, we will still suffer a lot to reach the South Pole, as I have enough food to eat properly for 7 days, and if needed, with some restrictions I could stretch to 9 or 10 days.
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A TRIBUTE TO SHACKLETON

It could be today's suffering which turned to be a kind of tribute to a man who suffered a lot on these lands, and made from overcoming the difficulties, and example of leadership that is still studied and admired around the world.

I've gone past 88º23´ today. And that was the maximum latitude who Ernest Shackleton reached in his South Pole Expedition, named ´Minrod´ in 1909, and was the closest spot to the South Pole ever reached by mankind, until in 1911 Roald Amundsen passed that point in his successful conquest of the South Pole.

With the troubles I've had today, I really thought to myself, Albert, don't count your chicken until they hatch. I'm battered and god knows what's going to happen in the next few days. We are in one of the most extreme places on earth, and everything is unpredictable here. You ask Shackleton, where standing exactly where I am, and almost becoming the first person in the world to conquer the South Pole, had to abandon.

Ernest Shackleton Really was a formidable and admirable explorer and adventurer. It's curious that his heroic deeds have become the most well known of all Polar expeditions, and a great example of leadership and management in critical situations, despite not accomplishing his objective.

Maybe it would be worth to think about the concept of the ambition that takes man to consider great challenges, as we have three great examples right here, that show three totally different models with also three different results:

1) Roald Amundsen: His ambition to achieve glory in a polar expedition took him to give up his greatest and first objective, the North Pole, when he was informed that Robert E. Peary reached the North Pole before. He then changes his mind and heads for the South Pole, preparing the adventure with an absolute meticulousness and the conviction that with his vast accumulated experience would give him enough success guarantees. The plan execution was close to perfection, great success and nobody got injured.

2) Ernest Shackleton: An ambitious man of great adventure projects, he organized different expeditions to the pols. One is the previously mentioned ‘Minrod', with the aim of becoming the first man to reach the South Pole. He didn't get there but comes back ok. In 1914 another of his expeditions, this time called ´Endurance ´with the objective of circumnavigate the Antarctica continent, as the South Pole was already conquered. He couldn't finish it as his boat got stuck in the ice, but the crisis management and the way he led a group of men that were sentenced to dead to save them all, has turned into one of the more epic and intelligent stories in the history of expeditions. He was very ambitious but never to the extent of sacrificing any human life in vain. He proved it in 1909 going all the way around the latitude I'm at right now, and in 1914-1916, giving his best at and very intelligently devoting his commitment to save all his team.

3) Captain Scott: Had a blind ambition to become the first person to reach the South Pole. He lacks some of Roald Amundsen experience, but has plenty of advisors from past expeditions. All of a sudden finds himself under pressure when unexpectedly Amundsen will also try to conquer the South Pole the same year. He planned his project with many errors, certain decisions were not properly managed, he had unexpected problems in certain issues, but never gave up and turned back, eager to reach the Pole first. In the end, he did actually reach the South Pole, but Amundsen got there first. And as a result of the resources bad management, and a small or null planning of the return trip, he and all his team members that reach the Pole, died before arriving to the Antarctic coast.

Ambition is key to face any important challenge in life. It's the engine that fights to the very end in order to achieve any goal and overcome any obstacles that surely will be found on the way. But as all extreme concepts, a good management is key, because, instead of engine to move forward could be turned into a shortcut to the most resounding failure.

I have been able to cover a bit more distance than yesterday with the same amount of hours, and that helps to reduce the distance I have with the delay towards the South Pole on the 3rd of Jan. In any case, I'll try and compensate a bit more to accomplish what I've planned, which means 6 journeys from tomorrow (Day 29), and if I can't, then I'll have a spare day anyway.

Today has not been a typical day in Antarctica. Not sure if it is Fools day or what but the truth is it has been a journey full of surprises which I'll quickly explain:

6h35: The cooking stove and melt snow breaks down. Try to see what it is, and I can't get it working. Luckily I had a spare one in the sledge, problem solved.

12h40: A plane flies over my head. Not at much altitude, and it is clear that is heading South Pole. I think it's the plane they have at Union Glacier Base to go to the Pole...in that case it may be the one who's going to take me back when I get there. It's the first ´thing´ I see since Carles left and I continued solo. Bear in mind that I haven't seen any commercial planes flying at high altitude, nor the tail they leave behind in the sky. Above Antarctica there is no air commercial traffic, even at this is a special area.

13h25: I loose balance when overcoming a small sastrugui, and to get the balance back I push my weight towards the left stick. This one breaks, and apart of losing my pole stumbles and fall. Fortunately I also have a spare pair from ´Gabel´ courtesy of Sporttotal. Another problem solved.

15h50: I bump across some traces a few times. I was really impressed at the time, as it was the first physical signal, GPS aside, that I was on the right track and I wasn't going towards Saragossa. They were from two persons, and probably the two Australians who I knew are following the same route as mine and that are a few days ahead of me. I have been able to follow them for a while until they faded away in the snow carried by the wind.

17h45: The bomb!! I find the first person since I was left alone. Suddenly I see a black spot in the horizon, in the same direction where I'm heading to. As I'm getting closer it looks clearly that is a person coming in opposite direction. It happened to be the English girl that Xavier Carles mentioned in one of the posts. When we. When we crossed each other we fell into each other's arms and she tells me she's doing the route the other way round, having started at Rose Ice Shelf, through the South Pole and finishing in the coast at Hercules Inlet. She says that with the same days and effort as regards to our route, many more Km., are covered, as Rose Ice Shelf is on Latitude 85º 20´and the positive drop until the South Pole is not very important, and then to the coast is a soft slope. She calculated about 20 days to the South Pole and 25 to the coast, but she also had a 5 days delay. It's really cool to be such brave girls, isn't it? The photo at the top of the text, is the one we took with Felicity.

Well you see, a hectic day for what's normal in these lands. On the one hand I'm happy to see different things and the firsts indications of human life: a plane, traces, a person; which means I'm getting very close to the South Pole (It would have been very difficult to coincide with Felicity 10 days ago, as any small distance turns much bigger far away from here). But on the other hand, I'm also sorry to know of other signs of presences. I wouldn't have minded to find anything or anybody, but you lose that charm I was telling you about yesterday, to be so many days absolutely isolated of any human contact or civilization. But I guess I have already a good dose of isolation, and now I have to look at the positive side, and that is that I'm very close to my final destination.

Today, there's been a bit of an overall improvement. During the first five hours of march, everything was quite the same last two days, but when I got to latitude 88º02', the terrain has rapidly changed: lighter slopes, sastruguis almost disappeared and much harder snow It's not a roses garden, as it is still very irregular, but is certainly looking much better.

The truth is, that an improvement like this one, is to be encouraged about, as today I celebrated the 40th day of the traverse on my own. To those of you that are following the blog since the beginning, will remember when I started the first journey alone when I planned 10 cycles of 4 days, to focus only in finishing the following cycle, and not getting obsessed with what was left. I knew if I completed this 10 groups of 4, I wouldn't reach my final destiny, but it would take me very close and in a situation of truly believe that I could do it.

Well...with perseverance results arrive. I have accomplished this objective I was following during every cycle, and I did not even talk about it here as I didn't want to get overexcited, and now I'm at 7 or 8 days to achieve, finally, the South Pole. Nothing is done or secured, and plenty of things can happen, but I can really say now I have it at close reach. At this stage, something big has to happen for not being able to finish it off.

40 days on my own. 40 days without seeing anything else apart of what I carry, no animals, not a single person, not a landscape more than the snow fields and the sky around. During today's journey I've been thinking when was the last time in my entire life where I did see nobody, and I haven't been able to remember any, and now I've got 40 days on my back without bumping into any living creature. Can You imagine? I have a feeling that it's going to be difficult for this to happen again. I strongly recommend to each one of you to think about it. Have you ever been for an entire day without seeing anybody? I bet most of you will say no.
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WASTE MANAGEMENT

In today's photo you will only see the first layer of the sledge carries a great deal of garbage in bags and fuel bottles.

They are all the rubbish generated during the traverse. They're not very heavy, but they take a lot of space, and I have to compress them so they do not take much of the space in the sledge.

When doing an outdoor activity, has to bear always in mind to leave the minimum possible impact. We have to care about not leaving any trash behind.

In Antarctica, the agreement with expeditioners is that all garbage must be carried with the expedition, both artificial (plastic, etc..) and natural (waste food, etc...). Only the wee and other remaining liquids (for cooking, teeth washing, can be placed making a hole next to your tent and covering it afterwards. Until degree 89 of Latitude, poor can also be left behind under the snow. Between degree 89 and 90 we have to leave it in specific plastic bags to take it back with us to base, because both expeditions like mine and the ones that start on the last degree (the most common ones), they coincide in the last degree, and that way it's always a clean area. I already found myself in this situation two years ago when climbing Mt. Vinson (the highest mountain in Antarctica), which, despite not being a very crowded mountain, everyone who go there uses the same route, and leaving ‘stuff' behind, would be a mess, as everything stays frozen for a long time.

There are no controls, no guards, rangers or police. Everything is done as a commitment, education and respect towards such pure place that we are enjoying. It would be very easy to make a big hole and bury the garbage every day, cover it and no one will ever notice.

This is too big, there's no one around and is covered constantly with snow and ice. For all those reasons, one feels proud of respecting the place because that's the way everyone thinks and not because it's being imposed or by control.

At the end of the day, it's like everything in life. As much as we think and talk about hopes and change of attitude, what matters in the end is the action we take, visible or not.

If someone still something, even if he does not get caught, is a thieve. If someone lies, even if nobody is aware, he's a lire. If someone commits fraud, and no one reports it, he's a swindler or a con man. For that reason, if someone leaves any dirt in Nature areas, even no one seeing it, of course, he is a pig!

I DEDICATE THE JOURNEY TO:

To all of those that even knowing that perfection is impossible, do their utmost to keep nature clean or any given environment. To those who understand that you can't always recycle 100%, but you do your best about it. And to those who embrace within their personal evolution a constant factor towards improvement of the usage and enjoyment of natural resources, with great respect, precaution and sustainability.

Ah... and to a very particular group of people, unfortunately a small minority within the smokers: those who once the cigarette is finished, don't through the cigarette end to the floor, even if it's on the street, or driving, or burying it in the beach sand.

Remember we are what we do...

The terrain hasn't improved much, in fact, very little, and it even got worse due to a constant uphill slope, and sometimes quite steep; and an incredible freezing temperature (-29ºC outside the tent, and I'm sure it has gone below), together with an intense wind in my face that in certain moments got to be unbearable to carry on.

All in all, not many Km. for a 10 hour journey, and physically exhausted for the effort made and the cold. According to my estimations, I was supposed to reach today the Parallel 88, but I'm not there yet. Not much left, but I'm behind schedule to what I calculated.

From all previous information and forecasts I had gathered, the most reliable one was the one that mention about the difficulties at degree 87. I haven't guessed right on other bits of info, but in that case, as it was a bit negative, I nailed it!!... I hope the prediction of great improvement from degree 88 turns out right.

But one has to look at the good side of things, as there are some after this hard three days:

1) Tomorrow (day 27) I will overcome reach degree 88, and that means heading for 89, which will mean to be at the last degree of the earth, the South Pole close at hand.

2) I'm at 2.556 meters high, and the South Pole is at 2.835. So, I've only got left about 300 to ascend in the 250 Km. left.

3) I keep the forecast of 8 remaining journeys, starting tomorrow (day 27). Forces are limited and I will have to push a lot, but I'm optimistic and I do think it has to improve necessarily according the informations I have , and I will be able to make up for the time lap.

4) It's Chocolate Mousse day today...and that helps you to overcome any suffering going. What else could I ever want more down here? It cures everything. I ´m even considering to stick some in my receding hairlines...see if helps growing...
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MIND -BODY CONVERSATION:

The truth is that this kind of experiences put the always curious, interesting and sometimes complex relation of body and mind to the test.

Yesterday, during a couple of time where there was no wind and the silence was radical, I intercepted two conversations between my mind and my body. I will try and be as accurate as I can.

The first one was during the march:

- Body: Mind today is Christmas, remember?

- Mind: Yes, body. I've already wished you a Happy Christmas this morning, right? Why are you insisting?

- Body: Being such a special occasion, we could stop after 9h, at least for a day?

- Mind: Well, I don´ if we want to do the Km we have planned to do today, and it is still a long way to the South Pole, and the boss wants to do as much as he can.

- Body: Yes, I know the boss does not want to stop. But we said we would try and to go over the 9h of journey, and after renegotiation the limit in 8hours, it's been several days now we have not gone below the 9h30 or even 10 hours , and I'm starting to feel extremely tired.

- Mind: Come on body, you know that during the evenings you can get well fed and recuperate properly... don't complaint so much.

- Body: What are you talking about? I hardly ever complaint. It's easy to say for you, because you only think; the one that does the big effort is me. It's me who's suffering with pain on my feet, muscles, ligaments and joints, and don't even feel my neck...And it is me who coping with this freezing and miserable cold all day long. You don't mind about one hour more...

- Mind: this is very unfair, body. It's true I do not get physically tired, as this is your business. But my job is also very hard and extenuating: I have to make important decisions constantly. I have to be alert permanently as any mistake can have serious and dangerous consequences, and especially now we are on our own. I have to cope with monotonous hours of march and I have to keep finding interesting subjects to think about and not to get frozen in my own may. And above all, I have to face powerful enemies that are constantly attacking me, like fear, the homesickness, the comfort desire, the negative to the suffering, the anxiety for what's left, and many more that are attacking my with no mercy when I lower my guard. Believe me my friend, this is as hard or even harder that what you have...

- Body: Right, apologies if I have offended you. I just wanted to tell you that's it's taking is toll now, and I'm starting to be at my limits. You always say there is less to go...but in fact, you never tell me exactly how much we have left to the South Pole. Can you tell me exactly how much you calculate we have remaining to the South Pole?

- Mind: About 270Km. If there aren't any stops for bad weather or to rest, I assume we have about 10 days until our final target.

- Body: What? 270Km.? 10 days still? You're insane! I thought that we were almost there. This is way too much. Now it does really hurt everything , even my eyebrows! I do not think I'll be capable to keep up with this pace and suffering for another 10 days. Impossible!!

- Mind: Don't panic, body. It's not that bad. We are on our final phase, but there is still a quite a bit to go. Are you able to carry on at least tomorrow?

- Body: I'll do my best and I'll try to finish it...

- Mind: See? Sorted!. Tomorrow I'll ask you again, and surely you'll answer the same thing. And we'll keep repeating the same question. Don't think about the 10 days, focus on tomorrow's journey...

- Body: Fine, if you insist...but I think you always end up winding me up. I'll do my best but I can't promise anything.

... and the second conversation right before going to sleep, inside my sleeping bag:

- Body: Listen mind, following with what we were talking during today's journey, there's something I don't quite understand...

- Mind: What... what's bothering you now?

- Body: No, I don't want to complain now I would simply like to ask you what do we get out of this extreme effort, when all the credit is for the boss?

- Mind: It's not quite true. We're a team and everybody knows it. And the boss treats us nicely when we do things right.

- Body: The thing is, I'm not sure if it's doing any good to me all these efforts...I sometimes think I should have a much quieter life...

- Mind: Yes, and fatten like a pig, or having health issues, or look like an old man...Look at the positive side man: You're active, you are capable of doing many things, and for a man of your age, you're still pretty strong, and can eat anything. Everything has its good and bad things, but I think you have more things on your side than negative ones. But one thing, you need a lot of training and every now and then some special challenges like this one. But trust me, you are much better of that way. And don't tell me you don't often get any price?... Basically with those meals you like so much.

- Body: You always have an answer, and end up pulling my leg... but even so, what do you get out of that?

- Mind: I sometimes wonder as well about having a quieter and recurrent, but then I give it a second thought and I think I love what we do. It helps me to stay awake and active, to learn about new situation, to give the best out me and to gain a lot of self confidence, and I also have some reward every now and then, especially when the boss allow me to meditate which is what I enjoy most.

- Body: That's positive thinking... when I look at what we got tomorrow I get really worried, and you just seem happy as Larry...I'll have to learn more from you.

- Mind: I do not mean that I see everything perfect in these precise moments; what I know for certain, and I have learned it in most adventures, is that if you leave you thoughts to meet the dark side, both you and I will end up screwed in a place like this, whereas, if we think positively, everything will be fine and both of us will be very proud of when we're done. So let's be cool and positive about it, and off to bed for Christ sake. Good night.

-Body: Good night then... See you tomorrow.

........

-Body: Mind, are you asleep?

-Mind: Almost...what the hell do you want now?

-Body: If I want to have a wee tonight will you allow me to wake up and do it in the bottle, right?

-Mind: Of course I will... But if you have a number 2, then forget it. We do number 2 tomorrow at 8h in the morning, just before getting ready, understood?

-Body: OK Boss... night

I DEDICATE THE JOURNEY TO:

To the FITNESS VIC gym, the FISIOSPORT centre in Vic, to Jaume Campderrós, and the CONSULTORI BAYÈS from Vic. Because I get all the training, recuperation, repairs, checks and if needed medical treatment from them!!

Thanks to all of you, because a great deal of my success is yours as I can push my body and so far is going ok!

How was Christmas? Good? I'm very happy for you, but I can't really say the same. I'm not referring to the homesickness factor, or the loneliness I have been through, as it has been ok on that front and I have felt with loads of support from everybody, eaten well and all good. I'm talking about the last two journeys, they have been very hard and complicated.

If anybody would have wanted to make me an "anti depression" test, surely would have done it these two previous days to Christmas, when one can be mentally weak for being away from home and alone in Christmas. Honestly, both journeys, on the 24th I did 25,8 Km. and on today's one I've done 23,3, have been the worst of all journeys.

Plenty of sastruguis, and an absolute irregular terrain, with constant uphill. Yesterday I found giant sastruguis and to go over was a nightmare as I worried I could break the sledge or injure myself when overcoming them. Today they were a bit smaller, but more complex to avoid them. To do any progress these last two days has consumed a lot of energy for such small performance.

And on top of everything, I have gone through the most dangerous situation in this traverse. Yesterday I had marked in the GPS possible crevices, but indicated more towards South from where I found it. And without knowing it, I found myself caught in an area with plenty of crevices, small and not so small ones... As it was the end of the day and I had 9h45 on my back, I had no energy left to get out of there so I tried to find a safe and appropriate area to put the tent up. Funny enough I found the morning after a little crevice right outside the tent...I have practically slept on top of it. But the problem has been to get out of that area during the morning. Following very carefully my course I found a massive crevice (see the photo), which I couldn't find a way to cross. So I kept following it towards west for quite some time but I could not find a safe place to cross. I had to walk for about 3Km. more to cross it safely. From there on I have avoided a few more, until I reach a safe area after a couple of hours. I hope not to find more for the rest of the expedition.

There you go... like the 23rd Dec. Chronicle... one day you're laughing and the other you're crying for any problem!

I DEDICATE THE JOURNEY TO:

To all of those who had to work for Christmas Day. Here's my support to you, as I have also been working like an animal during these last two days.

A GOOD JOURNEY: It's been a long time since I could not do such a good stage like todays. The wind has stopped completely just before departure, temperature was quite good (-10 and -15ºC), visibility conditions ok without much sun, and the terrain was hard, at last! I have found three slopes with very irregular surfaces and some very big ones with sastrugis, but I left them behind soon and I've been able to keep a good rhythm during the whole day. About time! I can't get overconfident now, theoretically I will find complicated zones until Parallel 88...

I'm a bit short with regards my calculations made a few days ago, but I'm still on track, and within the averages and estimations set Bearing this in mind, and taking todays stage, day 24 (you will be reading this chronicle then), I have 11 days of journey left to the South Pole. That means, tomorrow, Christmas day, I will have 10 days remaining....which means countdown. From day 25: 10, 9, 8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1, and target accomplished. Maybe I'm hold up and I have to stutter one or more numbers to repeat them, but, in principle, I assume that these are the dates I have to meet.

Today, during the stage, I've been thinking about the rest day issue. Obviously if I have a day with extreme bad weather I will have to stop, but even so, I have decided to take a day off to rest, and I even know which one will be: the day I get on the flight to Barcelona!!!... If nothing happens, I'm not stopping until I bash the South Pole metallic sphere with my teeth.

But as you know: Here (as everywhere), todays all too cool and the next day I'll be crying for some problem. But tomorrow will be another day, and now I have to take advantage of this positive energy to the max.
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HAPPY CHRISTMAS: When you read this, it will be probably the day 24 and I will be doing that day stage. And in the evening of the 24 I will not write the day chronicle. The next one will be Sunday 25th at night, so, the web will be updated during Monday 26th in the morning.

It's not that I am being lazy writing a chronicle for Christmas eve, but I thought it would be good to do it for the following reasons:

1) Montse Bertran (responsible for updating the web daily), will be able to rest at least for Christmas day.
2) Oliver Vallès, who's translating the chronicles in English will also have a day's rest.
3) You (the usual ones), will also be able to rest for a day and will not feel indigested like you do with the nougats on these days.
4) I will have more time during the evening talking with all my family.
5) I'm avoiding the risk of giving you a sever dead boring sentimental speech, as being down here all alone on Christmas eve, half frozen in my sleeping bag, writing a chronicle, could be terrible. I am already being a real pain with the amount of stuff I'm coming to you with, last thing you want is a written text in such special day and in such isolated situation.

I hope that when you log back in, I will be counting the journeys left in units, leaving behind the tens, twenties, thirties, etc...

I have been thinking for quite some time about the Christmas Eve menu...I have chosen the best of what's left and it goes as follows:
- Appetizer: Camembert cheese I have been keeping aside for this day (last one)
- Starter: Sopinstant mushroom soup from Gallina Blanca
- First Main course: Potato puree with meat
- Second Main course: Pasta Bolognese
- Dessert: Chocolate mousse (had to be there)
- Nougat: Xixona and egg
- Drink: A Estrella Damm (four of which had, now falls a)

It's not that bad, right?... You can see me in the picture quite happy with the nougats ready. If anybody hasn't got a plan for Christmas, is more than welcome to come and have dinner here in my tent... You know the menu, but whoever is coming, please bring a scarf and a hat over,...an another Estrella just in case.

Make the most out of these holidays, as to be able to be with your family around is of great value, and I'm saying it all alone, over the Parallel 87, sleeping on top of more than 2Km. of ice.

I DEDICATE THE DAY TO:

Baby Jesus. Who was incredibly lucky not to be born in the Antarctica as he would have needed 2.000 donkeys and 2.000 cows to warm up a bit....(not many cattle around here...). And not a single peasant would have come to adore him, because they would have been as slow as I have been and he would have been already crucified, poor little chap. The angel would have bunked off as flying around here would freeze hi swings, and could cost him a pneumonia. And the kings would have gone the wrong route for two obvious reasons: the first one, is the Camels don't speak Antarctic, and they would freeze the water in their hump. And the second one is that having 24hours of daylight, there would no possible way to see the start that was supposed to guide them.

You see now, if Latitude and Longitude are important. I couldn't imagine if they messed up with the coordinates in the most celebrated birth of mankind...It would have been mayhem!

Merry Christmas!

Today has been a very tough day. Contrary to what I had yesterday, the visibility was Ok, but it was very windy. It's the day I have advanced with most wind so far. It has been hell to put up and take down the tent. It has also been of great discomfort, cold and over wearying to walk all day against the strong and frosty wind. The mask that protects my nose and mouth has frozen.

To add a bit more drama, the stage was complicated both because of the ascent (230 metres uphill) and because of the terrain conditions, quite irregular and with constant presence of holes, snow packs, and, again, small sastruguis (I've missed them ...!)

In short: I've just been able to cover 23,5 Km. and still with plenty of suffering. I guess the ‘force' has joined me today as well but with less intensity than yesterday. They hasn't gopen flying either, and I am in the tent exhausted, looking forward to tonight's resting and hoping that the wind will have calmed down, otherwise it will be difficult to do another journey in these conditions..

The worst thing of all this, according to the info I have, that the most complicated part of the traverse is round the corner, in between degree 87 and 88. So, if the worst is about to come, it's going to we horrible, as getting here from degree 85 has been already a nightmare and much complicated than I thought.

In any case, and just by the skin of my teeth, I made it to Parallel 87. I'm sleeping right on top where the line is. Time to stay focused and bring on the 88.

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As you can see, I am incorporating the position location details since yesterday. Maybe I should have done it earlier, but the truth is I didn't think about it. I believe it's useful to see it and to get a better idea about progress in the map.

I guess the majority of you know how to read the positioning data for latitude and longitude. But for those who don't know it, and to loads of children that are following this blog I'll explain a bit.

In order to establish the exact position of something or someone in the planet, a default unit was set that allows determining git with complete accuracy.

On the one hand, we have the earth divided in 180 parallels that go horizontal. It's like if we take an orange and starting from the exact middle we go cutting 90 slices on top of that middle.And other 90 underneath that middle line with the same distance in between them, that's why they are called parallels. That gives the LATITUDE. In the middle we find the Degree or Parallel ´0´ which is know as the EQUATOR, and above, there is the Northern Hemisphere, and below, the Southern Hemisphere. From Parallel ´0´ you will be adding degrees towards north and towards south, until reaching 90, which are the Poles...North and South. Then, each Parallel is divided in 60 more units, and each part as detailed as you want. There are different types of parallel divisions, but the most common one is in 60 minutes (they are not minutes we use for time). So, each Latitude position will be defined according to the Hemisphere we are in, ie: north, from the equator upwards), the respective degree, the minutes and the respective decimals. And the same with the Southern Hemisphere (From equator downwards).

And on the other hand we have the LONGITUDE, which tell us the position towards the east or the west of the globe. And is determined by the Meridians. The earth was divided in 360 meridians that start from the North Pole and finish in the South Pole. These are not Parallels, I mean, they do not have the same distance according to where we take de position from, as the earth is round, the meridians start very close next to each other and they expand and separate as they reach the Equator (point of maximum distance between them. And all converge in the South Pole. The Meridian ´0´ was chosen in reference to the Greenwich Meridian which crosses Spain close to Cataluña. If you go from Lleida to Zaragoza, you'll see it in the motorway in an arch-bridge shape. From this ´0´Meridian, we start to count the meridians towards West, from 1 until the 180, and towards East, also from 1 until the 180. So, each longitude position will be defined, as we do with the Latitude, depending if we are to the East or to the West of the Greenwich Meridian, also with the minutes and corresponding decimals.

With the two of them (Latitude and Longitude) we can mark a spot anywhere, if we have the Longitude position (from North Pole to South Pole), and the Latitude (the respective Parallel), where they cross, is the geoposition mark the we were looking for.

For example, if you take today's position this is: Latitude - I'm exactly at Degree 87, 0 minutes and 052 decimal of the South, and crossing the Longitude at -81 degrees, 44 minutes with 980 decimals towards West of the Greenwich Meridian. In other words, if from where you are now, you go to the west towards the Meridian 81, you go down straight until Parallel 87 to the South of the Equator, and once there, keep going a bit more to the West towards half way at the Meridian 82, you'll find a yellow tent with a frozen nutcase typing on a computer.

Two more things before I go, although obvious ones, I'd like to go through them as I will experience them in a few days time: When I reach the South Pole, I will be exactly at Latitude S 90º 00,000 of the Earth; if I do any step forward I will be going up again towards the Equator, deducting Degrees fast, but totally on the other side of the planet. And the other thing is, if you want to go from one Meridian to another, you will have to cover a lot of distance; whereas I am in the South Pole, if I just separate 5 metres, I could step in all the Meridians that exist in a very short space of time. Nice, isn't it?

At risk of being taken already as a complete lunatic, I'm going to tell you todays journey exactly how I've lived and felt it. It may sound a bit odd but I can assure you that it went that way, although I have to admit I added some extra spice to the narrative...

I've woken up at 6 o'clock like every day, and as I'm hungry, and waking up means food, now I don't waste not even a second. Cold, as usual. And like most mornings I could listen the wind hitting the tent. Just before melting snow I have my daily wee in the bottle, and when I threw it in the avancer hole, I looked outside to check the weather out.

Temperature was of -27ºC, strong winds, not extreme, and very poor visibility at all. A dreadful scenario to start the day off.

I realised that maybe today was going to be the day to rest, as the weather was so miserable that I would not have any regrets about loosing one day of progress. I started my breakfast deciding what to do, and suddenly, coming from nowhere, a "force" has got me going into the daily routine to start the journey. I was calmed, bit serious but neutral, as I've found myself with two situations running at the same time; one wanted to stay and rest, and the other one was ready to go.

After a while, I've found myself taking down the tent and packing the sledge. When everything was ready, had to recover from the cold, as I was half frozen.

All of a sudden, I was moving at a good enough pace. The ‘force was' pushing me forward into a soft uphill slope that I could not see but sense, and I warmed up progressively and feeling to a certain extent, fine. I haven't been able to see any further than my skis for the entire day. It was almost impossible to distinguish the snow relief until it reached my feet. I was only taking care of the course and the ground trying not to lose my balance and not to feel dizzy after more than 9 hours only focusing on what I had right in front of me at one point five meters ahead. A part from that, I wasn't doing anything, as the ‘force was' busy in making me advance. I thought I could rely on it, as it surely was a positive ‘force', like the Jedi, and not like the Sith´s one, as in such white and bright place like this, it is impossible that a ‘dark side of the force' exists, right?

The day has flown by. I've got to the 10 hours mark, a lot less tired than yesterday and the previous day. Started to put up the tent and took all the necessary material again.

Result: Like everyday, I'm inside the sleeping bag writing the journey's chronicle. And thanks to the ´force´ I find myself with 27Km. ahead and 100 metres up higher than what would have been if the most comfortable part of my mind would have taken control.

Maybe the Race Tracker team will have to check if I have really moved or not, as maybe, what's really happened is that I have stayed in the tent and I have slept so much that I ended up dreaming that today, despite the awful weather conditions, I was advancing like a champion!!

The mind is a very powerful tool, and we have to constantly stimulate and check, as it can also be very treacherous. If she can, she always goes for the easier path, safe and conservative, but often is more productive, interesting and useful, to search, to find that ‘force' and get carried away by it.

... and this only happens in Antarctica?

Good night... and may the force be with you...!

I DEDICATE THE DAY TO:

Nelson Cardona. Our friendship was born at Mount Everest base camp, was solid at the summit and will last forever.

Nelson is a clear example of someone who has always search, found and let himself guide by the ´force´...

From a complicated and humble background, he became with time, an important and well respected climber in Colombia. Back in 2007, when training for an expedition to Mount Everest, had a fatal accident with severe injuries, specially becoming disabled for sport , and having one leg paralysed from knee down.

The ‘force' took him to resign himself in front of the circumstances, and a year and half later, he, voluntarily had his right leg amputated (below the knee), so he could aspire to become, again, a sportsman and a climber.

We took part on the same expedition in 2010 to Mount Everest, and the 15th of May I was hugging Nelson at the summit.

99% of minds would have tried to focus their lives in a different direction given Nelson´s situation after so many operations and reparations post accident. But he trusted his ‘force' and is now a climber and a sportsman again, as he always wanted to be in life.

Piqui: I love you so much, and I will always be grateful to you as you gave me a small dose of your ´force´ whilst climbing together the mother of all mountains.

Hours of journey: 9h30' - Accumulative: 306h45
Km./Day: 26,5 - Accumulative: 708Km. Remaining to the South Pole: 448,2Km.
Days of progress: 35 (31 Solo) - Inactive Days: 15 (0 Solo) - Total Days: 50

A bit better, but with so many bends that a mouse would not find the way out in a laberinth... It's still continuous uphill, but it was much lighter than yesterday; and I kept finding larger areas of hard snow but going in zigzag all the time.

I've done 26,5Km. only 1,5Km. more than yesterday, but I ended up less tired and that is important. In all honesty, with the amount of curves I have to make to find hard snow areas, surely I must have done some more Km, but I count the distance in relation what I have left to get to each waypoint on my GPS, then I have an idea of the effective distance that i actually have covered, and the one left.

No matter how, I can be happy, as I've just passed Parallel 86, ant he exact way I forecast when I calculated the last route plan. I'm already heading now towards Parallel 87 where I should get there by Thursday the 22nd, and then push my self harder!!

MONDAY 19/12:

Hours of journey: 9h45' - Accumulative: 316h30
Km./Day: 24,3 - Accumulative: 732,3Km. Remaining to the South Pole: 423,9Km.
Days of progress: 36 (32 Sol) - Inactive Days: 15 (0 Solo) - Total Days: 51

Maybe it is true I'm going to believe all this thing of going to the South Pole was worth it. Every Kilometre, every day has a very high price. Again, I ended up completely exhausted, after finding soft snow all the way and not even with zig zags I've been able to fins hard snow areas.

Despite the flat terrain, the sledge friction with that type of snow is hell, and to do 24,3Km. I have had to pull with a constant and brutal effort. If you look at the picture you will see the marks on the snow, not only of my skis but of the sledge body.

If it's going to be like that for long, I will have to start revising the calculations for my arrival date, as it's going to be delayed for sure. And as I've been 32 days non stop, I don't want to push myself very much and run out of energy for the rest of the traverse. I rather do the hours I have planned for each day, and depending how the snow condition is, push myself further or not.

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LETTER OF THE PRESIDENT:

Yesterday (Saturday) I had a very pleasant surprise. The President of Catalonia has sent a message to my wife, giving me support and his admiration for the challenge I'm undertaking.

Political questions aside, It means a lot to me and is of great satisfaction that the maximum representative of Catalonia, openly express his support. And specially in these moments, where one is all alone, in such remote land, to get all your messages is really important for me, and with a letter from Artur Mas, it fills me with joy, pride, energy, and it makes me feel I must be doing something good, right?

Many thanks Mr. President. I hope to reach the South Pole and contribute with my project to bring Catalonia a remaining achievement.

I DEDICATE THE DAY TO:

To all patients who are waiting to have an organ transplant or have had one. Today TV3 from Catalonia has dedicated their charity campaign to the research about tissue and organ transplant and they invited me to take a brief part in it, live, by means of a satellite phone connection.

You can still make your donation... the phone lines are still open. Make up your mind and to those of you who haven't donated yet, please do!

Leaving aside my small collaboration with them, I feel very identified with this group, because of my relation with Camila Vargas whom I introduced to you a few days ago. She's had a double lung transplant, and I'm amazed because although she's been suffering all her life, she never lost hope and will to push her projects forward. And her main one is to become a singer. It was for that reason that we helped her to record her first song last year, so I am fully committed to record an album during 2012. To join Camila in this project and as a copilot this time, will be my next big adventure.

Just a nuance: I'm not into this disc project with Camila for pity or to be charitable for all her suffering during her delicated situation. If it was only for that, it wouldn't be enough to help her a bit and do something to raise her spirits. I have fully committed to this project because I do think she really has got talent, because she has an amazing energy, and she is a clear example of if one has to go through any however hard situation in life, if you have hopes, projects, and fight to reach them, all the circumstances will be overcomed.

I know some who should have a brain transplant to see, if, instead of being comfortable at complaining, victimising and being inactive, it changes the attitude and moves on, instead of expecting that others or even society will sort his problems out for him.

A very pleasant day: about half of the day it was all uphill or soft snow...and during the other half, both things simultaneously, all in all, 9h45.

I finished exhausted and I had a couple of brutal fainting fits. I've been able to move on and defend a worthy 25 Km. taking plenty of Power Bar products. I'm lucky to have plenty of them with me, as they're so good and tasty, where in days like days I would run out of reserves very fast.

I'm aware that from where you are and look at the last 5 remaining degrees to the South Pole it seems all downhill. I know and I'm grateful to all who were giving support when reaching the 50% of the traverse, and I'm also aware of the information I was told that from degree 85 it would be easier But the truth is I'm having a beginning of the second half much more complicated than I expected.

Keep going...
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This is a reflection based on a published text in Andreu Mateu Blog when crossing the Atlantic Ocean alone:

In all seriousness, this expedition has been jinxed since the beginning. Bad luck has accompanied us since the first day: 4 months before departure a main sponsor who practically committed to our project pulled out. We had all sorts of problems getting some key material which didn't arrive until the last minute. When in Chile, About 70% of our dried meat was confiscated. The Cargo material was delayed for 10 days travelling by truck as there was a Volcano eruption in the Andes area and it had to be retained. The plane that was taking us from Punta Arenas to Antarctica was 8 days delayed due to poor weather conditions. We where stuck in the tent for 13 days with a horrendous storm and 2 to evacuate Carles. I was left without team mate at Km.30 from the 1.145 that I had to do. The terrain has been terrible during the first half the traverse, and the sledge is very heavy as I assumed the common material we had planned with Carles which otherwise I wouldn't have taken if I had planned to go solo. Right now I'm suffering much more than expected to get from degree 85 to 86, when everyone said it would be much easier.

And many more details, that make me come to the conclusion that we really had very bad luck; maybe it wasn't the right time, or the right year. One asks himself if it make sense all together, where sweating my guts out and put so much effort when everything is against you, only wears you down and brings little satisfaction; to be all alone in such uncomfortable place and repeating the same monotonous routine is a complete disaster; and, in a nutshell, right now, I can see few positive things to this project. Yes, we have been really unfortunate.

Beware though... reality can be perceived in a different way.

I am fortunate to be part of this expedition in one of the most pure, remote and special of the world. I've been lucky to keep overcoming the obstacles that I've been finding along the way, as it often happens in an ambitious project: we found tow very enthusiastic sponsors (Factor Energia and DAMM) when that other sponsor I mentioned before pulled out, and we could close the budget. We where too smart at customs police and they took about 70% of our dried meat away, but I kept the rest in a different bag without them noticing. The Cargo was 10 days delayed and it would have been a disaster if it wasn't for the Antarctic flight being also delayed which gave us time to receive all the material sent for the traverse. I have covered almost 60% of the route, despite getting stuck in the tent for 15 days due to bad weather and Carles evacuation.

To lose my teammate was a major setback, both for him as he was very disappointed as for me to decide whether to continue on my own; But I've been fortunate to be ablt to perfectly adapt to my new condition of solitary expeditionary, and I have discovered as if all these years of adventures prepared me to face it. Added to that, this unexpected change of direction turned to be an opportunity, as a person attracted to big challenges, I would have always wanted to do such interesting thing solo, but my responsibility as a family man, would surely make me not even think about it. I carry more weight for not having prepared which material was required to do a solo traverse, but I also have the advantage of sleeping in very wide tent and when finishing each journey I'm so comfortable that I do rest and relax magnificently. Terrain conditions have been and continue to be very hard, and this is what makes me see the value and merit of this adventure. In short, I've been and I am very lucky in all what happened, and I realise that I'm going through in one of the most specials projects of my life.

The discomfort, the loneliness, the suffering and the toughness of the project in general mean a really intense experience where I will learn a lot and it will be useful for my memories and to apply in several aspects of my life.

Yes, I have been very fortunate.

I suppose you can already imagine which of the two visions on this expedition I choose, right?

Normally in life is not that important what happens to us, but what do we think about what's happening to us. In addition, concerning having good or bad luck, it's not only a matter of perception, but attitude, as we are mainly responsible of attracting the "good luck "or" bad luck" which is completely different to the simple chance concept. I am a great fan of a book written by Alex Rovira and Fernando Trias de Bes called "La Bona Sort - The Good Luck", from which I will mention a very powerful sentence that goes more or less like this: "Who does not take care of the opportunities and its circumstances, will always depend on chance". And who tries and look for, create and take advantage of the given opportunities, and work on the circumstances, is never worried about chance.

I DEDICATE THE DAY TO:

Andreu Mateu. Personal friend who's done a lot of adventures with a radical approach, nonconformist, who always tries to think outside the box and who always fight to make special projects to happen.

From all of his challenges, the most significant one is the Atlantic Ocean crossing, rowing and on his own and without any support between November 2006 and January 2007. I was following him daily on his blog, funny, and full of teachings, which enriched my life. A well managed blog like his, is like reading a good quality book, fresh and wrote day after day, departing from an intense experience and reflections lived at the same time in a very special way. I hope this blog will go in a similar way.

The fact is it is me now who's alone in the ocean, and an icy one in this occasion, and I realise how important it was to follow Andreu in his Atlantic insanity. Loads of critical moments I have been through brought some of the comments he was making when he was lost in the middle of the ocean.

Andreu: As I know you're following this site, and surely you will read this, think that all of this is about buttering you up and get a free dinner when I'm back. Of course, you inspire me, as when I'm screwed during this traverse, I think, if Andreu was able to row for three months in the Atlantic, I must be able to walk in this land for two months!!!

Big hug Andreu...and we'll see each other soon to discuss this and other stuff, of course.

A bit better than yesterday, with the terrain sometimes harder and sometimes same yesterday softness, plus two steep slopes during the stage. Today I climbed 142 metres, which, in Antarctic terms and with the sledge it's a considerable incline...

Despite only covering 26,4 Km., I'm quite happy as I didn't finish as tired as yesterday, nor I haven't suffered the consequences of that , and because the terrain has improved becoming much regular and flat. If it wasn't for the soft snow, if it wasn't for the steep slopes, if it wasn't for the Sastruguis, if it wasn't for the wind, if it wasn't for the feet damage, if it wasn't for being stuck in the tent for 15 days, if it wasn't for the extreme cold, if it wasn't for the heavy sledge, and if it wasn't for lots of things.. I would be already in the South Pole drinking a Estrella Damm days ago... but what makes these challenges interesting is that they have a cost, and one keeps finding lots of obstacles which need to overcome... It is like life in general: it always happens something, that if it wasn't for something else we would be perfect. And again, it is the essence of life, precisely, to put things in context, to share and to overcome all those "if it wasn't for ..."

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THE EXPEDITION POWER MANAGEMENT

It has been a few days now I wanted to tackle a more generic aspect of this traverse which many of you have asked about and it's how do I manage all aspects concerning electricity power.

I am carrying a lot of devices that need energy supply. They are all in the attached picture, with the exception of the compact photo camera that I obviously need it to take the photograph. It is worth saying that I just realised it when I had everything in place with the photo camera included. And with joy, I went to immortalise the moment.

I'll explain what they are (starting from top left corner):

- Main battery: If I keep this battery fully charged I can feed all the devices. It's very small and       lightweight and I can charge up to 16V.
- GPS Beacon "YELLOWBRICK". It provides de signal where I'm at very thirty minutes. It is linked to the Racetracker System which makes possible to see my course in real time. It only carries one battery.
- Two Iridium satellites phones with a total of 4 batteries, provided by Fibertel in Madrid. I use only one, the other is for emergency purposes.
- Canon video camera, with 4 batteries.
- Asus Eeepc netbook, with two batteries.
- The GPS, that works with lithium batteries.
- A "Go-Pro" video camera, to record without having to manipulate it, placed at the front or somewhere else. It carries its own battery.
- Ipod Apple. It carries its own battery.
- And in my hand, taking the photo, a Canon compact photo camera with 3 batteries.

The main battery is being charged during the journey if sunny, with the solar panel that I place on top of the sledge as you can see on the picture at the end of this post. In order to charge this battery it is required a lot of power, and if it's not sunny or inside the tent, there is not enough power to charge it. So there have been some days where I have not been able to charge it.

Like I said, from the main battery I could charge everything, but the netbook can only be charged from this main battery. So you get the idea, one day where the main battery is fully charged, i get to charge the netbook a bit more than what I consume when using git (writing and sending this chronicle, looking at your blog messages and answering a couple or three emails I normally have). In other words, I ´m a bit short on battery supplies every day, and I could not charge much more than the main battery. In short, I only use this battery to charge the computer.

Then I can charge directly to the solar panel the satellite phone and the different cameras I have. I could also charge the Yellowbrick, the Ipod and the Go-Pro cam, but I don't have the adequate cables and I use the notebook to charge them (which makes more notebook battery consumption the day I charge this devices).

When I charge devices directly to the solar panel, I do it in the evenings inside the tent, opening the solar panel and placing in a tent corner using the light coming in, which is enough as they only require from 8 to 10v.

This way another routine is generated every day: to connect the solar panel to charge the main battery which is then used for the computer whilst I write the chronicle; and before going to sleep, charge the phone or a cam battery, etc...

What worries me most is to have the phone and the GPS in full working condition. The rest, in case I could not charge it (imagine the solar panel breaks down), I could get away with. But without the phone I couldn't for obvious security reasons, and without the GPS neither as I could well end up in Saragossa instead of the South Pole.

As the GPS works with lithium batteries and I have enough spare ones, problem sorted. With regards the satellite phone, even having a total of 4 batteries, I always try to have the 3 spare ones fully charged, and I would only use one that I charge almost every day. That way, even it happened something to my source of energy, with plenty of care when using it, I could get until the end.

I have a pile of cables that I decided not to appear in the photo, on top of all the stuff I have shown you in order to make all the required connections... now I'm used to it, but at the beginning it was a nightmare.

I DEDICATE THE DAY TO:

Nil Bohigas. Apart of being a very nice chap with an incredible number of mountaineering and other adventure sports achievements, being a successful entrepreneur in the adventure sports field with his company NO LIMIT, is one of the few that can fully understand what I'm going through in a Polar region like the one where I am at. I got his message through Oliver Vallès (Project Coordinator), and we share the same view.

And the fact is, that there are just few people who undertake Polar traverses alone. In Catalunya, aside of myself now, Nil is the only one who's done it. Back a few years ago, he went to the South Pole and did not make it for just a few kilometres.

So Nil, many thanks for your comments. On my return will get all together and share these experiences when we both where in the last few latitudes of the planet.

In the Antarctic continent, one day you're happy and the next one it knocks your teeth out with a punch.

I was looking forward to reach 85 degree, as all information I had, said that since 85 it would get easier and smother. But since yesterday at 12h I reached that point, and everything turned quite difficult. Terrain visibility was zero again, prevented me of advancing at a good pace; and today another surprise: It was sunny, no wind, and great visibility, on top of that the surface was flat and smooth and it was easy to avoid small snow formations that was easy to see. Seems quite of a perfect day, huh? Well, it wasn't. The snow was very soft, as if there has been a recent snowfall (which didn't happen), or as it was not cold enough (it was freezing!). With all that, the snow friction made it tremendously hard to do any progress

Normally during the first 4 to 5 hours of each days journey, I'm fresh and full of energy; it is after that when I start to suffer and try to finish the best I can. But today, after 3 hours of moving forward, with that soft snow, I could not go any further. I have seriously considered to stop and set camp, and take a day and a half of rest, as I was exhausted and mentally drained to finish the stage. I got even to stop with the intention of doing it so and think about it...I've taken the skis off, made myself a nice tea while eating an energy bar... In the end I decided to carry on even If having more stop overs. Result: Instead of having a day break I set a new record... not the mileage one though, but the hours of. I have got close to the 10 hours because I had a stubborn determination to get as close as I could to the 28 Km, as the average daily mark to reach the South Pole within my calculations.

Finally, pushing myself very hard I've done 24,8, but as I had 6 reserved (ahead of target) I am still within the foreseen average and I've still got 3,8 as margin left. Let's see how it's going to be like in the next few kilometres, because with such snow conditions I can not do 28 in less than 12 hours. Will see tomorrow how it goes and if required I will work on my forecasts again. And it's a pity...If the terrain was harder, I would move very fast and with less suffering.

This has to be taken as a warning signal, and the euphoria from the last days great progress and the reach of the equator of this traverse leaves me to think that there is no room for complacency. There's still a lot to it. Lots of days ahead, lots of Kilometres and I am still in one of the most extreme environments on earth. So, Maximum focus, and don't get overconfident, it's not over yet.

Sorry if I have bored you to death with my story, but I have been thinking quite a lot over last few weeks about how to approach the expedition after degree 85 (50% of route covered), and the deception is major. I have suffered a lot today, both physically and mentally. Every step required plenty of effort, pride and to find any possible source of energy wherever it was any left, and on top of that, I was having a feeling of losing the battle continuously against the plan with the calculated average. It may seem a bit exaggerated all this, but in here, with all the hassle and the sacrifice that needs to be made in order to live and advance a decent distance, all of these things are of enormous significance.

I do not like to exaggerate or to add too much epic on this, in fact, is the other way round, to look at the positive side, and if possible, have a laugh. I am not quite sure if I have said it enough times, but this is hard, bloody hard, and I guarantee you I am saying it with the knowledge of enough experience on demanding situations.

Anyway, tomorrow will be another day, can't wait to see what it brings, and how my body and mind react. When today was about to stop, mind has won the match, but I better do not abuse of this type of victories, otherwise the body can go on a temporary or major strike, or even to decide to quit altogether.

I've been moving with the Thiel mountains to my west all day yesterday and today. I could not see them yesterday, but today I could. Have a look a photo attached.

I wanted to tell you about another general expedition aspect, but I got carried away with my thoughts... Apologise in advance, I'll do it tomorrow (I hope). I have enough for today, the ASUS battery is very low, as is my own battery, and I need to sleep a lot.

Ah... and before going to bed I still have to find all the teeth of the previous punch and glue them back in my mouth, and guess what am I going to use? Of course, it what I always use here to repair everything...the American tape.

See you tomorrow...

I DEDICATE THIS JOURNEY TO:

All those persons that are going through a tough time, whatever the reason may be, health, personal, economic crisis consequences.

The only I can think of to tell them from here is that if you fall into the slackness, the anxiety, the victimism, the inactivity, a defeated and a negative attitude, will suffer a lot to get nowhere, they will be at the mercy of luck, they will get depressed, they will need a psychologist and moreover they will learn nothing. But if they fight, if they believe in themselves, if they activate ways to solve the problems, in a few words, if they adopt a positive and consistent approach, they will possibly sort their problems out... it can leave a wound, maybe they will suffer a lot, maybe it takes longer than they ever thought, maybe they have to make important choices; but they will get through. And the most important thing is that they will see that they have learned, they have grown up, and that they will contribute to shape their own personality.

We can't always control the circumstances, but what we can decide is which attitude we adopt dealing with them.

I was building up my hopes to get to the 14th of December and have a great journey celebrating the Amundsen arrival for the first time to the South Pole. But, unfortunately, I have celebrated it the Antarctic way, with a tough and very cold journey. Right now, I'm typing this chronicle inside my sleeping bag as I'm completely shivery as it's very cold inside the tent and because the suffering of today's journey.

Concerning today's stage, everything has been normal during the first four hours, but the it started to get cloudy and I have struggled quite a bit during the last 3 hours, as I could not see a thing, nor the relief, and with these conditions it is impossible to keep a decent pace. I have also felt a bit dizzy after so many hours of looking a metre ahead of my skis all the time.

The thing is, it's about DOUBLE OR HALFS. We tough today was the day Carles and I would reach the South Pole, and right now I'm exactly half way there; and by the looks of it, if everything goes according to plan, I will get there half the time that went since Amundsen conquered the South Pole to Captain Scott (already defeated) getting there. We also thought we would reach the equator of this traverse both of us and now it's just half the team it begun 46 days ago And the fact is that this expedition is twice as tough as I thought it would be, therefore, in case I reach the South Pole it will have twice the value for me.

It has not been possible to reach the South Pole for the Jubilee celebrations, but it is also nice to live it on my way there, and giving homage to Amundsen and the Antarctica, suffering and putting maximum effort into it, bearing always in mind, that even happening 100 years ago, in this still almost pure, hard, uncertain and extreme and beautiful as those pioneering adventurers dared to defy.

I DEDICATE THE DAY TO:

Obviously, I can only dedicate today's journey to Roald Amundsen and his 4 colleagues that reached the South Pole, and I don't know why nobody talks about them. These are: Oskar Wisting, Olav Bjaaland, Sverre Hassel, Helmer Hanssen.

They were a type of daring people, who would face challenges that no one ever had attempted. NO past stories, no Plan B, no rescue operations, communications, and all of that in an age where there was a lot of unknown places to be discovered.

To those who like adventures, the maximum we can achieve is to live very intense experiences but will never get as close as that spirit of adventure of the past.

Long live the day 13th! Even if it's a Tuesday... to hell with the superstitious!

It has been a fantastic day in every sense: Sun, good visibility and mild temperature (between -17ºC and -12ºC); I've broken my own mileage record in one day in 100 meters; and I've seen the Thiel Mountains that I have been yearning for, and I have reach the 50% of the Kilometers of the traverse.

Not sure if you'll be able to see them in the photograph, as they're snowed capped and there is not enough contrast to be clearly visible (they must be at about 40-50 Km. from where I am), but today, at 10h30 in the morning I have seen my first mountain for 22 days. Since then, the only view I had when visibility conditions where ok, was the one of the white surface and the horizon line. It's been a gas, even having it all planed. I always liked to see mountains around me, but this time I wanted it badly. It means a lot of things: a treat for my eyes in the first place, the ascertainment that I was reaching Parallel 85, and the fact I was about to reach the equator of this traverse.

When we were preparing the expedition with Carles, we always said the first main target was to get to Thiel, and once there, we would have many more chances to complete or quest, as theoretically, the second part improves in terms of terrain conditions and surprises. Now that I've made it I feel that I have made an important step towards the final goal. Nevertheless this will not get me off guard, and I will keep the same physical and mental level, as there's still a long way to go, and for sure, plenty of surprises and obstacles to face and overcome in the next few days.
But today I have made a giant step forward in this adventure.

I hope I will be able to take better pictures of this massive Mountain range, as I will not get much closer because I am heading direct to the South Pole through Longitude 80 -81 west, and the Thiel Mountains are located from the 85. Although being very nice to watch, better to do it in the distance, as mountains mean slopes, and with these glaciers, height differences implies bad terrain conditions, huge efforts and plenty of crevices.

Pay attention to the figures heading this post. For the very first time I am counting more Kilometers done than the ones left. This gives me plenty of energy and moral support, as it allows me to keep mentally subtracting instead of adding them. But the truth is that there's still a long way to the South Pole, and when I stop seeing the Thiel mountains, in about three days, I will not see anything until I reach the American Base "Amundsen -Scott" next to the South Pole. I rather see mountains instead of artificial Bases, but certainly is, if I make it, I'll be so happy to see that monster of a base, as If I saw the Everest mountain for the first time!

I DEDICATE THE DAY TO:

All the friends who wrote a card from the ones that my wife prepare every time I am preparing any adventure. Every day, just before going to sleep, the last thing I do, is to read one, as it gives me very good vibrations, which help me to sleep better and feel fine.

This particular activity was started by Maria (my wife) in 1998 when I was participating for the first time at the Dakar Rally on a bike. In that time, there where no satellite phones and we would not call home until the Rest day stage, nor we could receive message using the www, and to find every day a handwritten card from someone giving me hope, support, or a drawing, was one of the best moments of the day. Nowadays there are plenty of other systems of communication, but with this system, so personal, almost handcrafted and full of illusion, still has a lot of value to me.

Thanks to all of you.

Today's stage has been very similar to the last two days until the last quarter. The first ¾ have been on good terrain conditions allowing me to go at a good pace, but it's turned out to get messy again...not as bad as other days, only the surface was not as flat as I thought it would be. It has been tougher to do the last two hours the rest of the day. In the end I managed to surpass my target of 28 Km. getting to 29,5 Km., but I'm concerned about the fact of finding the "normal" terrain conditions in the next few days and not reaching enough mileage. I hope and expect that the conditions of these last few days are not an exception.

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During yesterday's stage I broke the mileage record, but I almost fainted as I was starving. In fact, during the last three hours of my journey I was seeing images of restaurants where I was ordering delicious dishes as many times as I wanted, and thinking about having them in front of me. It was a bit of a torture and I ended up a bit dizzy.

As a result, once set in the tent I started to gobble down with no respect for the routine I am used to, with daily amounts and meal variety. But the fact is that this morning I was feeling very good after last night's large meal, and I have improved my overall status during today's journey and the food mirages have disappeared.

What I take from it is I should eat more, as it's not the first time that I have felt weak during the traverse. I am always hungry, really, and I would always eat more after the main meal.

For that reason, and in order not to go mad with the food, I have taken all my food out and I've made a detailed inventory. I have written down exactly what and how much do I have of everything.

The result appears to be much better than expected. I have really more than enough. Therefore, from now on, assuming I could be in the South Pole between the first and the tenth of January, and always leaving a minimum margin of reserves, I have reconsidered all the meal business so I can eat far more. Today I've had a square meal again, and I will keep doing so until Christmas. Then, judging by how I am progressing and if I have a stop over some day, I have enough margin to rethink the diet program and make it last longer. Fact is I have to go adjusting in order to match my daily intake with the food left, which in the end I have to eat and make the most of it as well as not leaving any food left over in the end. It would be fatal to starve, but it would be far worse to starve and having loads of food left over when finished!

I DEDICATE THE DAY TO:

My fellow Colombians at the Everest Expedition in 2010, and to all the followers-collaborators who came to meet them (we call them "lobuches" amongst us).

Now that I am so lonely that I think a lot about the group we formed in that expedition, with a great bunch of funny people and with an overwhelming human touch. I'm in contact with most of them and with some we have come to true friendship.

Juan Pablo, Nelson, Tono, Rafa and Carolina (Expedition Members), and all the Lobuches: Thanks for the amount of quality time we had together in one of the world's nicest places in the world, chasing together the objective of climbing the world's highest mountain. I will never forget any of the seconds we lived so intensely on that spring of 2010, and I guarantee you that during my long hours of lonely march in the antarctic ice, I am thinking a lot about you.

Juan Pablo: I want you to know that the real reason for my traverse to the South Pole, is because I've been told that I will find someone there, a nice gentleman with a briefcase full of money, and ready to bet for Caro until the end. I've got to get there whatever it takes, and see if in the end we do some good business. Remember: Mi service fee is of 10%, but in this case, and being such a huge effort to go walking to the Pole, I'll raise it to a 15%.

Well yes...! Today I have gone beyond the 30Km/day. It comes as a surprise due to the poor visibility during the first 4 hours and it was hard to distinguish the relief.. The surface was very good and it was easy to find the course. I was more fatigued than yesterday, but I wanted to beat at least the 28 Km. after calculating if I'm able to keep from (including today), a daily average of 28 Km. covered, it will take me 24 days to the South Pole. Now that I have already plenty of days over the 25 Km. and a couple around 30, I believe that 28 Km. a day can be a good target...So far, following this average that kicks off today, I would only have 23 to go, and I have 2,3 as reserve (the difference between the 28 and the ones achieved today) to use to any day I cannot make it, or as a motivational bonus for a day in the end.

With these calculations, I would reach my final destination the 3rd of January if I don't make any stop to rest or because of poor weather conditions. I think now, no stops allowing, at the most I could improve a couple or three days, or at the same time, worsen also 3 or 4. Hence and fingers crossed, I hope to arrive to the South Pole, between New Year's eve and Kings day approximately.

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ANTARCTIC ODD-JOBS:

Three days ago, when I was telling you about how I organized the orientation aspect of the expedition, I was going on about I could not go with the GPS out in the air while on route as it would die in no more than one hour. Meaning that I look at it every one or two hours, always checking the course with the magnetic compass. What I do is to look for a visual reference and go there. Once there, check the magnetic compass and set a new visual reference and establish the course. But what often happens is that I do not get clear visual references (clouds, Sastrugis areas, darker or clearer zones, etc...), y then you have to go checking the magnetic compass very regularly, and that means an important time loss, aside of the course deviations because of this that affect the overall day performance.

In order to solve this issue, there is a system I have seen used in other Polar expeditions. It consists of a Compass (different from a magnetic compass) in a round shape, that kind of floates and it always points the right direction, even in motion or in steep slopes (you probably seen those in some dashboards in 4x4 cars) . And they carry the compass using a system attached to their waist always at the front in order to follow the course without stopping. I did ask about the convenience of having that system, but I was told it was not worth it and I did not ask any further. But the truth is that I find it very necessary and I would strongly recommend it anybody doing Polar expeditions.

It is from here, a few days ago when I started to design an odd-job to use as compass the way I have just explained. Material needed: A compass, a spare ski binding, a good piece of aluminum I normally use for my stove to protect it when cooking (I have a spare one), american tape and a sling. As a result I made myself a type of compass (you can see it in the photo), which is not as precise when marching, but it gives you an idea of the course to correct it if I go off course, and when I go really slow or I just stop it shows the course perfectly fine and allows me to correct.

All in all, I'm happy as Larry with my little invention which it helps me at the same time to improve the pace as it keeps me away of having to stop all the time to check the direction constantly.

I DEDICATE THE JOURNEY TO:

All the INVERGROUP team... My work team: Monica, both Raquels, Montse, Elisabeth and my poor Ignasi on the verge of a nervous breakdown with so many women around him on his own.

They are a magnificent group of people, as they are used to see me pressing the HYPERSPACE button and then disappearing for a while to do some crazy adventure around the world and they always maximize their professionalism and their responsibilities when abroad during my absence. Thanks to all this team I am able to do my adventures I will always be grateful to them.

A very special Antarctic thought to Mònica Palencia, who works with since she left University 10 years ago, in a temporary contract and becoming now Executive Managing Director executing perfectly her tasks. Moreover, she will face in 2012 one of the biggest adventures a woman can have which is to become a mother.

To the rest of you, many thanks for being such good professionals, and above all, please take care of Ignasi, the only man in the castle when I'm not there, as I do not want him to end up as crazy as you...! Mainly because you are serious and smart at work, but also crazy and fun quite a bit! One only has to read your comments in my chronicles, signing as "LADYSCC276" ...be aware that people may think that is the name of a dodgy road club, when it means our office address!

Almost 30 Km. Superb! I'm very tired as I have gone pushing my limits all day long, but it has been worth it. On top of that, I'm already at 84º6´of latitude South, heading towards 85º, which if everything goes according to plan, I should be getting there on Wednesday the 14th, and celebrate Roald Amundsen 100th Anniversary of his arrival to the South Pole, right in the equator in terms of mileage.

In any case, I don't think it's going to be frequent to reach the 30 Km. mark in the next few days because it is difficult to find today's conditions which where perfect in all possible ways: Plenty of sun and excellent visibility, light breeze in the morning and almost zero wind in the afternoon; a very nice temperature (between 10 and 15 degrees below zero with sun and no wind) when you get used to it; good terrain conditions for almost the entire journey (I even got to ski , if you can ski when someone is pulling you from the back with all his power); I am felling strong with loads of energy (I'm happy to be in such condition after 23 days non-stop); and with a great fighting spirit, as I have woken up with the will of working hard to erase the negative sensations from the last two days, that did not help much.

If we calculate 9 hours of effective journey, deducting half an hour as the time accumulated when stopping over for food and drink which I tend to do every day, today the average speed comes to 3,3 Km/h.

3,3Km./h.... My god! What a crazy speed! That's what I call extreme!!
I hope it's true there is nobody living around here, that would mean no police. As for sure they would fine me big time for speeding. I should have installed an anti-radar system in the sledge! Alex (Crivillé): please get in touch with Jorge Lorenzo and Fernando Alonso and I bet you guys if you can cope with this massive speed for 9 hours. Let's see if you are not scared of the risks involved at such speed; let's see if you can cope with the enormous acceleration that the body goes through going from 0 to 3.3 Km/h. in about 12 seconds; let's see whether you cope with the eyes pressure caused by the strong winds...; let's see whether you can survive to the incredible centrifugal force pushing your brains out when on a sharp bend at that speed...; and above all, let's see if anybody sleeps on it, getting emotional at that speed its really weird!

On top of that I've got to an important deduction, after days of thinking about it; As I have plenty of time to think, and I'm continuously making calculations, and as I passed statistics (just about), I have got to a key conclusion: the days where I have "Chocolate Mousse" for dessert, are the ones that work better for me. Today, of course, it has been the Mousse day which I love so much, and may be the reason why I have been going flat out for the entire day...and I have checked it in my diary, and it happens the same with the past few days, where such treat was waiting at the end of the meal. In other words, it is an absolute demonstrable scientific conclusion, that the freeze-dried Chocolate Mousse it's essential food for any elite sportsmen or women after the physical exercise. I hope when I'm back to be published an article at the Nature Magazine about it.

Fine, stop talking bullshit, otherwise you'll start to think I've gone bonkers...an it's not true...eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh... Oé, Oé, Oé... Vinga, vinga, oé, oé, eh, eh...
- I'm Popeye the sailor man... (One day that I find myself fully energetic I can sing the tune! )
- Hurra for Donald Duck (Who speaks better than me and walks as clumsy as myself when finding Sastruguis!)
- Bugs Bunny for president!! (Hopefully he'll bring a bit more luck than the ones we've got...)
- .... and the Triplets, straight to work, they've grown up enough (if we have to get the country out of the crisis, what has to be done is to work, and not play-act like these ones living in a "fairy tale".)

(Albert: Stop typing and switch the computer off for christ sake! This people will think the worse...You'll put yourself in the spot...)
Apologies... my mind just gone for a bit...other high speed side effects, I suppose.

Have a good night...

...Ah... now I get it: I know now why I'm going nuts. Everyday I give you the good night, and here is never dark. Always, always, always there's day light. Now I've seen the problem...but no idea how to solve it, at least ´m keeping it under control!!

(Note: And the poor guy still got a few weeks to the South Pole...Get the straight jacket ready for his arrival.)

I DEDICATE THE DAY TO:

Voyager. Because their freeze-dried products are highly nutritious and taste really good (specially the Chocolate Mousse). Every day I have a pleasant dinner, the diet does not bore me in any way, and I feel I am resting and replacing the calories I need for the following day.

It's been a long time since I have chosen VOYAGER which I consume both in the mountains and in self sufficient Ultra marathons and strongly believe in their quality. Thanks ever so much for your support in this project.

What a bad day... cold, windy, and once again a deadly surface... It might have been the worst day so far. I felt I could not get forward, it was impossible to go straight, and I even got into a giant sastruguis area (the biggest I've seen so far) from which I really thought I couldn't get out. I took 1h45 to do 2 Km. in this place. I even had to take out the skis and sticks to push & pull the sledge away from holes it could pass through!...and then, get back to the skis and start over again. With all that, I was able to do 22 Km., which is not that bad considering how challenging the day was.

I think that now I am at a key part of the adventure that is very mentally demanding. I haven't reached half of the whole mission, and I've been going and going with no rest for the last days, and the ground is complicated, very complicated at some moments. I need, however, to get to Parallel 85, to the Thiel Mountains, and look at it with a different perspective because this is tiring my mind.

The only positive thing of today is that the wound I had in my feet, which yesterday looked badly, didn't get any worse, and with the wrapping I did this morning, it has allowed me to walk with a much bearable pain. At the moment I took my socks out, I haven't even touched it, because tomorrow I will attack the journey with the same "reparation" I did today, and I will do it this way until it falls or it starts crying out loud for another reason.

Tomorrow will be an important day because if it is a good day I should be able to cross Latitude 84, and start heading to 85. I hope it will be more interesting and happier...

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Yesterday I said I would make some other comments with subjects such orientation and other stuff I've done, but I'm half frozen and very tired so I will leave it for tomorrow... Good night everyone.

I could be very happy because I passed for the first time, the 26 Km. in one day, but I finished the day quite badly... both mentally and physically.

Mentally because the first 4 hours in the morning have been very fast with a very flat and hard terrain which made it easy to keep the right track. I got to a good pace thinking I was getting closer to better lands...But the Antarctica always wants respect, and just after a longer stopover to eat and drink, and already closer to the end of the journey it has changed dramatically. I thought I was doing Trial. I knocked the sledge over three times, I had to correct the course constantly and I have often got stuck, in short, it has cost me dearly to advance. Today's 26 Km. have come mainly from the first 4 hours of push, because if it had been for the second half I would not have got to 25. And that stressed me out as It made me think constantly about what was left and fit would be like today, alternating good areas with other terrible ones... meaning more effort, less Kilometers and more days.

And physically because if the blisters appear to be under control so far, a couple of days ago one of the bandages made with american tape are starting a little wound in the upper part of my foot. I have been tuning it as I need to keep pushing with minimal blister damage, and I have got in the end with a very inflated wound in this part of my foot. It hurts quite badly. So far I have clean it a bit, I've taken all the tape out to try and wrap it differently, and now I will let it to dry and rest for the night... And tomorrow morning I ´ll patch it with whatever I can and one way or the other keep pushing, hoping it will stay there and does not worsen.

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I'll explain briefly how I manage with the orientation

With the map, one can hardly do anything, as there aren't good quality maps of Antarctica nor geological references to work with them. The most important thing is the GPS.

I have already set a route on my GPS, marking the areas with major cracks, the gradient of the slopes upwards or downwards close to the mountain zones, and references to other expeditions that followed the same route.

So, basic orientation is pretty easy, as I only have to join the different waypoints I have stored previously, and are separated from 12Km. to 40 Km. The issue here is that I cannot always go in a straight line to the next waypoint, as the terrain does not allow it. And for that reason I have to constantly control the course, using the compass, which is quicker than to look at the GPS, that only marks the direction when in motion, and saving GPS battery.

For that reason I carry the GPS off inside the jacket to avoid fast battery consumption. Be aware that anything that has a battery (camera, gps, etc... ) if carried outside would have a very short battery life because of the intense cold. So I only switch the GPS on every now and then to check to right course and the amount of Km., and use the compass as guidance.

In order to advance with the compass, i also set a fix course, and then, by means of getting a minimum visual reference into the direction I have to go (could be a group of Sastruguis, a small snow hill, or even a cloud...) , and I move forward in stages. The problem here is when there is no visibility or a clear reference. Then you have to go with the compass in your hand all the time, or come up with something as I did the day of zero visibility, which I will explain tomorrow.

The map, in fact, is used in the evenings to mark where I am, and see my progress on the established route.

I DEDICATE THE JOURNEY TO:

Strategycomm in general, and specifically to Sandra, as I have been working with them for a long time now, and they help me with all matters concerning communication and press relations.
It's obvious, if someone pretends to gain trust from sponsors for a given project, then he has to do the best he can to provide a return on their investment. And is Strategycomm and Sandra who takes care of all that, aside of the contents that is generated through the project development.

I trust I will be giving you much more work during the next few days, that would mean I'm there. Thanks for everything.

How hard it is for the terrain conditions to improve... Today was very hard all the time but very irregular and bumpy, with groups of massive Sastruguis that I had to keep avoiding. With all of that in mind, I was able to keep a good pace, but the sledge kept turning over, today, 10 times! More than the day without visibility.

In fact, I have been able to improve the mileage reached yesterday (25.8 Km.), but with an enormous energetic debilitation, in 9h45.
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It has been today, exactly 20 days alone, and I walk as a robot around this frozen land, repeating the same daily routines and making de most of my efforts every day.

It is difficult to have such a sensation of extreme loneliness down here...There is nothing, no one lives here, can't see anything else but the ice, can't see anything, etc... I have been listening to myself and the wind for 20 days. And when the wind completely stops (and it's happened twice) the void reaches all, and the most impressive silence that I have ever experienced can be listened.

In fact, it's been 15 days now since I stopped seeing the Elsworth Mountains silhouette in the distance. I'm even without the mountains companionship and I yearn to get to the Thiel Mountain range to be able to find some new ones (8 days to get there approximately).

I would have not expected to be on my own in the middle of Antarctica, and of course, I would rather be with Carles right now. But the truth is that even being so tired and up to my ears with the day tediousness, I think it has also been a special opportunity to do this adventure by myself.

Given my family responsibilities, I would have never approached a challenge of this size solo, but now that I have found myself in it, I am fully enjoying myself. If we get drifted away with the desire of comfort, the luxury of homemade food, the yearning, etc...one always would think to press the exit button. But if one values how unique and special is to be in a place like this, and how intense and enriching is to be by oneself, with your company and your self dialog, will see how fortunate he is, not only for being there but also for enjoying it.

To be all by oneself can be a bit more tedious, a bit more risky, a bit more distressing and a bit tougher. But to be alone for so long and in such special circumstances, also allows doing a very profound internal trip where one has the chance to reflect with plenty of quality about the past, the present and the future of one's course of life.

And if that is done with enough curiosity, interest, freedom and with your notebook open and blank, it becomes a passionate task. And to realize what one keeps finding alongside this past and future internal trip, and it happens not to be bad overall, is certainly good news; because what's for sure true is that to come in a place like this with certain unsolved aspects of life, they end up exploding here.

To be and to do things with the people you love or that are of your trust is very good. But I also think that is also important for people to be capable of searching new experiences to live them alone. I am not referring to crazy stuff like an Antarctic Expedition, but to any simple thing. We always tend to do things in groups. But to be able to know how to be alone, how to travel alone, to be able to find oneself wide open to the world and to oneself, is one of the most rewarding experiences one can experiment.

I DEDICATE THE DAY TO:

Montse Bertran, who is in charge of updating the web every day.

It's a key task that has to be done for a long time, day in day out, even on Holidays, and is the one that allows me to feel less lonely, as it is my own media channel that keeps me connected with you.

Thank you Montse!

Energy is back (for the moment) and surface is getting better. The first five hours were constantly changing between hard and soft zones, but the sun has been predominating for the last 4h15 so I would go better, and I even beat my own daily record: 25.4 km total. Now I am tired but up for it... I hope my body doesn't make me pay tomorrow the efforts made today and I don't get yesterday's sensations.

Yesterday we stopped at the time I normally go to sleep. Today I'll continue to explain how life here is from the morning until I put back my skis on.

LIFE IN THE TENT (PART 2)

My "POLAR RS800CX" watch, which I received from a technical sponsor, is a great machine for training and practice all kinds of sports, but it has a problem: it never fails from ringing its alarm at 5h50 a.m.!

That's the hardest moment of the day: to wake up! Inside of my great feather sleeping bag I feel warm, and we are always under 0° Celsius in the morning and if you think of what you have to go through during the day, and that you hear how the wind hits the tent, you don't feel like going outside and would prefer a huge storm so you have to stay in with a clean consciousness because you couldn't do anything else. The fact is that it is very important to be in time to wake up, because with the marching hours plus all tasks related to install and taking down the tent, I don't have any spare time.

Normally I give myself time to think about it until 06:15 - 06:20 a.m. Then, I push a little and I start the day, ready to fight again. The first thing to do is to get warm and the second thing is to get out all things that I have slept with inside the sleeping bag. Yesterday I forgot to explain if there is anything I don't want to get frozen, I have to put it inside the sleeping bag with me. This way, I sleep with the buff, the face mask, globes, socks, the undershirt, a bottle full of water, all batteries, camera and GPS... can you imagine it?

Then, I light the fire to melt snow and warm up the tent. I must say that this is not a good thing to do; it is even dangerous to light a fire inside the tent, and everyone knows this must not be done, it's even marked in all tents of the word... but it's necessary to heat up a little bit the inside and to be able to live some hours without freezing, and to dry things that are humid, if not frozen such us globes, buff, socks, etc.

As I melt snow, I prepare myself some breakfast. Normally it consists in a piece of jerk beef and cheese I kept since the night before and cookies and a jar of milk (powder) with cocoa or coffee. I finish by filling the 2 bottles I have with energetic powder Power Bar (1.5 liters among the two), and a 1.5 l thermos, where I put some tea and sugar.

From then, I get dressed for the battle and I pick up the stuff inside the tent, rearranging everything in the same place, something key if I want to have everything at reach as soon as any possible need occurs.

Everything is almost ready to get it out of the tent and on the sledge around 07:45 and 8 a.m. Then, a crucial moment of the day arrives: the call of nature. It is important to be well regulated at this matter and to be able to go to the toilet always at the same time, because believe me, it is one of the most delicate tasks here. It is fundamental to do it quick because the way of going to the toilet without putting down your pants has not been created yet, and it's delicate because of the low temperatures. It is complicated if one of your fingers get frozen, could you imagine the tragedy of getting the very personal male part between the legs frozen? So, I prepare myself as if I was to do something of high safety matters with a chronometer: pants only with the Velcro still on, toilet paper in the pocket of the jacket, and the pocket open... I'm on my way. I try to get out without the cap, the sun glasses and all... I even get out without globes, it takes less time and I work better. Normally it works out fine, because my body can be regulated easily in this matter, and luckily because it would be a nightmare to have to get up at night to go to the toilet or to have to do it during the marching hours.

Once I finish, I get back in the tent and I finish organizing everything and taking out all things. I put everything on the sledge as best as I can and I take the tent down. This operation of preparing the sledge and dismounting the tent can take between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on the wind.

It's around 08:30 and 9 a.m. and from then, everything is set to take off for about 9 hours walking on the snow until I get to the next point where I will start to install the tent once again and to do over each of the task I tried to describe between yesterday and today... and it's been like this for 19 days since I am alone, 38 total, and there are at least another 30 to go... That's life in the Antarctic dear friends!

I DEDICATE THIS DAY TO:

Each and every one of you who has finished reading my posts from yesterday and today until the very end. I know I talk too much, but you must understand that I spend all day long walking alone, which makes me think a lot... and in fact I repress a lot, because I always have lots of things to write for the web, but then I stop because it might be heavy.

That is why I put a line between the small explanation of the day and the rest of the subjects. So, if you just want to follow my stage, you know where you have to stop reading.

In fact, with this system I will explain some other things and curiosities, ok?

I repeat this to everyone: Thank you for following me, and thanks for all messages. I promise to answer to all personally when I get back, even if it takes weeks of work!

Today it has been hard and tough. The surface was quite flat, but about the 80% had soft snow and it was hell to pull the sledge. If I add yesterdays effort (or the fact of 18 days non-stop), the thing is that I have suffered a kind of a breakdown, fainting fit...I have spent 4 hours with the intention to set camp at the first opportunity, but I carried on as I could even noticing heavy deviations. I have stopped twice the average to eat and drink and doubled the Powerbar daily intake. In the end and thanks to that, I have been able to pull myself together and during the last two hours my overall condition has improved substantially.

I'm at the verge of Parallel 83 (I'll cross sit during the first or second hour), so, almost reaching the target of doing it in 5 days. What's clear to me, bad weather conditions aside, I can't spend more than 5 days to reach each degree. That would mean 35 days from now, to/until the South Pole....and from now onwards, to improve it the best I can.
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It's been a few days now, I wanted to tell you about some more generic issues about the expedition, aside of what the journey has been. But in order to tell how the day has been, an not to be bore you too much I have been postponing it, plus I have read some comments which are asking about these things. So every now and then, I will be focusing in particular aspects of my daily routine once the chronicle is written. To those who have enough with what's happened during the day, they can stop right at the end... and those who want more info can continue to read.

LIFE IN THE TENT (PART 1)

Today I'll talk about how is day in the tent, since I take my skis off until I put them back on. I'll split it in two parts, otherwise it would be too long, and I think it's interesting enough to try an explain it properly. So today I'll describe how is it until I go to bed:

With so many days, one developes a routine that will take you to do almost exactly the same every day. Therefore the order I will be describing my day following pretty accurately what happens in order with almost no variations.

Approximately towards 18h, right after my journey is completed (hours and Km.), and a good spot chosen for my tent, I put the sledge perpendicular where the tent is going, to protect it from the wind and then, I'll start with the tent mounting process. The task of mounting the tent was one of the issues that worried me most being on my own, but after 18 days or practice, I'm quite good at it, even with strong winds, and as time goes by, I set the tent in less time. Once the tent is safely hooked, I pile up some snow around the tent in order to make it a bit more insulated from the wind, then I open a small hole in the "avancer" to make the access easier and I fill half of the "avancer" area with snow to melt during dinner, breakfast and refill of my bottles.

Once the tent is up, I move all the staff I need from the sledge. Normally these are three small bags, a fuel bottle and a knapsack where I have all the most necessary stuff. With everything inside, I double-check I've got everything inside the "house", as once inside I do not want to get out until tomorrow's departure.

Just before finally entering in the tent, if the weather allows me, I try to do some stretching's outside. And if the weather is bad I'll do them just before getting in my sleeping bag.

It normally takes me about an hour since I set the right place to camp, until I actually go in.

Once in the nest, the first thing is to take all the tech apparel and all the gear I carry with me, that is, compass, GPS and camera. Right after, great moment! Boots off! (Feels so good!). And then, with care I take my socks off making sure I do not touch the homemade bandages with american tape, because it does work and better not to touch it.
When pulling my socks off, I turned them over and leave them to dry. It's funny to see in the inside part of it, a natural layer (made by the sweat and the dirt), that for sure, is what's curing my blisters and preventing them from getting any worse...It is good to say thought, that so far I am alternating the usage do two pair of socks, as they work very well and I want to make them last until the run to the bag of dirty clothes!

Once undressed and with new warm clothes (fleece, balaclava, feathery boots, etc...), I start to organize the tent. It's a very fast operation, as I am already used to place everything in its own place. I also place the wet or frozen clothes hanging from a cable I have on the tent ceiling, so it dries whilst I heat the water up. The process finishes when I have inflated the mattress and ready to live some hours of comfort.

As all of the above usually happens around 19h30, then I call my wife, Maria, and have the only conversation I have for the day. We try not to go over the 15 minutes period, as Satellite phones are expensive but it hardly happens. I tell her about the day in cases he needs to do the chronicle for me and then she tells me stories from life at home. We talk about generic family matters... for example, the kids: one has been sacked from school, the other has thrown a pot to an elderly woman from the window, the third one ran away from home...you know...kids stuff!! Or we talk about love: My wife tells me she has packed all her stuff and seen dot to her mums, she has changed the locks, she's gone to court and wants to divorce, nothing major, couples stuff! Or sometimes she tells me about general news: Rubalcaba won the elections, Spain is going flat out and the economy has grown a 10% and the stock markets are on the rise....Life matters...!

At 20h on the dot I call Union Glacier Base to give them my coordinates to give them my coordinates. It's an agreed security procedure, as if within two days have not heard from me, then an emergency search and rescue operation would be triggered immediately.

After that, dinner's on the way. As I start to melt snow I open a small 100 -150 gr. Packet of cold meat and a piece of cheese. I eat half of each and leave the other half for breakfast the following day. Then it's turn for a hot Sopinstant that goes in very well. One day I eat pasta and others tend to vary. As pasta I have carbonara, Bolognese and milanese noodles, and as for meat is concerned, I can choose from potatoes with meat, ham and lentil soup, or rice with meat and onion. All of these are ready made freeze dried products and are ready adding some boiling water and do not require to cook and the mess that comes with it. As per what dessert is concerned, there is always a treat. I tend to alternate some more simple ones like nuts, dried fruit or a bit of nougat or nougat candy, to a more sweet one which are freeze dried and with a great taste. I have three types of those which are: apple puree, wild berries yogurt or chocolate mousse...What a treat!

When I'm stuffed, I brush my teeth, little wee and to bed. It is worth saying though that the wee is well programmed, of course. I always have my wee kneeling down inside the tent, and using a specific bottle I have for that purpose, and I empty the contents in a small whole I digged previously in the "avancer" area, where I also empty remaining liquids from dinner. Never throw any solids away, as they all go into a bag that I carry inside the sledge.

Once in the sleeping bag I stay half sit up ( as you can see in the picture ) in it, and using the temperature inside the tent, is time then to switch on the computer and write the daily chronicle and check if I have any email to answer. I can only send/receive emails to 8 persons, as it is a very restrictive system to avoid any problems, and these persons know what can and what cannot be sent. These are: Sandra Garcia ( press relations ), Oliver Valles ( project manager ), Rafael Galan (different project and work issues ), Joan Riedweg ( TV production ), Mónica Palencia and Ignasi Ubach ( work issues ), and my wife, for obvious reasons...

After all that, I put down on a notebook the day particulars, and in another one, all the ideas, thoughts and crazy stuff that goes in my mind...Finally this normally happens at about 10h30/11h, I read a card that between my wife and some friends have prepared for every day with a specific message, I put the mask on to avoid the day light, and off to sleep. Tomorrow there's war again!.

With this header please do not think I've gone mad already (at least for the moment) and that I believe we are already in Christmas. What's happened is that today has been my first mileage of 25 Kilometres in this month of December... and I hope not to be the last and it turns into an average for the rest of the expedition.

Today has been a perfect day: sun, great visibility and no wind at all. Magnificent! The surface continued being very irregular and with Sastruguis zones, but there where more open flat and hard areas. With all that in mind, I have pushed hard and almost in 10 hours (9h45 to be precise), I have achieved for the very first time a very good number of Kilometres.

If tomorrow I can do, at least 23, I will have reached Parallel 83, within the 5 days period I set and planned.

It is curious how one can constantly become delusionated. I always say I will not do more than 9 hours per day as I want to upset my body state in general, and, in the last five days, I have gone well beyond those nine hours. And what I really fancy now is to go after more kilometres, as there are plenty more come. In fact, right now, I have 810,6 left from the total 1.145 that separates me from the South Pole following my route. Please note that from today onwards, I will be including this info at the beginning of the text. I should have done it days ago, but I wasn't sure if it was appropriate to include this data knowing that it was so evident that there are still so many km to go.

Right. I'm happy. I've done 25Km. But the effort to get there is brutal, honestly. It seems to me as if when we run an ultra-marathon for days, one gives his biggest push on the penultimate day, because he thinks that during the last day he will get to the end one way or the other. The problem here is that I am always pushing as if it was the penultimate day, but the following day is not the last one, nor the other, nor the other... .

I DEDICATE THIS JOURNEY TO:

Racetracker. Because it is them who makes the possibility to follow me on the web live. To whoever likes this things (my wife and Rafael are addicted to it), you can see with a 30 minutes frequency, my evolution in real time.

In this case, the Racetracker system receives the signal from www.yellowbrick-tracking.com, a gps based tracking beacon, and supplied by Fibertel-Iridium in Madrid.

I signed with Racetracker in 2008, when I was about to start the expedition in Papua New Guinea to climb the Carstensz Pyramid. They bet on me as I wasn't a mediatic character which would allow them to try and develop the system without much risk to their image at the beginning. Since then, I have not gone anywhere without this on-line tracking system developed in Barcelona. Now there are lots of adventurers, alpine mountaineers, sailors, who use Racetracker... Edurne Pasaban, for instance, has used it in her last three 8.000m.

Hours of journey: 9h15' - Accumulative: 153h00
Km./Day: 20 - Accumulative: 289,4Km.
Days of progress: 19 (15 Solo) - Inactive Days: 15 (0 Solo) - Total Days: 34

I'm very happy of today's 20 Km. as it has been a very complicated one, and when I got out of my tent I would have hardly bet to make 15.

When I got up, the thermometer indicated -16ºC inside the tent, promising a very refreshing day... With a freezing cold outside I dismounted the tent, put it in the sledge, and then just before departure, I was at -35ºC , even though, and with a bit of luck, a light wind, despite being constant and annoying.

But the most interesting thing wasn't that. The thing is that there was 0 visibility. I could not see a thing, and that has turned into a major problem during most part of day for two reasons: one, because it was very hard to maintain the course, and the other because I could not distinguish the relief of the terrain I was stepping into.You can see in the attached photograph the scenery that I have been surrounded by for the day: meaning...nothing!

In order to maintain the course I was looking at the compass constantly (As I only turn the GPS on every now and then to check the course and Kilometres, otherwise I f I have it on all day I would run out of batteries very soon). But as it usually happens, our senses adapt to each new situation, and in the end, I have learned to follow my course looking at the snow beneath. I'll explain: in order not to stop all the time to look at the compass, I have set a specific angle with the direction where the snow is combed, and as here always blows from south, the snow lines indicated South, and I calculated approximately the skis angle regarding the snow lines I was treading. This has allowed me to gain some time and kept checking it every 10-15 minutes. And it really wasn't much deviation at each control. I have learned something new.

But the worst problem of all was that I couldn't see the terrain ahead of me, until I bump into it. And that caused to get caught in some messy troubles quite often. I have fallen twice (reason for my title "can't see the wood for the trees"), and on the second one, it frightened me as I twisted my foot... imagine for a second that I sprained my ankle, at a fantastic speed of 2,4 Km./hour; what a joke! On top of that, I have knocked the sledge over 9 times (a record in one journey), and it got almost knocked over or stuck plenty of times.

All in all, a complete menu for today, but, at the end of the day, has not been so bad mileage wise. So, after all this, I feel up for it and thinking that I am picking a good enough pace which in good visibility conditions, I would have certainly go over the 22-23 Km.

Saturday 3/12

Hours of Journey: 9h30' - Accumulative: 162h30
Km./Day: 20 - Accumulative: 309,4Km.
Days of progress: 20 (16 Solo) - Inactive Days: 15 (0 Solo) - Total Days: 35

Not much of a story to tell today. I'll say that, even I thought the terrain conditions were improving, today has been catastrophic, packed with Sastruguis and some I've never seen so incredibly high. I was fortunate that the snow was very hard and I could go avoiding them with less "stuck situations". Imagine then, that with perfect visibility I have done the same amount of yesterday ´s Km. where I could see nothing, investing another quarter of an hour.

After all, today I end the fourth cycle of 4 days from the 10 I have set myself, to reach the target of 40 in total of days of progress, not meaning to have arrived then, but I will be in the final stage. So, I have completed the 40% of that Sub target, and the prize for today, has been full thorough feet cleansing, with pedicure and manicure included, as I haven't touch them for a month.

With such clean feet, hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to have a great journey.

1,8 Km. more than yesterday, with less than a quarter of an hour...That's encouraging! The terrain has plenty of more hard areas with less undulations and allows to advance in a much better way... But: I'm knackered, I had to push myself harder. I cannot do more than 9 hours, as I would suffer too much and my feet would explode.

Today I'll stop talking and I will invite you to watch the video that Joan Riedweg has prepared, and who will work on the final documentary. These are images recorded while I was with Carles and he took them with him to Barcelona when he abandoned.

This footage is for both web and TV usage. I have not seen it.

Can't watch it on the net nor I can receive it on an email. So you'll watch it before me! Hope you like it.

20 Km. in 9 hours and 15 minutes. Half an hour less than two days ago to cover the same distance. It's a very small victory, but important for me, as it indicates the trend towards a rhythm improvement.

I am happy. Even pushing it too hard (more hang 9 hours a day is just too much and a guarantee of being crushed), I see I can consolidate these 20 kilometres per day. Surely there will be lots of days where I will be below those 20 Km. again, but now I have set this "2" bar in front and I'm looking to repeat it as many times possible. In fact, my next target will be to get to 25 Km. per day. Not sure how long will it take me, but I'm positive I'll get there.

I have camped to day right at the 82º Parallel line Latitude South. It is nothing special, but there it is, just at 10 minutes from where I am and where I have taken the photo I'm sending you.

From 80º to 81º took me 11 days. And from degree 81 to the 82 It has taken me 6. Quite a positive improvement. Now I have to see if I can get to Parallel 83 in 5 journeys. That would mean set a pace of 4 or 5 days per degree.

Right in the edge of the 82 degree latitude south, is exactly where I am now and where Roald Amundsen installed his last deposit with supplies at the end of the summer just before his final attack to the South Pole. On February 1911, eight expeditionary and their sledges pulled by dogs, reached parallel 82, carrying plenty of material and food, that would be vital for Amundsen trip to the South Pole later in October that same year, and after spending the whole winter in the Antarctic coast.

Same yesterday's pace, and if I had walked another hour I would have got myself to 20 Km. But today's journey has been a lot tougher, as the terrain was appalling...it is absolutely exhausting and slow to move forward like this. For that reason I am happy to have covered 18 Km.

It has been a month now (31 days) that Carles and I set for the South Pole. It was on October the 30th, that the Twin Otter plane (see photo) dropped us at Hercules Inlet, right on the Antarctic coast.

It has been a very intense month, full of emotions, routines, efforts, discomforts, tensions, decisions, etc...But it has not been a month of great performance in terms of expedition progress. In fact, if we look at the figures, one becomes severely disheartened, and tries to find excuses to quit and spend Christmas at home. But this is no job for pessimists, and I'm sure , despite having advanced so little in this first month, things will get better, the terrain will be easier, and the daily distance covered, much longer.

As a matter of fact, I have been only capable of advancing 16 days (12 solo and 4 with Carles), and the other 15 we have been stuck in the tent (13 due to a wind and snow storm and 2 because of Carles heel injury until he got evacuated). In these 16 days I'm right at the edge of Latitude Parallel 82 (hope to cross sit tomorrow). So, I've only done 2 of the 10 I have to do.

Next month has to be much more profitable. And when it's finished, most likely is I will have not reached the South Pole, but if nothing happens, I will be much closer to my final target.

I face this second month with optimism and motivated, but also a bit down because this is a very long process and very tough because of the massive effort that is required and because of the weather conditions. Moreover, the homesickness factor is always a cause for physical and mental weariness, knowing that with Christmas ahead of us, it will be specially complicated.

Anyhow, I am determined to carry on. If I can keep that level of physical performance, the material stays ok and can make my food and fuel last, I believe that my mind will grant me with the necessary energy and tenacity to keep fighting.

Keep Fighting until the End!!!

Big up to number "2"...the two of twenty. At last I have been able to reach the 20 Km.

It's not much, but to me is very important and even necessary.

I have started the march at good pace, with a very acceptable terrain conditions and I have not stopped for 4 hours... Result: I did 9,6 Km. A very good short term goal if I compare it to the one from the other days. It is for that reason I saw it clear I could get to 20, and I have set it as today's target.

After my first stop, terrain conditions where much more complicated, but I have tried to gain some ground the best I could. Another stop to refuel at the 6th hour of today's journey and back on track to give it a very good shot. Then, the terrain changes again into the best one I've seen so far. I'm starting to keep up at a pace that finally allows me to enjoy skiing (bearing in mind I'm carrying a very heavy "dead body"), and at the same time to reach the 20 Km target. Once again, after an hour, the terrain set me back again, it got even worse to the extent to be the worst area found so far.

In the end, I've got myself to do 20 Km, but after investing almost 10 hours. In any case, I feel pleased and motivated, despite accepting that the maximum daily hours I have to be working at, has to be between 8 and 9h, as going over that limit implies pushing my feet, my back, my muscles in general, and my own energy beyond common. There are still loads of stages to complete and I have to dose myself.

At least it has come to show if the twenties also show up on the milometer of this bloody and permanently frozen land.

Everything was quite fine today, almost no wind, no problem with the ski fixation or any other thing and the pain in my feet was bearable. It was a day with no surprises and not much suffering either. Besides, the 8h45 of walking went by without I could notice them because I have been looking at a film all day long: "The 7 Summits".

Today I have been revising, day by day, the project of "The 7 Summits" (to climb the highest mountains on each continent), which I finished last year. Since the day I took off by plane to go to Tanzania and climb the Kilimanjaro, until the moment I was on a beach in Barcelona sharing paella with friends the day I got back from the last summit, the Everest.

Amazing (because I forget easily), I was remembering every single day of the project. As I kept going in the endless white universe, I was going over all moments of that long adventure through the world, where I lived some of the most intense moments of my life.

I think that one of these days, when everything will be calmed, I will play this film again.

I DEDICATE THIS DAY TO:

All colleagues, Sherpa's, carriers and collaborators that I had during the different expeditions of the entire project of "The 7 Summits".

Together we laughed, we suffered, we gave our best; we had hard moments and other moments of joy. We saw magnificent landscapes, we lived sublime moments.

The intensity of the experience we shared will keep us united forever. And the memories and things we learned that we kept confirm what Kierkegaard said once: "Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced."

Today was the second day of good weather... sunny and just a slight breeze. It would have been a perfect day if it wasn't for the ski fixation.

Two days ago I had problems taking the boot out of the ski fixation. Yesterday it was hard to take it out. Today it was just impossible. I put on the ski this morning and I couldn't take it out during the whole day. Normally I take them out when I stop to eat and drink, so I can sit on the sledge and I relax for a moment.

At the end of the stage, I tried my best to take it out, but it wasn't possible. I didn't want to push it too hard because there was the risk of breaking the fixation or the boot. I have a spare pair of fixations, but if I break the boot, the Pole South adventure would be over right there.

I tried to dismount the fixation out of the tent and having it on didn't let me see well enough what I was doing, so I decided to install the tent and I kept working with the ski on it.

Once everything was set up, I took out the boot and I got inside the tent. There was me and the ski and the boot still on it. After all, I succeeded on dismounting the boot from it. When I looked at it, there was nothing wrong compared to the spare. So, I cleaned it up and put it back again. And the most curious thing is that after that, it worked perfectly, as if nothing had happened!

So, after all, it was an emergency that ended up being just a stomach ache. Now the patient is out recovering and I hope that tomorrow it will feel better and ready to swallow some more kilometers.

This fear at least helped for two things:

1) Now I know that even if thought mounting the tent was complicated, I saw that I can even do it with one foot attached to the ski. If there is ever an International Championship of installing tents with a ski on it, I will take part of it, because I know I can do well.
2) To confirm what we said two days ago: Everything is relative. While I was suffering for the fixation, I wouldn't feel that I was hurting my right ankle.

I DEDICATE THIS DAY TO:

My mother, to whom I was able to talk yesterday evening. That was the prize I chose to finish my second group of four days goal.

Really, if it wasn't for her I would not be here (in this world), and if it was for her I wouldn't be here (in the Antarctic). It is not fair that a hard working woman as she is had an "animal" son like me. Since I was little, she was always worried that I could come home with a broken head. Then, as a teenager on a bike, I was always playing the fool and she thought that might stop at the moment I was in college, but no. Then, she thought I would be more calm at the moment I had a serious job, but it didn't happen either. She was sure I was going to change once I would get married, but nothing. Then, she thought I was going to settle down at the moment I had kids... but she failed again. Each time I look for bigger challenges and I guess she doesn't lose faith that I will stop one day.

It's fine mom. I am thinking to quit this kind of things in 45 or 50 years from now. For the moment I know I make you suffer, but please know that wherever I am, I love you and I think of you!

Yesterday's last kilometres were a false expectation...Today the terrain has been terrible again. Sastruguis (deep holes in the ice shell carved by the wind), soft snow (I was starting to miss it) and other very strange parts, with plenty of holes. Among the ice and the holes, my sledge turned over 4 times (see the picture).

Besides, it has been a hard day because I had to change direction many times to get far from a dangerous zone, full of cracks. If normally you get as far as you can from cracks, when you are alone, you must be even more precautious.

In any case, good news is that my feet hold on to the adventure, the tent issue seems to be solved and the rest is going along well. Today I completed the second group of four days that I set to myself as a goal. So, I have 20% of my target, and tomorrow I will start another 30%. As a reward, I will call my mother. It has been a long time since I don't talk to her.

Yesterday I forgot to tell that I've changed from Parallel. Since yesterday, I am 81º Latitude. It's been hard, but at least I crossed a degree. Now there are only 9 to go until the South Pole.

I DEDICATE THIS DAY TO:

To all the boys and girls that are following this adventure, some of them by themselves and others through their school.

I would like that this kind of challenge serve as an example to inspire boys and girls about effort, perseverance and ambition to reach their own goals, always respecting kids and the environment.

The more you study, the more you learn, the more freedom you will have to choose your future.

When you start to fly on your own, you will find yourselves in a complicated world. It has always been like that and it will always be this way. Throughout history, there are people that stand out and others just don't. You must choose what you want to be, and who you want to be. Because the world, beside of being complex, is also passionate and propose lots of opportunities to who wants to go for them.

If your ideas are clear and you have the will to go and get them, you can do whatever you want... if you work for it. Everyone wants nice things! But there is not enough people are ready to fight for them.

I wish you all a bright future!

Today, at least I went up in kilometres, even if I had spent half an hour more than other days. Globally, it has been a successful day. The ankles hurt, but I can slide, and I have some problems with the tent sticks, because as I use them a lot and the weather is cold, they are loosen and they do not fit the way they should. It is not so bad, but today I spent an extra half hour to install the tent (and it was so cold, look at the picture to see how I was after words!) and if I have to repair it, it is a delicate operation because, if the tent is not installed, I must do it outside and it requires to work with no globes.

The entire situation has made me think about pain and problems, they are always relative.

The first year that I participate in the Dakar Rally, it was on a bike in 1998, our team manager was the well-known former rider Carles Mas. In the second stage in Morocco, when I got to the bivouac, Carles asked me how I was doing. I answered that I hit a stone with my foot and my big toe was swollen, my nail was blue, it hurt badly and I was worried if it wasn't going to get worse. He told me he thought it wasn't bad, and he recommended me to go get some sleep, and that if the day that followed I could put the boot on everything will change. And the phase he said stood engraved in my mind forever. He said: "Think of the Dakar as something that hurts until you have another one that hurts even more." How right he was! The day after it, I did the stage and at the arrival he asked me if my toe still hurt. I told him I couldn't even notice, because I had my shoulder hurt after a fall in the middle of the stage.

Today I was thinking that I don't notice the pain in my back. I guess it is because I am getting used to it and because I have tried a new position with the harness, and also because I am so focused in the pain in my ankles, especially in the right one, so I have forgotten about my back. But now if something worse happens, I am sure that I will forget my ankles or I would wish not to have this new problem. I hope to solve the damage in my feet without making a substitution with a bigger issue, but anyways I am conscious that everything is relative. If I can walk, everything work more or less well, and the problems I am having can be solved (like the tent), I don't have to feel the weigh down, and I have to keep forward for more kilometres with my moral high.

I DEDICATE THIS DAY TO:

"FACTOR ENERGIA", our main sponsor. And especially to Emili Rousaud, founder and CEO of the company, who believed in this project since the first time we presented it to her.

FACTOR ENERGIA is an electricity company that sells energy and services to other enterprises. The company is quite young and not so big if it is compared with energy monsters such as Endesa, Iberdrola, Gas Natural, etc... It is totally admirable that this company is completely private (it doesn't profit from "special" privileges like other big companies), and it's opening its way in a very competitive market, with a bright future. I allow myself to suggest you that if you are a company manager or you work in a company, take a look at their services because they also have competitive prices and you will find a service where you will notice that you will be treated as a client right away.

I dedicate this journey to them because this morning I talked to Emili Rousaud by the satellite phone. He asked to talk to me. As my main sponsor, I wanted to make him confident in the project and I told him the communication contacts that we are having. He stopped me, almost yelling at me and he told me that all that was in a second place, he wanted to talk to me to cheer me up and to tell me to do everything I can and I think is convenient, but that I must be careful. He told me not to think of any compromise with the sponsors because the most important things are my safety and health.

Besides a big enterprise man, an excellent manager and a great fighter in a competitive market, Emili has also shown his high human spirit and, as a great company man he is, that he understand that people are more important than results.

Thank you for your support as a company, and for today's words.

Today I'm a bit under the weather. It's been now 4 days that I spent more than 8 hours pushing to the limit, making a massive effort, coping with constant and strong winds, and suffering quite a lot of pain from a poorly healed feet ( specially the right ankle ) ; and I almost cannot reach or surpass the 15 Km mark per day. I have the feeling of not going any forward.

The area where I am, is of constant uphill and with the sledge it looks much steeper, and the surface is still full of holes, sastruguis, irregularities and soft snow at times. It feels like being in the Dakar or the Marathon des Sables, and always going through dunes and sandbanks.

On top of that, something stupid happened to me and very annoying: I'm not sure how I was wearing my BUFF and my wind mask I always wear, that with some wind they has frozen, catching my beard in between! I could not hardly bring the BUFF down nor the mask to see. When I reached the tent, I've had to wait to defrost in order to release it, as it was incredibly painful. As Amundsen already said you can't grow your beard in the Pole...

Now I'm really into the daily routines, but one can never fully adapt to it. Today is one of those days where I can't see how is the end, and how long this adventure will last if I can move forward. It is one of those days where it feels really good to know that there are a lot of people that is following me because it's highly motivating and also it prevents of feeling so lonely in these remote lands.

The good news is that tomorrow, weather allowing, I will pass the Latitude Degree 81. Still 9 to go, but I'm really happy to have at least crossed un degree and change Parallel.

I DEDICATE THIS JOURNEY TO:

All of you. To those who are following this expedition through our site, and very specially to the ones that are leaving a message every now and then.

Every time I go to one of these adventures the fact of reading support messages left on the site it's fantastic. But this time, being as I am, in the most absolute loneliness, in the middle of the Antarctic ice, your company not only motivates me, but I would even say it becomes necessary.

I cannot connect to the Internet from here and I am receiving messages every two or three days. You wouldn't imagine the party that goes on in here when I get them. The struggle, the effort, the cold the monotony, the distance from home, the incommodities, and the diverse pains, etc... are much better managed knowing that you are at the other end of the screen.

¡125 Km. of thanks...that I hope they will become 1.180 thanks in the end!!

But the biggest problem that is worrying me now is that have both heels quite damaged with blisters that showed up three days ago. It is the backside of the heel the one who suffers most, as I am constantly pushing uphill, pulling a lot of weight and the friction between the heel and the boot is massive.

It has been now three days I have been getting by, but it has got to a stage where they hurt quite badly. The fact is that, for different logistic issues that I prefer not to go through, I don't have sticking plaster or Betadine to cure the blisters. For that reason you will see in the photograph I am using American tape. A surrealist botch in a situation like this. But one has to do what he can, and I'll try to sort it the best I can to carry on. If in the end, they get better, Bingo. And if they don't then it becomes a serious injury and a major problem, I'm screwed! In the meantime, to cope with the pain, especially when putting my boots on and cover the first 500 metres. As for now, the pain is still bearable, and I'm paying attention to how this thing evolves...

At Union Glacier base to whom I speak every day for safety reasons, they tell me that taking into account the area I'm crossing at present time, this amount of Kilometres is very good; but they seem to me very few for the enormous effort I'm putting into it. Both yesterday and today have been tremendously complicated because of the surface area where I am to advance. Sastruguis, sastruguis, and more sastruguis. It has even been difficult to find a flat spot to set camp. This wears me down a lot and I expect this to change soon or I will end physically crushed before I know it. Find attached a photograph of my shadow projected in one the thousand Sastruguis I have been overcoming during the whole day.

I have always liked that Japanese proverb that goes: "A 1.000 mile journey is always started with a simple step". But today I was thinking that if I find the guy who came out with that one, I'll tie the sledge to his neck and throw it in the sea. I am not sure if I will do a 1.000 miles journey, but there is no simple step, not a single one!!

Let's go to the positive side of things: today I have completed the first of the 10 cycles of 4 Journeys of effective progress hat I set myself as target, in order to section this crazy project as a whole. With this first group of days, I already have the 10% done, and tomorrow I will begin with the next small group, which means I'm already working for the 20%. Now my mission is to complete this 4 days of effective journey, without thinking any further, otherwise I would get scared. And at the end of each of these cycles I'll allow myself a treat. Let's see if I can get all ten treats!!

Tomorrow I will also get over the first 100 Km. and according to what I have been reading and talking, it seems that everybody agrees that these are the worst moments of the passage... Hopefully it will be true and tomorrow becomes a bit more accessible.

1) The track was packed with sastruguis all the way. Let's remind you that these are wind sculptured snow areas. It is impossible to move forward at a good pace plus the pulling efforts of my back are killing me. I attach a photograph with the sledge stuck as it happened in several occasions. The terrain is constantly uphill, and with this rugged relief you have to push yourself very hard and to the limit to move the sledge and overcome these ice forms. It is tremendously exhausting, both physically and mentally.

2) I have only done 7 hours and a half of a journey today. The reason is very simple, I overslept. At 6h AM (10h in Barcelona) had a call from Catalunya Radio, and then I decided to wait a bit to wake up, but I dozed off. In fact, at 7h15 I was up already again, but until 7h45 I didn't get out of my sac as I could hear the gale-force winds that scared the hell out of me. To get out of the sac it's the worst moment of all as it takes a lot of will to do it. To start, one is still exhausted from yesterday's effort, and second it feels so closely warm inside my super sac, and lately, one knows when sitting up, starts a new journey with plenty of work ahead and freezing outside. And the issue is particularly complicated when all of that happens while you're in the sac listening how the strong winds blow against the tent.

I have decided today to organize myself mentally to split this lunacy ahead of me. I estimate that since the day I was left alone, if nothing major happens, I could reach the South Pole within 40 days (going super fast), and 50 days (if I don't get stuck again for days...). Therefore, I point at the 40 days at quite a rate. If I haven't made it in 40 days, at least I will be further away and with real expectations to make it. Thus, my goal is to keep walking at the best pace I can, during 40 journeys. Then, in order to make it more attainable, I divide them in groups of 4 effective journeys, that will compose the 10% of the total once all completed. This way seems to me a lot easier. If I can crack on with it will be the last part of the first group of 4 effective journeys and that would mean that I have reached the 100% of my target. And from tomorrow, towards the 20%....It will not be that far to get to 90%, true?

I DEDICATE THE DAY TO:

Camila Vargas. I've been thinking a lot about her during the last two days...We teamed up to do an important challenge together, which to me meant climbing Mount Everest, and to her, to overcome the critical situation she was in when I first met her the Valle Hebron Hospital, whilst waiting for a lung transplant. We both achieved our shared goals and I took some photos with her picture in some of he most significant places I was in that expedition, and of course, the summit.

As a result of all this, we where all hands-on together with Mònica Sans and Luis Morate and got to record Camila´s first composed song. If you wish to listen to it, click here. She dedicate the song to me as I summated Everest with her, and as you can see, it's amazing. People like Camila are an example of despite having difficult moments or very critical situations, one has to move forward. Now she ´s got new lungs and going back to a normal life, still delicate and with lots of care.

Camila: As you probably read this, I want to tell you we cannot stop and leave it here....We have to make a record, and do it now. I'm saying it here as a lot of people will see it and will honour my compromise. I will commit to fundraise whatever is necessary to compose, record all songs and launch a complete album. If I have found the funds enough to do this expedition, I should be able to raise enough money to do this. Will approach foundations, private donors, sponsors, organise an event, etc... You don't worry, it will happen. Roll up your sleeves and work hard, push Mònica and Luis, a let's establish a serious work plan that will lead us to your new album come true (in 2012 maybe?). When I come back let's get in touch and do it....But do not lose any time, do it now!

I have moved forward covering 18,75 km. in 8h30. Not very steep but the terrain makes it very complicated to pull along this bloody sledge.

I've been thinking that maybe we have been a little daring when conceiving this Project in complete self sufficiency, when brave people like the guys from the TV program "Al filo de lo Imposible", wouldn't even consider it. Every Km done, has a very high price, has to be fought thoroughly and leaves you grinded. Is it was to be always like that no chance to make it at all on time. Theoretically from 1.000/1.200 metres high it should improve (now I'm on 740 metres).

The day has nevertheless, been perfect. Zero wind and lots of sunshine. I have travelled in parallel to the last hills of the Elsworth Mountain range and I have set camp right in front of the last two hills of the Elsworths. Tomorrow I'll start to move away, and it will be a lot of days without seeing any mountain. Theoretically until I reach the Thiel Mountains, if I ever get there, as there are approximately 500 kilometres of distance.

I am adapting to the daily routine: wake up and breakfast - dismount the tent - prepare the sledge - Trashing Journey - mount the tent - dinner and dry whatever is wet - Relax and web chronicle, sleep, and back to square one. I try not to think about how many kilometres I have left, nor the days to do it. I'm taking it day by day, and if everything goes according to plan I'll look at the global picture as I would easily desperate. I'll look at the overall picture in the next few days.

It is going to be almost impossible to be out there for more than 8 hours day in day out. I would probably dry out, and then again a broken back and not enough liquid to rehydrate properly. When I camped yesterday, I felt almost dehydrated (even with nausea) carrying 2,5 litres of water. Today has been different, because on top of the bottle with PowerBar energetic supplement, and a 1,5 litre tea bottle, I have added  a 0,5litre bottle supplied by PowerBar. I also win another half a litre by adding snow and filling half my thermo cup, just before drinking, then, when I add the hot tea, the snow melts and I have it fresh and very tasty, and the amount of liquid lasts for the entire journey. All in all: About 3,5 litres during the day and then I quench my thirst in the tent when I tart to melt the snow.

Today has been my very first day completely alone after Carles forced abandonment.

This time the Antarctic climate has respected me, allowing me small break before hitting back. It has been a wonderful day...bright and very low wind. I have been particularly fortunate when mounting and dismounting the tent, as there was no wind, and this is one of my biggest worries, as we carry a very good and resistant tent, but a little complicated to mount.

It has been an 8 and a half hour nonstop journey, with 5 small breaks to eat and drink a bit. I have given it a very good shot, as I wanted to, it was a good day and I was feeling good. Even so, I have only been able to cover 17,5 Km. At Union Glacier Base they tell me that it's a very good distance for the are I'm in, but I feel very disappointed.  But the fact is that the sledge is very heavy and the terrain is very uneven with very frequent patches of soft snow.

I have enclosed a photograph of my how my baby has grown... When I had packed the sledge this morning, it frightened the life out of me because of its size and its weight. This is mainly due to the fact that I have taken all the common material we had with Carles and that is absolute necessary to take me further. Moreover, there is a little extra here as the tent is bigger and heavier than if had to chose one for myself.

All in all, this is what we've got and these are the circumstances I have to deal with in order to progress in my quest. I am very happy to be able to carry on and see how far I can go.

As the batteries recharging system works very good and as I am all on my own, I will try and send the chronicle myself (before I use to do it every now and then, and talking to Maria on the phone). And during the journey hours, as I have a lot of time to give some thought to everything, and it is normal to focus on a particular issue or an individual I am considering to dedicate that day to someone or something in particular. Be aware: I will always start with the stage explanation, and then the dedicatory...I am saying it to whomever follows this blog may just want to focus on the stage and not be bothered with the whole dedicatory thing).

Be warned...If normally I always go on and on...Imagine if I'm all day on my own what can happen when I'm on the computer...!!!

I DEDICATE TODAY´S STAGE TO:

Today it has been a day full of contradictions, obviously. On the one hand I'm very happy to continue with the project, but on the other hand I'm very sad because of Carles abandonment. I spent most of my day thinking of him and to him go this first stage on my own.

Carles: I will try and make it as far as possible as we both gave birth to this project. And without no matter where do I finally get to, South Pole or not, my first thought will be for you, as you should have been with me there.

Carles has been a good friend, and has done terrific efforts to overcome the difficulties we found at the beginning. And he did, despite having a small problem we didn't even mentioned (so we wouldn't worry our families) with some minor frostbites in his hands.

I only wish you to take this abandonment in a good way and consider it just as one bad experience on your journey where to turn your projects into reality.  It does not succeed who does not reach the end but who does not attempt. And if someone thinks it has given it his best shot, it already is a success, independently of the final outcome.

In this dedicatory, I would like to add also all Carles family and especially to his partner Judit and his brother Nando that have provided all available support thought all the process, especially during the toughest parts of the final days. Carles: It is a luxury to have people that love you so much.

By the way: Today, after talking to the Union Glacier Base, they told me that Carles was flying tonight  to Punta Arenas. So, tomorrow he will be back to civilization and will be able to get back in touch with his loved ones directly. I am saying it as he has no satellite phone and has not been able to speak with his family. Tomorrow he'll back on the phone in Chile.

Carles: I'll see you very soon in the Ripolles! A big hug!!!

Albert's email from yesterday in afternoon:

"Carles foot condition has not improved and does not allow him to progress with a minimum normality. We have activated his rescue in the early morning, and it seems that the airplane will be coming in a few hours, as visibility and wind conditions are good, and, luckily we are in a perfect landing spot.

Albert has decided to continue on his own and try to go as far as he can. The "POL SUD 1911-2011" project continues, but it will never be the same... 

Whilst we were waiting for the airplane, Carles has written this farewell letter ":

GOODBYE TO A DREAM

"Today, 17th of November of 2011 I am forced to write this farewell letter. I will try and make it brief, intense and scarcely emotive.

I have lived the three week - emotionally - more intense of my whole life.

With my friend Albert we have lived to the limit and I even think that we've gone a bit further away in his frontiers. It has been a very tough, intense, and rewarding experience that will undoubtedly help in many aspects of my life, to even become a better person and continue in the search of perfection that does not exist.

An untimely left foot injury, leaving aside some small frostbite in a finger, leaves me with no other option than to abandon this WHITE AND INFINIT DREAM. I cannot carry on without feeling pain, and everything has its limits. I know if I carry on with this adventure, It can get worse and the consequences can be much more severe. With the winter season round the corner, nor I can allow myself, nor I want this to go any further. I hope you understand.

I renounce FOR GOOD to what has been my dream during these last 10 years. Follow your dreams until the end... is my motto, it always has, and it will ever be. There are although, all sorts of dreams, and this is one of them.

From the Antarctica, and waiting to be rescued by air, I want to thank ALL OF YOU, especially to those most loved ones, all the support that you have given to us day in day out through the blog and the telephone. Without you, life right in the middle of the ice, would have been a lot harder than what it has been. Both Albert and my self will never forget that.

Thanks for everything; I will hold you in my own heart for ever more!!!"

CARLES GEL    

Last night Albert's email:

Finally yesterday we had a good day, and we ended up highly motivated and with high hopes of pushing it hard. But the last two kilometers, Carles fell tan intense pain on his heel. Even so we wanted to continue doing some progress, we decide to camp and leave his feet to recover.

We have woken up with a bit of wind but it has eased and surprised us with an excellent gorgeous day (almost no wind, bright sunshine and total visibility). A perfect day to make up for all the delays we had, but Carles heel is not good. After putting his boots on, he could hardly walk despite having it treated and protected. He could not see himself capable of doing even 2 Km. for that reason we stayed in, let the ay go, and see how this weird pain evolves. We can not see any apparent injury or bruise, but it hurts him a lot with the boot on...Imagine what could that be on a 8 hours journey pulling so many kilos...

We give ourselves maximum until tomorrow morning to decide what to do. At present time, in our situation, with the delay that we accumulate makes it impossible to progress consistently. Either we go for it at a 100% or it will be completely impossible to maintain any options to reach the South Pole.

Albert and Carles call the night of the 15th of November:

"The visibility was still very poor this morning, but having explored the area a few hours ago, we were decided to get to the top of that hill and so we did.

We have prepared everything and started our way up sorting patches of blue ice, until we reached the top where the fog was very light and finally the sun has come out!!!!!

Ladies and gentleman, we needed a day like this!!!! We have covered another 10 kilometers and our batteries are now fully recharged!!! Both for our equipment and for ourselves.

The weather forecast until the 21st is looking certainly positive and without wind...so be it!!!"

Albert yesterday afternoon sent this email:

After yesterday's terrific effort to get to where we are now, carrying our heavy sledges on such steep hill with so much powder and without knowing where to stand as visibility levers were so low, we planted our tent underneath an ice barrier of approximately 2 kilometers long. We could see loads of crevices around us and it would have been crazy to carry on in such conditions.

The main thing today it has been again the visibility and because of the number of crevices around us we will stay indoors. We are only 2 kilometers away of a safe GPS point, but in order to get there we have to go up again and go around this massive ice barrier. Wind conditions are not great, but good enough to advance. We only need to be able to see better!!!

Everyone knows that from the sea to Latitude 81º, there is the most complicated part of our journey to the South Pole. And we are doing this part in the worst possible conditions, of wind, visibility and snow.

Now we understand why the "Al Filo de lo Imposible" group said the first 100 kilometers made them almost abandon because of its toughness. And we now also understand why it has so much value to do it without any support, as they carried sledges of only 80 kilograms, and deposits along the way. We are doing the same with 135 Kg. sledges.

Despite not having fast internet access (we can only send and receive small emails) we are receiving every 3-4 days all the messages you are leaving on our site. We read them all: some are very funny, some do really touch us, and above all, all of them are helping us a lot to get through this misery. We will not have extra food or material supplies during our expedition, but we are getting a lot of "energetic assistance" with your messages and comments. Many thanks to all of you, it means a lot.

Breaking news after last Albert and Carles call, the night of the 14th of November:

At mid afternoon, visibility has improved and we have been able to go outside to inspect the terrain around us: We have seen clearly where to cross and avoid the crevices that resulted not to be more than a feet in length, so no problem.

Nando Gel sent us some exciting weather news...There is a general improvement and it is going to be like that for the next five days... Fingers crossed and let's see if it is our time now!!!!

Albert and Carles call on the night of the 13th of November:

"We were decided to leave as soon as we had a chance, and tonight wind has stopped blowing. We have started to dig our sledges up and to get ready for action, it has been a nightmare!

We started our journey in high spirits and just as we covered our first kilometer the wind was back on us, added to the fresh snow and low visibility that were making our route hell, to cover 10 meters it took us in some parts up to 15 minutes.

We had targeted a mountain pass where it seemed the wind would not affect us that much, but it was very steep and it was crossed by a glacier, so we started to go around it, and we had also on our GPS the location of a few crevices, but in those conditions as we could not see anything we decided to stop again, plant our tent and sleep another night together with our catabatic whip."

Call on the night of the 12th of November:

"Last night, we were informed from base that tomorrow, from 15 hours onwards the wind would decrease. We were getting ready, encouraged by these great news and at least cover some kilometers, but once more, the forecasts were wrong and blizzards have been the characteristic during the day.

We are getting worried as our tent is starting to show some visible signs of fatigue and food supplies are being reduced as days go by."

Albert email from last night:

Well, we did not win the ONCE price as we haven't had a minimum adequate weather in order to escape from here. We are decided and fully committed to get out there with the right conditions that will not freeze us after 20 minutes, but the wind does not give us any break. It is impossible to do any progress. Have a look at the attached photo, made when Albert came back in the tent after only being 4 minutes outside to take the snow pack from the tent.

This is one of our major problems right now. If we don't clear the snow pack regularly, we risk our tent to break. The wind is holding her nicely, but the snow weight and the tension on the canvas could well generate a major problem on our expedition.

We are now, 11 days of siege and we still not see the end. We can only think now what's the best way to put an end to this and commit suicide...Any ideas? Should we slash our wrists? Should we inject 10 Sopinstans in our veins?, Should we try and eat our 13 day underwear ( and share it of course )...? If we can't get out of here, at least let's try and die in style... Whoever brings the best idea will get  a free two night tent accommodation at the top of the Coll de la Marrana in Ull de Ter when stormy weather  from the 1st until the 3qst of January.

Albert email from last night:

With ten days in here it seems we are in an endless loop, where it will always have bad weather. It has been long now, that we both have been in extreme situations, but we have never experienced this sort of uncertainty in such bad weather conditions. Tonight, we have woken up twice as the intense wind has stopped for a minute, after a nonstop ten days period, and this sound change has scared us and woken us up!

They have told us that tomorrow afternoon we will have a small window...we will try, and at least get out of here, even if we only do 4 or 5 kilometers...Moreover, it will be day 11, month 11, year 11...and as we have not bought any ONCE tickets, we hope that our luck will come in this window that will hopefully open in front of us...and get us out of this inferno loop!

We have gone through very tough mental moments, and we have even considered pulling out, or if it was worth our while to stay here..., But nevertheless we feel strong and mentally prepared, and above all, convinced we will make it to the South Pole, despite not making it for the 14th of December.

Every day is a new day... let's see what happens tomorrow...

Sleep warm!

Last night Albert's email:

"We are screwed, no progress, nothing... you can't imagine what's going on outside our tent, it's worse than before... We have not been able to even go outside as there was so much snow in the awning... area that we had to use our shovel. It is now, eight days so far stuck in here and our situation is critical... All sorts of doubts are comencing to appear. We hope to see a change in the weather conditions soon, otherwise it is going to be very difficult to carry on with our project. Right now, what we do know, is that we will not be back home for Christmas, even if the weather conditions improve. We suppose that it's part of the price to pay, of course, very high, and annoys us big time.

If we were to participate in a Blog contest, surely we would win the most boring award.

Simply, as we tell every day what's going on, and unfortunately nothing is going on, we found ourselves with not much to say. Conclusion: A great party.

We could analyze how tough and challenging is to live in such small space, after so many days and half frozen, but i wouldn't be sure that would go down well on our followers, as you are smart enough to figure it out.

What surely you can't imagine, is about diet made of "Kartenka" hair. I explain:

The super boots that we are wearing are made in Norway and for sure, are the most convenient and adequate for this type of expeditions with such extreme colds and back country skis. But in order to deliver all that performance, they supply them with a kind of heavy-very thick socks of pure black Norwegian wool, which are great, but they have this thing of leaving enormous amounts of hair everywhere...

So, everyday we take our boots and the socks off, we let a cloud of Norwegian sheep hair all over the tent, and subsequently, this annoying hair has the great ability to reach all our cooking elements, pans, the melting snow to cook, our dishes... It is required a lot of attention and intense activity to take  all these bloody ‘Kartenka' hairs finally assuming that from all the consumed calories, there are some coming from this repulsive and annoying additive.

Added to all the miseries we are going through (both mental and physical) inside the tent, at temperatures very wee below zero, you can include now, this disgusting rutine which makes our wait, even worse

We hate Norwegian sheep's!

Albert and Carles phone call, 6th of November at night:

"Today we had light winds but it has been snowing a lot. Snow is not common in the South Pole and we are worrying if its thickness does not freeze we will struggle to make our sledges move.

Tomorrow forecasts are better and weather conditions should improve. Let's believe in that!"

It's the fifth consecutive day we have not been able to go outside our tent because of the wind and snow storms that are hitting as quite badly. But yesterday through our email satellite system we received all the messages you have been sending to our site and that has been of great support and we are extremely grateful to all of you.

One of the several messages was from Andreu Mateu, (personal friend as crazy as Carles and I, who has done, amongst other adventures, the Row of the Atlantic ocean alone), and he was asking about the rescue possibilities during the expedition. So, as we have time, I will try to briefly explain how does this works:

We have an agreement with the North American/Chilean base "Union Glacier" to execute an emergency rescue in case we need it. They are tracking us daily, both through our Yellow Brick System, that you can also experience on our ‘Race Tracker' site, and through daily phone call at 20.00h to check everything is ok.

If they do not get a signal from our Yellow Brick system or have not received a call within 48 hours, the system is triggered automatically.

The rescue is carried out using a light "Twin Otter" airplane that only flies if visibility and wind conditions are sufficient enough to guarantee both flights allowing one more hour to mark the most appropriate landing area.

We have to bear in mind that landing in the Antarctic continent is done manually and if the runway is not clear (always white), the airplane will not land. As an example, if during these last 5 days we had to ask for an emergency rescue, it would have been impossible as visibility and wind conditions were not appropriate.

Another factor to take into account in a rescue of this nature is the economic cost. Weeks before departure we had to sign lots of documents, disclaimers, etc... in order to define all parties responsibilities when securing an emergency rescue, as well as demonstrating we had contracted a personal insurance policy of up to 300.000 US per person in case of medical emergency.

It does not mean that a rescue commands this cost, but it could reach that figure depending of the rescue characteristics (more than one flight to evacuate a group of people, airplane failure or malfunction, airplane rescue, and many more different situations that have to be clear.) We are not covered in case we decide to pull out and quit, for lack of food or any other reason which would cost a lot of money In other words, if we decide to pull out because we gone mad (very possible in these circumstances), we are not sure if it would be considered a medical reason or not, but we quite strongly think that it would not be that case...

In short, if we have health problems, we have secured an emergency rescue evacuation procedure as soon as the plane can flight. And if we are ok we have to resist until the end.

This is one of the major differences in a polar crossing of that nature, whereas in a mountain climb, one always can try and back down, but not in here, where one is always lost in this massive white carpet, and the concept of going down does not exist, and moving forward is the only option as there is no other option.

We just hope that this rescue issue is only dealt from a theoretical point of view and we will carry on calling tp base everyday at 20h to say we are OK and we still have not go mad....

That is it folks, only insist in thank you so much for your comments and support messages. They are free and much more useful than the Twin Otter rescue!!!

Carles and Albert call on the 4th of November:

The combination of wind, snow and fog that are not allowing us to move for 4 days now, is at least, allowing us to focus on our target, and prepare alternative plans if necessary. So far, we are reducing our daily food amounts in case it takes more time that what we had planned.

The only think that we are not considering is to abandon.

Last night Albert's email:

"It has been now three days in our tent. The weather conditions are appalling...wind storms for two days in a row, that have worsened with zero visibility and snowfall making it impossible to move any forward... To get out there in these conditions would have been crazy, we could maybe move 4 to 5 kilometers, but surely we would have suffered frostbites and worse. We have decided to have patience, waiting for a window of good weather. Tomorrow forecasts (according to base), are pretty much the same as the previous days, so it's looking like we are going to stay indoors in our 2 x 0,6meters space for each one of us. 

It is not hat we are demoralized, as this was planned and knew it would eventually happen, and we are used to this sort of situations, but the truth is if that happened after covering 200 or 300 kilometers, our perception would be very different, at least we would know where we stand in terms of possibilities in acceptable conditions. Now, so close to the start, without any possibility to make some progress, we are suffering quite a lot, and start to seriously worry about the chances to meet a realistic for our expedition.

Right now, we are completely unaware of the possible end to this adventure. But be sure that the experience of this blockage at the very beginning, makes it all more complex, much more uncertain, and maybe, (if everything falls into place), much more interesting. In any case, it is a start that will be strongly determining our path during the entire expedition."

Albert and Carles phone call, 2nd November at night:

"Today we have woken up with less wind than the previous two days. We had our breakfast and get our sledges ready leaving the tent the last thing to do.

As time went by, the wind increased to the extent of having to get back inside the tent.

We had hopes that it would decrease and stayed with our technical apparel on for a few hours, but unfortunately we have not been able to leave.

Another lost day, let's hope we are not going to lose many more"

It's been three days now that we formally started, and I mean formally as we are not that sure that we have started it.

So far we have moved 20 kilometers and we are struggling big time!

On Sunday we started late and advanced 9 kilometers and on Monday, as explained on the previous post, with a Wind chill factor of -35-40º, the sastruguis and a very complicated zone with crevices, would only allow us to cover another 10 kilometers.

Carles has confessed he has never found such extreme conditions; neither in Greenland or crossing the Baltic Sea.

During Tuesday night the Katabatic wind dangerously intensified and stayed that way during the morning. We have decided to wait in order to avoid any possible frostbite until 16h when climate conditions improve, but it was already too late to get going.

At present time is difficult to say we are in good spirits as the start of this expedition it's becoming very hard and complicated and we do not know if it's going to be like that all the time.

Now we understand why no Spanish expedition has crossed the South Pole unsupported. It is not the same to carry 70 or 90 Kg. than 130.

Now we understand why it's so valuable to start from the coast as the first section is one of the hardest possible routes.

Now we understand why many people that want to feel the sensation of reaching the South Pole, do it from degree 89: they reach the Pole covering only 112 Kilometers on a flat surface and with no need to carry much material.

Now we understand why this adventure is considered as one of the most demanding, both physically and mentally: In here, daily effort is at its maximum, the cold, extreme, and the inconveniences of living in these conditions, multiple.

We expect the wind to ease tomorrow and be back on track.

In any case, don't worry, despite this chronicle transmitting a negative sensation, we are happy to be here, intensively experimenting the isolation and adapting to such hostile nature.

Will write and send photos every time we can, but we talk everyday to Maria and Montse and they update the web.

Albert and Carles phone call the early of the 1st of November:

"On Sunday 31st of October we iniciated our journey with delay because of the bad weather and with only 9,25 Km. progress in three hours.

We already expected that we would have a very though job ahead of us. Strong winds against us are common and they will be with us at least for the next 400 Km. that we have left until we reach a massive plateau at 3.000 metres.

So far is hard to mount and dismount our tent. The strong wind gusts makes it incredibly difficult and time consuming.

Monday the 31^st was even worse, We only moved 10 Km. in 6 hours with a height difference of 300 meters.

In the steep slopes we moved first together one sledge and the other one. We overturned a few times because the terrain is sometimes abrupt and there is also little ice waves called SASTRUGUIS making a very unstable progress again, with strong wind gusts windward.

In a nutshell: If this carries on like that, we will spend a good two months!!

After sleeping for the first time in our tent and reaching temperatures inside of -22ºC at night we have spent the day working very hard at Union Glacier Base Camp organizing all the material and its placement on our sledges.

We have spent most of the morning doing that as well as last minute adjustments with our sealskins, batteries  and electrical equipment protection from the cold temperatures, making videos and photographs to send to the media prior our departure, etc...

During the afternoon, we did some training and equipment testing in real conditions with our fully packed sledges (weight and size). The good news is we have been able to move these monster sledges for a couple of hours with a great feeling on our return to the tent!! But the truth is, if you think of it, it's serious stuff to pull those things for 1.180 Km. As for now, it looks quite difficult, but we are sure, as we move forward we will feel more confident we can make it.

A good thought on that front is that we mostly carry food (around 85 Kg. per sledge), and every time we eat, the lighter the sledge will become.

Hopefully tomorrow ( Sunday, 30th ) if the weather does not change, will fly in a "twin otter" around 9 in the morning towards the Antarctic coast, at Hercules Inlet Bay where finally our adventure will start and advance around 10 to 15 Km. as first adaptation stage.

At Hercules Inlet Bay we will share a "toast" with all of you with one of the Estrella DAMM biers that we are taking with us in order to celebrate the goals that we are setting up during the expeditions.

After all the uncertainty with the scheduled flight until the last minute we have been able to flight to Antarctica. We had several chances to fly according last night report. They would pick us up today at 7h but at 6h30 bad news again and it seemed we would have to stay again in Punta Arenas. Finally at 8h10 we had a phone call telling us to be ready in 15 minutes!

We got to the airport still with no confirmation as the weather offered a very small window to fly and it seemed it would get worse. The final decision was taken after passing the passport control area.

Luckily it took a 4hour flight with tailwind to get us to our destination, normally it would have taken 4h30 minutes.

Once in Antarctica, we have had a welcome temperature of -20ºC, and when we got our material and test our tent we were already at -28ªC. The base crew told us that the temperature last night reached -37ºC, all in all, a great start and a very fast acclimatization to extreme temperatures...

Our intentions are to dedicate the whole of tomorrow (Saturday 29th) to prepare all materials and fit them in the sledges, and try it on site to check for a few hours that everything works fine, and to shoot some footage in order to send it Barcelona for TV purposes as we will not be able to send any videos, only photographs.If everything goes according to plan, we will sleep in the coast if they take us on Sunday first thing in the morning and start our adventure the same day.

After a delay of 6 extra days, it seems that everything is going to focus better, and may even be that we begin the journey within the range of dates estimated.

We're super motivated, we feel perfect, we have all the illusion of the world, and we have everything ready.

Yesterday we were 6 hours in the logistics warehouse preparing all our material to be transported to Antarctica. We reduced many things that initially we had planned to bring, but even so, we are in a 130Kg. weight for each. Surely once in the Union Glacier base, we can still cut some weight.  And believe us that have the right materials we had to work hard and  make some very important decisions, and of great importance for the future of humanity, such as: How many packets of tea we take?; more freeze-dried lentils or more pasta?; will we have enough with 15 or 20 lighters?, etc. ... and the most crucial of all (no joke): The toilet paper we take ... we have calculated 1.5 stools per day, for a maximum of 55 days at the equivalent of two handkerchiefs of paper per service ... From here, you can do your own calculations.

Starting tomorrow (if we fly, of course), we enter the key phase of the project. And we will make every effort to ensure that all those who want to follow us on the web, will find it updated.

We carry satellite phones (Iridium-Fibertel), geolocation system on-line (Race Tracker - Yellowbrick), and a computer ... with the corresponding solar panels and batteries so that we can charge everything. But everything should be designed to be able to be carried without assuming too much volume and weight, and therefore, we have limited communications. In this situation, we have organized the comms as follows:

- In real time you can see our evolution through RACE TRACKER system on this website.

- Daily we will inform by satellite phone, and Maria and Montse will update the site with the main facts of the day.

- Two or three times a week we will write a text from the tent, and send it by satellite to be posted on the website.

- Wherever we can we will send photos (though not excessive because they weigh so much to send them through the satellite system that we have)

- Every 3 days all messages you have left us on the Website, will be pasted in a document to be sent by a satellite directly to your computer. Therefore, we can read all your comments, which will fill us with a lot of energy and we will greatly appreciate.

So hopefully the next release on this website will be transmitted from the wonderful Antarctic continent. Since tomorrow, when you will go to bed, you can imagine that you have us in your freezer, sleeping among the Haagen Daz and the frozen beans.

Thank you, thank you very much for follow us. Sharing this experience with you is one of the best parts of this adventure.

Here we are, burning hours in Punta Arenas, living a lazy live between the hostel, the burguers, some short walks, some sporadic joggings and reading everything that we can have in front of us.

Anyway, slowly, some things are progressing.

On the one hand, we finally got the material we had sent by Cargo from Barcelona. It should have been hear the 14^th., and finally we have recieved it today. If our Antarctic flight had not been delayed, we would have had a serious problem.

On the other hand it is continuing the uncertainty over the time, and forecasts are delaying the flight. Now the first window of good weather is expected for next Friday the 28th, but still not entirely clear, and it appears that Saturday will be complicated again. This is a key point for us, as we have assigned the flight number 2, when the flight number 1 still has not flown. If the weather is  good enough, one flight can go after the other, but always with an interval of 24 hours to have time to go, to come back, and to give time to rest for the pilots. Consequently it could happen that there would be fligth number 1 on Friday, and to be delayed again for our flight (number 2).

Anyway, we are making intense efforts to be included in flight number 1 ... and we have quite good feelings on that. On Thursday we'll know ...

But at the moment we have to pull from one of the key virtues that are required in Antarctica: Patience. In this remote environment, everything is uncertain and approximate. You never know will be possible to be done the next day. And the first example of this is that despite having the Transantarctic flight scheduled for Saturday 22^nd. poor weather conditions have postponed it at least until next Monday 24^rd. or Tuesday 25^th.

However, this delay doesn't mean bad news for us, but it has a clear positive reading: So if the plane could fly on Saturday, we could not be on it, because we have not yet received the key material we need (Sledge, skis, tent, stoves, food, etc..), that we sent by freight shipment on October 4^th. It should have arrived here on the 15^th., but various bureaucratic problems, logistical and geological, have prevented it so far.

Yes, yes ... we were not wrong to say we have had "geological"  problems, because the latter reason that has delayed the truck that brings our cargo from Santiago Chile to Punta Arenas, has been due to the eruption of Caulle Volcano. This has been in eruption for about 3 months, and occasionally emit a lot of ash causing significant visibility problems, and doing that, as in this case have been closed the mountain port Cardenal Somore, where our transport came through. The latest news is that the truck has already been passed, and we'll have the material with us on Sunday afternoon, with the expectation of being able to load it in the Antarctic flight in order to take off on Monday or Tuesday.

Therefore, despite having been very busy making final preparations for the past two days, we now expect many quiet forced waiting hours until we can fly. The good news is that we aim to gain weight and accumulate as much fat in our body as possible; and in Punta Arenas there are some good restaurants. So the next steake and the next beer, will go for you following on this website.

Today we fly to Chile, where it marks the beginning of the journey that has to take us route to Punta Arenas to the Antarctic Base of UNION GLACIER, to accompany us ashore in a small plane about October 25^th./30^th., in order to start this expedition to the South Pole.

Everything is ready, we are all set, and we are at the gate to make a great dream to become real, in which we have invested tons of work, stress, anxiety and excitement.

Now we have the final part of the challenge, which will focus one of the most extreme and remote trips that can be performed on our planet. In the picture you can see a simulation of the route we will follow from the antarctic coast to the South Pole. Just seeing this virtual image is impressive. If you get tired of seeing it on your computer, imagine it on foot, without any assistance, and extreme temperatures.

We encourage you to go follow the adventure through this webpage. We will make all possible efforts to inform promptly and keep it updated.

We believe that even we will be in the most remote place in the world, we will be more connected to each other with you all than ever.

Thanks in advance for your energy and your support.

- TVE: TELEDEPORTE

- BTV: INFORMATIUS

- TVE: INFORMATIU MIGDIA

- CATALUNYA RADIO (Sports news al along the day)

- COM RADIO (Program Sergi Mas)

Now that party has definitely begun, and it has also started the countdown to leave for Chile and make final preparations for the start of the adventure.

- LOGO: We already have the official logo of the Expedition.

- SPONSORS: Next Tuesday we sign the last agreement of sponsorship and we have to prepare the application of logos and other graphic arts of the project.

- COMMUNICATIONS: Almost ready. This week the Web will be finished, press action ready, graphics, etc ...

- PRESENTATION: The official launch will be next Tuesday October 4^th. at the Sports Museum (Museum Colet) in Barcelona. This week we will officially inform on the web and to the press and fans.

- SLEDGE: One of the key elements and has been more difficult to find, has just arrived. A bug of 2.10 meters, made of kevlar, with only 4.3 kg weight, and manufactured in Norway. You can see it in the photos.

- PERMITS AND DOCUMENTATION: Everything ready about the bureaucratic aspect. A key point enormously complex in the case that concerns us is.

Although we have some very intense days ahead, we are convinced that the project is very controlled at the level of planning. I state categorically that this has been the most complex event I have ever organized ... much more than a Dakar or a 8,000 meters peak.  In such a challenge, uncertainty and problems are a constant,; for this reason what you should do is, at least, make every attempt to control everything in our hands, and be ready when the before the troubles come up in the road.

Now the countdown stars to the beginning of the adventure!

Working in a regular temperature range from -10°C to -30ºC, with peaks around -5ºC and bottoms around -45 º C, with frequent ultra violent winds, very demanding lightness requirements and ease of mass movement, has driven us to choose the quality and functionality of the products GRIFONE.

Note that this here is a little difference from an expedition to a 8.000m. peak.  In a high mountain, there are few moments that require maximum performance with respect to the equipment of the climbers, but instead in an environment like Antarctica, this requirement is constant for 100% of the hours that lasts the entire expedition. So choosing well this section is a fundamental step towards the success of the project and about the health of their players.

On Monday at 6 pm I was operated in the Hospital General of Vic, and on Tuesday at the same time they sent me home. Everything was perfect. The doctor, the anesthesiologist and nurses at the hospital, were all very friendly, efficient and comprehensive to my situation (completely healthy patient), and the reasons of my decision. Sincere thanks to all them.

Now a few days of active rest with caution, and soon come back to normal life.  I still must wait 10 days to start training again.

The truth is that when they took me on a stretcher to the operating room, and I was there with the entire medical team and the anesthesiologist in the foreground, I thought I was crazy to be in such a situation for entirely voluntary reasons.  But now it is done, I'm very happy.  I thought about it for a long time in order to avoid the risk which has led to very severe problems and even death to some alpinists and extreme activities practitioners, and I have the feeling of having done their homework to face the great challenge I have ahead.

Being physically prepared when a project involves effort and risk, is not only training, but also to prepare the body to meet the extreme conditions to be found, and not to give any kind of problem that in such a remote environment could become serious.

Obviously it would have been much easier not to operate myself. But we rarely can achieve really interesting goals in life based only on criteria of comfort an easy decisions.

So: Good bye appendix ... now I can have a lot of problems in the South Pole or some other remote places, but at least it's sure I will not die from an appendicitis.

I don't have any pain, I am perfectly healthy, and I have not any symptom that can worry me.

Although it seems crazy, la lot of people who does extreme activities have done it as a prevention action:  Ocean sailors, workers at oil platforms, alpinists, astronauts, etc... and, obviously, expeditionary, workers or scientists staying for long periods at the Antarctica.

I have it in mind since some years ago, and I have some few nearby cases which died or were very near to die due to a peritonitis (when it inflames and exploits the appendix ).

Despite the Probabilities that are little, our Expedition involves many days of exposure to this risk, and if were evacuated, the media time is from 2 to 4 days... and with a peritonitis, you die in that time! And with the adventures I have in mind for next years, I would be in similar situations quiet soon.

Although it may seem the contrary, I do not like the risk itself.  I love ambitious projects and some time extreme projects, and that means sometimes having to assume risk to achieve them.  But everything that can be under control, is better to anticipate... after, once in the middle of the war, we will have to manage our resources  to over come some critical situations.

Those adventure projects require a great commitment in a lot of ways.

And as always, the theory is very nice, but is what counts: On Monday I enter the operating room, I operate with total anesthesia, I'll be several days in the hospital, and a couple of quiet weeks without training... Mamma: I'm afraid!!

Broadly, the main figures of the project are:

- 2 Persons

- Total self-sufficiency during the expedition

- Duration: approximately 45 days, although we take food for 65

- Distance: 1,200 km. From Hercules Point (Antarctica Coast) to the South Pole

- Start: Calculated around October 28^th./31^st.

- Arrival South Pole: We expect between December 13/16

- Transport: Only skis and sleds for the load. Expressly refused wings (Kites), for not having any help except our own capacities.

- Temperature: Between -5ºC and -45ºC

- First Catalans to do the whole trip (Sea-South Pole), and first Spanish unsupported.

The few expeditions that face similar challenges in Antarctica, use to start up from mid-November, when the austral summer is more consolidated. We will move the start date, dealing in the initial phase with even more extreme negative temperatures, to try to reach the South Pole around December 14^th. and match the exact day that will be 100 years since the Norwegian Roald Admunsen became the first man to reach this point, December 14^th. 1911. It will be our way to commemorate one of the big challenges achieved by men in the exploration history.

Antarctica is the coldest, most remote, driest and windiest continent on the earth. It is an immense desert of ice where, except for the coast, does not live absolutely any animal. At the same time is an area incredibly special, extremely beautiful, totally pure, almost spiritual. One of the few places in the world where you can not go just by paying money, and that can only be appreciated if you focus a spirit of challenge, discovery and absolute connection with the environment and the vastness it represents and conveys.

I will share the adventure with Carles Gel, alpinist, recognized mountaineering guide, writer of mountain guides and books, and with extensive experience in polar expeditions: Crossing Greenland, the Baltic Sea (in winter and solo), Lake Inari and Tornesträsk lake.

The project has a large team of people to coordinate the tasks of support from Barcelona, ​​both in the field of logistics, security, communications and media. This team is led by Oliver Vallès, as manager/project coordinator, and a key piece of it, very involved since the beginning in managing the search for sponsors.

And on a personal side, as always, I count with three secret weapons: my friend and partner Rafael Galán, a key player in all this project, and a great factor of motivation and confidence in both the personal and professional sides. Members of my work team in INVERGROUP that give me support and manage everything with total efficiency, which allows me to be out during this time. And my family, my emotional sponsor, which shares a vital project that combines affection, responsibility and adventure, and that is my absolute basis, from which I can afford to dream and to face all kinds of challenges.

We have been working for over a year, since large projects are not improvised, and it is necessary to match many factors to deal with this kind of challenge. Finally we have the basics closed, although we still have much work to finalize a lot of details, that ultimately, will be key factors for the success of the project and to avoid potentially fatal risks during the expedition. Here there is no organization that prepares or facilitates the event, there are no rules, no assistance, no help beyond what we can prepare ourselves and what we will be able to manage once down there . This challenge is a clear example of why we call this "Adventure" and not "Sport." Here, more than ever, we see that sport is only a tool to focus a project that requires a commitment far beyond the purely physical side: Getting the financing, organizing the logistics, planning, strategy and be prepared to overcome some certain obstacles and take a number of risks that are not present in other organized sports, no matter how physically demanding they are.

During the first week of October we will officially launch the project. From there we will have a dedicated website for following this adventure. Meanwhile (and also throughout the expedition), you can follow up all the preparations and the adventure itself, in this web page.

Here is the next great adventure that we have been preparing for a long time: An expedition that will take us across the Antarctica, from the sea to the South Pole, with only two people without any assistance, coinciding with the centenary of the arrival of the first man to the South Pole.

Broadly, the main figures of the project are:

- 2 Persons

- Total self-sufficiency during the expedition

- Duration: approximately 45 days, although we take food for 65

- Distance: 1,200 km. From Hercules Point (Antarctica Coast) to the South Pole

- Start: Calculated around October 28^th./31^st.

- Arrival South Pole: We expect between December 13/16

- Transport: Only skis and sleds for the load. Expressly refused wings (Kites), for not having any help except our own capacities.

- Temperature: Between -5ºC and -45ºC

- First Catalans to do the whole trip (Sea-South Pole), and first Spanish unsupported.

The few expeditions that face similar challenges in Antarctica, use to start up from mid-November, when the austral summer is more consolidated. We will move the start date, dealing in the initial phase with even more extreme negative temperatures, to try to reach the South Pole around December 14^th. and match the exact day that will be 100 years since the Norwegian Roald Admunsen became the first man to reach this point, December 14^th. 1911. It will be our way to commemorate one of the big challenges achieved by men in the exploration history.

Antarctica is the coldest, most remote, driest and windiest continent on the earth. It is an immense desert of ice where, except for the coast, does not live absolutely any animal. At the same time is an area incredibly special, extremely beautiful, totally pure, almost spiritual. One of the few places in the world where you can not go just by paying money, and that can only be appreciated if you focus a spirit of challenge, discovery and absolute connection with the environment and the vastness it represents and conveys.

I will share the adventure with Carles Gel, alpinist, recognized mountaineering guide, writer of mountain guides and books, and with extensive experience in polar expeditions: Crossing Greenland, the Baltic Sea (in winter and solo), Lake Inari and Tornesträsk lake.

The project has a large team of people to coordinate the tasks of support from Barcelona, ​​both in the field of logistics, security, communications and media. This team is led by Oliver Vallès, as manager/project coordinator, and a key piece of it, very involved since the beginning in managing the search for sponsors.

And on a personal side, as always, I count with three secret weapons: my friend and partner Rafael Galán, a key player in all this project, and a great factor of motivation and confidence in both the personal and professional sides. Members of my work team in INVERGROUP that give me support and manage everything with total efficiency, which allows me to be out during this time. And my family, my emotional sponsor, which shares a vital project that combines affection, responsibility and adventure, and that is my absolute basis, from which I can afford to dream and to face all kinds of challenges.

We have been working for over a year, since large projects are not improvised, and it is necessary to match many factors to deal with this kind of challenge. Finally we have the basics closed, although we still have much work to finalize a lot of details, that ultimately, will be key factors for the success of the project and to avoid potentially fatal risks during the expedition. Here there is no organization that prepares or facilitates the event, there are no rules, no assistance, no help beyond what we can prepare ourselves and what we will be able to manage once down there . This challenge is a clear example of why we call this "Adventure" and not "Sport." Here, more than ever, we see that sport is only a tool to focus a project that requires a commitment far beyond the purely physical side: Getting the financing, organizing the logistics, planning, strategy and be prepared to overcome some certain obstacles and take a number of risks that are not present in other organized sports, no matter how physically demanding they are.

During the first week of October we will officially launch the project. From there we will have a dedicated website for following this adventure. Meanwhile (and also throughout the expedition), you can follow up all the preparations and the adventure itself, in this web page.

An "Enhanced eBook" is much more than just an e-book ... this book is greatly expanded. The text content of the book serves as a base to explain and show more things, using all possibilities it allows a last generation tablet.

Apart from the contents of the book present in the paper or electronic version, in the APP version there will be videos of some adventures I've done, some interviews with known entrepreneurs and adventurers, image gallery, links to websites with related content, and a super story that we will record in my next adventure, which will relate the entire project with an adventurous process as described in the book.

Entrepreneurs that are sure to come out in interviews filmed in this version of APP are: Didac Lee (CEO of INSPIRIT, and leading internet entrepreneur). Paco Martin Villanueva (Partner-CEO of MRW). And Xavier Berneda (Director and grandson of the founder of MUNICH).

Extreme sport men that are sure to come out in the interviews are: Nani Roma (Rally-Raid Pilot, and Spanish 1st. Winner of Dakar Rally). Anna Corbella (Extreme Navigator, 6^th. in the BWR-Barcelona World Race, being the 1st female crew to finish the race). And Ferran Latorre (specialist climber in the Himalayas, has summited seven 8 thousands meters peaks, and aims to complete the 14)

Among the expanded content of the book, accompanying documents and the testimonies of all these entrepreneurs and adventurers, next February you will be able to learn more about the 7 key challenges of an entrepreneurial and proactive attitude in life: Learn to live in Uncertainty , Managing Risk, The balance between Success and Failure, Loneliness, Ambition, Intuition and Good Luck.

We've been working for one year. But however much we worked and planned the last moments before the critical moment of the final decision, they are always extremely intense. The two partners featured in this challenge, and our project manager and responsible for sponsorship, Oliver Vallès, we have had a few crazy weeks of negotiating with the companies that will give us financial support, preparing the logistics and providing all the essential elements of material, permits, communication, etc., that we will take. Next Tuesday 9 we have a key meeting where everything must be determined and focused. A meeting where we'll throw a coin to see if it falls on the side of the face or side of the cross ... but we took this coin to an artisan to tune it, in order to have 95% chance to get out "face ".

Now it comes the moment of truth. We are nervous.  We are full of emotions.  We are expecting a huge work to do.  I realize once more, that if one hopes to "be able" to realize the great projects he wants to do in life, he will almost never get it. One has to "want" them, whatever the circumstances. The circumstances must be adapted to the big challenges,  and not vice versa. The environment will never offer in a silver platter the necessary conditions to do the full range of our objectives. We are the ones we have to take risks, be bold and at the same time, a bit innocent, to dominate or to focus on the environment so that we can move forward toward our goals.

We are now in an extremely complicated business period in general, and for me this factor has been one of the points that are weighing me to take the final decision. But I have the great fortune to have with me a very committed team of professionals, efficient and enthusiastic, which gives me an almost unconditional support.  We all know the Handicaps will involve the risk and time to be facing this adventure, but we all are fully confident that we have the necessary skills as a team to work perfectly well without me for a period. Yesterday I met with my partner Rafael Galán, and I gave me not only support, but showed me his absolute conviction that this project should be done, and that our structure and our professional project are absolutely prepared and controlled to disconnect from me for some time I make a new crazy adventure in some remote location. So I have to say that with a team like this, and some partners such as Rafael, I have to be full of confidence to face great challenges.

I hope we can explain the 'official' final decision very soon, and show the concrete adventure that is all this mess. I promise very intense emotions!

It is titled "Work Team or Committed Group," and you can read the entire content (in spanish) at the section "Publications/Articles" of this website.

For anyone interested in issues of personal development, leadership and knowledge management in general, I suggest him to visit the website of the mentioned magazine, or to subscribe to the paper version ... You will discover a really interesting content.

The reason is simple: I had a few days totally overworked, which has joined an intense management to close the main sponsors for the expedition we have planned for later this year. Working hard never scared me, but the accumulation of problems that we have these days has surpassed me, sucked me strength, and even gave me the feeling of heartache when I went to do the minimum training.

Conclusion: I don't feel able to do an extreme effort, running 100km. Non Stop with 6,000 m. of positive slope. I always thought that both injury prevention and in terms of energy management, we must learn to listen to our body, and push hard, but also being able to resign when it's necessary.

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of an organization to which I belongs since 21 years, is a pride. Check that this entity has provided many values ​​and positive things  to our society by promoting, defending and promoting the figure of the young entrepreneur, is a great satisfaction. And having the highest authorities of the country to celebrate it, is a wonderful price for the event.

Apart from Prince Felipe and Princess Leticia, they accompanied us: the President of the Generalitat de Catalunya, the Catalan Minister of Employment, the Minister of Culture, the Mayor of Barcelona, ​​the President of the CEOE, the President of the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce The President of Fomento del Trabajo, and the Secretary of State for commerce. Such a luxury presence is an important recognition of our organisation, and to all the presidents, board members and the members in general, who have worked very hard for so long time. An example of how civil society can contribute a lot to the rest of the community, either through their dreams, hobbies or professions.

The presence and support of the royal house may be a debatable issue for many people. Some are really in favor; others totally against; and many, including myself, will see many positive things (especially for the communication and category of the event), but also will show some doubts about whether or not to be so close to the values ​​and goals that they represent.

But either way, the truth is that these guys were absolutely professional, respectful and friendly, and created a huge expectation for  attracting authorities and media, unparalleled in the history of our association.

I enjoyed a lot, and just at the time of the personalized greetings from the princes to the members of the board and ex-presidents of AIJEC (I am the president of the section AIJEC PLUS, members of more than 40 years), I started in super funny conversation with Princess Leticia, which generated considerable excitement among the audience: She asked me quite a lot for my adventures, and seeing all what I have done, and realizing that necessarily I have to be some time away from home, she asked if I had children. Then, I told her that I had three, 7, 9 and 11 years old.... and she literally said "You have really crazy" ... and obviously this made starting a riff-raff of jokes and comments between her and me which made us laugh a lot. Later I had to introduce her to my wife, because she thought I was a selfish male, and she was a Santa bitter. Then Maria and me, we put clear to her that all lifestyles can be right or bad, and that there is no set formula for happiness in the couple, and that what counts is the result and the degree of complicity, support and love between the two . And spending some time out each year is obviously a sacrifice, but well managed, has many advantages and can do (as I believe it is our case), the union of the couple much stronger than being really bored together for 365 days per year, being, as we are energetic and lively people... Let's see if Leticia will wish to escape occasionally from the golden cage where he lives, willing to spend time to live places and emotions very intensely with complete freedom. I obviously would give her all my energy and moral support ... life is too interesting to live always in a totally predictable and organized way, isn't it?

If you like extreme races, or just for enjoying great images and special emotions, do not fail to see the video: CLICK TO SEE THE VIDEO

We still do not have it 100% decided, because we are finishing the fight to close the sponsorship necessary to cover the budget for this important project, but our intention would be to leave in late October to start the trip in early November, to focus one of the most extreme adventures that can be done in our times: Crossing the Antarctic continent from the coast to the South Pole in total self-sufficiency and without any artificial aid (as might be kites). This would allocate between 45 and 50 days to cover the 1,200 km along the most extrem track  that you could imagine.

Enjoy the article and hope to be able to officially confirm quite soon for the completion of this expedition.

At a time when uncertainty is the law, together with the complaints, all kind of problems, and most people lives dominated by pessimism, fear and concern for the future, it's great to see that there are many people (and mostly young), that rather than complain, have decided to devote his energy to face the future positively, and not to expect that the circumstances are perfect to find or create the right opportunities.

It is the fifth time I act as a speaker at this event (formerly under the name "Entrepreneur Day"), in this 12th edition has proven to be well established, having been a pioneer both in Catalonia and Spain. This time l gave a lecture in the morning, and I participated in a meeting of investors and projects in the afternoon. The atmosphere was great. In the air we breathed talent, ideas and passion. The exhibition halls were full of people (13,300 visitors in total) eager to work to go ahead with their projects, or to find inspiration, contacts and advice appropriate to embark on the adventure.

It's amazing to discover the enormous amount of existing or potential entrepreneurs in our house, and is a clear hope for the future to see that not everyone will want to spend many key years in their lives waiting  to be offered a dream job with all the benefits and safety they would like, but unfortunately neither the business nor society in general has the ability to provide sufficient quantity or quality.

I think the future will be "Entrepreneur" for two basic reasons:

1) Because we need many entrepreneurs to face the future. If they pursue to realize their projects with great enthusiasm, effort and risk, they will create value for all our society.

2) Because in such a complex environment, who wants to be happy and self developed, must preferently have a clear 'Entrepreneur Spirit' in all facets of their lives, such as personal, professional or business.

If you want to see a VideoNews published at the online newspaper LA VANGUARDIA, where I'm acting as a Business Angel in a Speed Dating session,  CLICK HERE

A great tour around the king of the Pyrenees, passing through seven different valleys: Benasque, Ballibierna, Llosa, Llauset, Barrabés, Nere and Lin Artiga. Its highest points are the Ballibierna Col of 2,728 meters, the Port de Vielha of 2,442 meters, and the Port of Picada of 2,477 meters.

Another big challenge, and a good training to prepare another "really huge" event at the end of the year, which I hope to announce in mid-July if we have it completely closed and confirmed.

BIZ BARCELONA BIZ has born from the merger of the Entrepreneur's Day the HIT Barcelona, becoming a major event that focuses education, inspiration, solutions, globalization, finance, business creation, business growth, innovation, and energy of more than 12,000 entrepreneurs.

My presentation will be on Wednesday 15^th. at 13h, entitled "Spirit of Adventure, The 7 Challenges of the Entrepreneur "

Attendance is free. An excellent chance that you may participate in an event where many active people converge concerned with content, services and proposals that will surprise you.

You can find more information on the official website: http://www.bizbarcelona.com/

I participate in a promotional video of the event. To view it: CLICK HERE (Third Video on the site)

I attach the original text of the article:

"Vaya por delante que por convicción y por profesión soy firme partidario de las energías renovables.  Y por ello estoy especialmente decepcionado por la errática política energética desplegada por nuestro gobierno.

Estemos a favor o en contra de las renovables, es indiscutible que nuestros líderes políticos son los campeones de Europa, si no mundiales, en planificar mal y ejecutar peor un tema tan clave para cualquier sociedad desarrollada como es la Energía.

En un momento concreto parecía que nos situábamos en una posición destacada en el ámbito mundial de productores de tecnología para diferentes tipos de energías renovables.  Pero como nos ocurre demasiado a menudo en nuestra historia, todo era un espejismo.

Por un lado, en España en general, con las inciertas políticas respecto a las renovables y muy especialmente en el caso de las Fotovoltaicas; y por otro lado, en Catalunya en concreto, en otros tantos casos como puede ser la reciente gran chapuza del mapa eólico catalán, nos han demostrado una vez más los que mandan, que por mucho que se llenen la boca de buenas intenciones y programas grandilocuentes, son unos nefastos estrategas, unos pésimos negociadores para consensuar políticas estables y de futuro, y unos gestores desastrosos para desarrollar sus propios compromisos.

El oportunismo, la demagogia, el corto plazo, la tramitación lenta y cara, la incertidumbre legal, y los cambios constantes de política han sido la norma en el sector. Se ha destruido empleo, se ha dinamitado la confianza de inversores e industrias nacionales e internacionales, se ha frenado el desarrollo de energías no dependientes del Uranio, el carbón o el petróleo, y se han incumplido compromisos adquiridos por España a nivel mundial y europeo.

No es de extrañar que en este caso concreto, como en muchos otros a nivel económico o industrial, los brotes verdes siempre crezcan en países como Alemania.  Allí sí tienen una estrategia clara y sostenible a largo plazo a nivel energético.  Allí sí se ha continuado creciendo de forma constante en energías renovables durante la última década, e incluso ahora en época de crisis. Allí sí conseguirán en muy poco tiempo reducir drásticamente la dependencia de energías altamente contaminantes y provenientes de países muy inestables.  Allí sí aprovecharan un importante desarrollo tecnológico, una potente industria y la creación de muchos puestos de trabajo.  Allí sí que alcanzarán un amplio desarrollo en un tema tan clave, convirtiéndolo en un negocio próspero para todo el país, tanto a nivel económico, como a nivel social y medioambiental.

¿De verdad podemos permitirnos depender totalmente de la energía exterior,  desaprovechando talento y economía productiva, mientras no nos importa si contaminamos más o menos para poder encender la bombilla de nuestra casita?"

After becoming close friends with my fellow climbers, and have connected a lot with all members of the support group that came to get to the Base Camp after we reached the top, I was in Colombia a few weeks ago to reconnect with them, and to know the country, and present their book on the expedition to Everest, and my "Spirit of Adventure - The 7 challenges of entrepreneurship"

All this has increased my romance with Colombia, a place where I think I'll be very connected for friendship, sports, culture and, if I can, other business, for a long time.

Right now, my book is doing very well there. And just this week, Juan Pablo Ruiz, our expedition leader on Everest, and until recently working as a director of the World Bank, wrote about the content treated in it, in his weekly column in the newspaper "El Espectador", leading the Colombian press.  TO SEE THE TEXT: CLICK HERE.  Even some other newspapers have written about the book during the last months, I'm specially proud of this article.

I advise everyone to go and know this wonderful country now that the issue of insecurity is already controlled, and still is very unknown for the big tourism. Discover a well-educated, kind and hardworking society; a very emerging economy; and an area of exceptional beauty with a variety of landscapes and climates, as it touches the Pacific and the Caribbean, is forest, savannas and Andean peaks over 5,000 meters . In short: A treasure!

Under the intense advocacy and awareness of entrepreneurship among young Catalans, Maresme delegation of the Independent Young Entrepreneurs Association of Catalonia (AIJEC) organizes a monthly meeting/lunch with an entrepreneur with outstanding career and/or any peculiarity, to share experiences and learnings with the audience.

In the same cycle of these acts called " Entrepreneurship Meeting at Maresme", they have previously been invited:

- Francisco Martin Villanueva, Partner and Managing Director of MRW, a leading company in Express Shipping.

- Didac Lee: Managing Partner&Director of INSPIRIT, a high growing Technology Business Group.

- Cristian Rovira: Partner and CEO of the SIFU GROUP, No. 1 company in Spain in number of employees with disabilities.

- Mª.Carme Bufí Planas: President and Director of the Industrial Group EUROQUÍMICA, and Winner of the price 'Woman Entrepreneur - CMN 2007'

For more information and registration: CLICK HERE

During the talk I'll do a review of my more prominent activities, while making a discussion on the difference between pure sport and adventure as a way of  approach to really demanding challenges.

When one speaks of adventure, despite being a risky and interpretable word,  must be taken into account that it goes far beyond sport. Normal sport requires a lot of training, discipline and effort, but is far from the commitment required for any ambitious adventure. When you run a marathon, for example, you must have trained hard, obviously, but if you fail or have a major problem, you stop and simply go home. Instead, to make an adventure project, besides having trained hard physically, one has to get together a large budget, it is very complex to organize logistics required, requires a special mental strength and, above all, really takes many risks. In this case the failure or big problems can be really serious, and go far beyond the fact of having achieved or not the objective.

I consider myself an sport man, but through the sport I have proposed, from long ago, go into a much larger and expansive level, that exaggerated or not, strictly or not, I have called "Adventure" ... and this is what I will share with whoever comes next Thursday to Girona.

A good attendance and media, and an incomparable environment as the most important fair of the sector in our country have been an ideal opportunity to formally launch this project, which must lead us to fight for the final podium places in the overall Rally-Raid Spanish Championship, having in all the team areas, at least 50% of members with severe disabilities.

The first round of the Spanish championship will run on 11^th. and 12^th. of June and will be a first step to meet in July, the legendary Baja Aragon.

A nice event for landscapes, tracks and shared environment both during the race and in the hotels during the 3 days.

But also a very hard race, not only for the distance and the uphill, but because being always strictly following the coastline means continually facing small or large ups and downs, which left our muscle destroyed.

As a summary, I will say that the first stage, the shortest, was very fast because it was shared with runners participating only one day; and the heat was terrible with a high humidity content. The second stage was the hardest by the steady and sharp drop all the way, with a strong heat in the morning and very heavy rain late in the afternoon, that caught us 12km. from the finish line.  And the last stage with the same distance as the second, with very pleasant temperature level, but with strong face winds, and accusing the effort of the previous days.

I eventually finished on 24 of 175 runners at the starting line. Quite happy with the outcome and for having an intense workout ahead of other goals, while expending a great weekend.

My congratulations for the organization for the excellent race the have mounted, and his extreme kindness and care of every detail. I suggest anyone who likes running, to do at least once this "little adventure".

On Sunday we will finish in Portbou, in a stage of the same Km and ascent of the second one (approx.)

For me this ultra means doing my particular celebrating for the first anniversary of summiting Mt.Everest. On Tuesday, 17^th. it will be exactly one year that I was seeing the world from its highest point (8,848 meters), and 12 months later I am doing again a little challenge from '0' feet ... near home, in a great and magical place, and touching the sea. A total pleasure, because here I come only to enjoy, because we need to stay fit and do a big effort, but we do not really suffer and, above all, we don't take any risk.

Today we are proud to announce you the NO HANDICAP TEAM, which will be officially presented at Barcelona's International Car Fair, next Wednesday may 18^th.

This team has the special feature that will be composed in all the parts (Driving, Mechanics, Organization, etc.), by a minimum of 50% of members with a sever disability, but which will fight for the absolute podium in the Spanish Rally-Raid Championship, showing that our limits or handicaps are always coming from our attitude, and not from our circumstances.

Pep Busquets has a huge background as a pilot who always has driven with his hands because he uses a wheel chair. He was on the year 2000 the first disabled in the history to finish the hardest motor race in the world: The Dakar.  And now, four years after his last Dakar, he will race again at the maximum level.

With the obvious lieadership of Pep, the Team will have as promoters and Team Managers, with Albert Bosch (Pep's Copilot in Dakar 2000), and Rafael Galán (His Team Manager in Dakars 2006 i 2007).  But we also have received the key support of a lot of other people or corporations. The main ones are:  Foundation Sifu Group, Driving Events, HidroHibrid, ARC, IM3, Prorace and InstalGroup.

We say thank you very much to all them, and we invite you to the team presentation, and to know and follow the project at the specific website: www.nohandicapteam.com

Sharing this adventure with Nelson and the entire Colombian team around him has been itself, a fact which fully justifies having done the "7 Summits" project and be continuously investing efforts for organizing all kinds of adventures.

I'm here in Colombia invited to present another book where I've only written the prologue, but of which I feel a full partner: The Epopeya Expedition Everest Without Limits.  And therefore my editorial organized a lot of media interviews for those days.

It turns out that the Bogotá Book Fair is the third largest of all Latin America, just behind that of Mexico and Buenos Aires.

This is the case of the last article in the Economics and Business supplement of the newspaper AVUI last Saturday, where the journalist has written some expressions that are quite accurate to the core of the concept I wanted to convey.

One is the sentence in the title, which says: "The Entrepreneurship is not a job, like Adventure is not a sport." I really think so. Setting up a business involves working a lot, but goes further beyond the level of risk, total commitment, and being an essential part of a project or philosophy of life that exceeds mere fact of working for a living. And the concept of Adventure is usually demanding with certain amount of sport or physical effor, but also goes far beyond the level of commitment, risk, philosophy and complexities and uncertainties of all kinds.

Today, all demanding sport or a little harder than normal, are qualified like adventures, and I think this treatment is too commercial, disproportionate and unwise.

I also like this article, because has captured a detail I always try to convey both at conferences and in interviews, but usually does not impact too much. This is summarized in the following sentence: "The big change of entrepreneurship is on values, which differentiates us and makes us competitive." Making money in business is important, but a true entrepreneur, today, should take into account that the money should be able to be earned by bringing prosperity in different ways: The economic, obviously, but also a benefit for the society and making it with respect to the environment.

Although it is only in Catalan, I am attaching the full interview for anyone who wants to read it.

Despite being very disconnected from the Trial world, thanks being encouraged by my friends from the Moto Club Abadesses, and thanks to the specialized shop NON STOP, who lend me a motor bike, I could participate in the race for the 8^th. Time.  And although I was not trained in this highly technical sport, as I have used a trial motor bike only once since  I participated in the legendary "6 Scotish Days Trial" in 2008, I am very satisfied because I still remember something, and I could end right in the middle of the final ranking (78 out of 165 participants)

Overcoming the magnificent sections of those mountains, driving in a spectacular and very demanding circuit, and enjoy, as is usually normal in this event, all possible climates concentrated in three days (Heat, Cold, Sun, Rain...) is a very strong feeling that, apart from letting have a lot of fun, I have connected absolutely with people and an environment that are part of me since my childhood.

Everything ended with a particularly emotional closing ceremony having dedicated the trophy presentation to tribute the disappeared Richard Pinet, in honor of his person, his widow Vera, and his total dedication to the motorcycle world in general and our particular test, as director and animator since its first edition.

I attach some really cool photos made during these three days by Pep Segalés, good friend and journalist of the magazine "Solo Moto".

This has made some wonderful days both in sporting and contact with nature, the environment and the people of my village. As a veteran pilot said me on Saturday before doing one of the sections: "I'm enjoying as a little child" ... But I have to say that after he say this, while I was flowing with the bike on a trail filled of clay with the vision of a fabulous landscape in front of me, I thought that this expression should not be correct, because the maximum enjoyment doesn't belong only to young children, but we should all save lots of innocence, passion and enthusiasm in order to have the maximum fun very often as "Older Children".

All easter weeks of my life I been in my little town for my association with this race. It began when I was 4 years old, and I have always been connected with it for different reasons: First surprised and admired as a child; then as a control; then participating as a pilot for 7 times; later being part of the organizing comitee in different functions; then 5 years as president of the Moto Club Abadesses and head of the race; and up to day as a collaborator in various tasks ... I've only been away from the trial on one occasion last year, and for a quite justified reason: I was climbing Mt.Everest.

Therefore, this year, due that it didn't mach to any concrete commitment, and thanks to NON STOP shop which lent me a bike, I came again to participate, although I have done very little training in Trial, because since I made the mythical "6 Scottish Days Trial" in 2008, I have only touched a bike 3 times.  I hope to pull from the technique I will remember from when I was more or less good, my fitness, and above all, some caution so as not to hurt me. For me the goal here is just having fun riding a bike and doing sections in a magnificent sections spot areas during these three days, while I remember my days as a Trial and off road pilot, giving me the pleasure of doing an activity also quite physically tired, but where the transport I'm not myself, but is driven by a motor!

I enclose a report about the concept of "Sacrifice" which we recently recorded with the "Valors TV". CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO

After months of dreaming, training and preparing this goal, we have all managed to complete one of the most demanding ultra endurance races. And we all have a pretty good physical condition both at muscle and foot level when compared with the disasters that we have seen these days in the camp of the race.

It's been a week of suffering, pleasure, personal enrichment, to laugh a lot, meet a lot of people around the world, to see beautiful scenery, very intense feelings of living and, above all, to find that was an excellent decision have made this group to participate in such authentic and special event.

The 26th edition of the MDS has been really tough, because the usual complexity of this race, has added a track with lots of dunes and sand or soft soil that made it difficult to move forward; very high temperatures that reached at some stage the 48ºC, and two-day sandstorm that made it difficult both to run for the stage, and make life in camp with the minimum conditions of comfort and hygiene.

At the end of the six stages (7 days) and 250 km we have been classified as follows:

-  Albert Bosch: The 104 with a total time of 35h07'11"

- Quim Tribó: The 105 with the same time that Albert

- Jordi Font: The 289 with a total time of 42h45'21"

- David Saporta: The 305 with a total time of 43h22'50"

- Jose Arimany: The 318 with a total time of 43h48'38"

- Jordi Vila: The 351 with a total time of 44h30'35"

- Cristina Sans: The 355 with a total time of 44h38'18", and 28^th. In the Women ranking (Out of 133)

In terms of Team ranking, SABLES.CAT-1 (Albert, Quim and Jordi Font) has been the 13^th. out of 49. And SABLES.CAT-2 (David, Christina, Jose and Jordi Vila) was on 22^nd. Position.

The first to finish were Quim and Albert, they are running together. Then, Jordi Font was completed a magnificent stage alone, and has shown that long runs are his forte.
The rest of the team arrived almost together, are helping each other, made ​​a long time at night.

This year's edition is very hard compared to the previous years, especially the many stretches of sand that hinder progress and high temperatures, yesterday reached 45 ºC most of the day.

Championship blisters:

• José and Jordi Vila are the champions, have none, their feet clean.

• Albert and Quim have any but unimportant and for the moment, bearable.

• Cristina is fifth, but he's doing a great race and that motivates, supports it well.

• Jordi Font has more but we hope he will recover a lot.

• And David Saporta: his podiatrist may make a master with the tangle of ills and blisters that they have, but he's animated and it will end.

- Quim Tribó:             102 Stage 4 - 107 General

- Albert Bosch:            103 Stage 4 - 108 General

- Jordi Font:                255 Stage 4 - 308 General

- David Saporta:          355 Stage 4 - 326 General

- José Arimany:           348 Stage 4 - 331 General

- Jordi Vila:                 373 Stage 4 - 358 General

- Cristina Sans:           347 Stage 4 - 368 General

Tuesday's stage was 38 kilometers as of Monday, but much harder.

Participants had to cross two ergs (dune extension) about 3 kilometers each one and then they had to climb two "necks" high enough to jump from valley to valley.

The land was all day too hard and stony, or too soft (sand), which is why the times of the runners ere all higher (Albert and Quim took 35 minutes more than Monday).

Nevertheless, David and Jordi Font managed very well the stage. Albert and Quim continue together at a good pace and the rest of the team is also running at a speed that suits them, to advance and enjoy at the same time.

All being well, apart from tiredness and a few blisters, no one with significant problems.

Here we detail the order of the second stage and general positions:

- Quim Tribó:             142 Stage 3 - 144 General  

- Albert Bosch:            143 Stage 3 - 145 General 

- David Saporta:          285 Stage 3 - 326 General

- José Arimany:           353 Stage 3 - 342 General

- Jordi Vila:                 352 Stage 3 - 365 General

- Jordi Font:                284 Stage 3 - 394 General

- Cristina Sans:           351 Stage 3 - 408 General

The wind has returned to accompany the participants today, during the first 12 kilometers, later thankfully, has gone down a bit intensity.

They continue running for the dunes and tracks of stones and of grass of camel (balls of compacted sand where very dry grass grows).

Albert and Quim have completed the tour in five hours approximately, Jordi Vila, José and David in six hours and Jordi Font and Cristina have been late approximately forty-five minutes more. They all go adapting to his own pace and they are reserved, the hardest thing is for coming!!!

Here we detail the order of the second stage and general positions:

- Quim Tribó:              128 Stage 2 - 143 General  

- Albert Bosch:            129 Stage 2 - 144 General 

- José Arimany:           329 Stage 2 - 354 General

- David Saporta:          358 Stage 2 - 366 General

- Jordi Vila:                 359 Stage 2 - 377 General

- Cristina Sans:           492 Stage 2 - 452 General

- Jordi Font:                464 Stage 2 - 468 General

Acclimatization stage zilch!!! This first day was very hard: it was a good temperature and they have started doing a stretch that passed throug rocky traks and over a Oued (dry river).

But when they came inside the Erg Chebbi, the temperature increased suddenly, this part are known as dunes of Merzouga: towering hills of sand that were going up one after another. The racers have crossed from end to end.

Then again they have a rolling terrain, but has start a very strong wind, which hindered progress.

Quim and Albert finished ​​the stage in 5 hours, Cristina, Jose, David and Jordi Vila arrived about an hour later, and Jordi Font twenty minutes later.

They are all great physical and animated.

Here we detail the order of the first stane, and general positions:

- Albert Bosch:     159 Stage 1 - 155 General 

- Quim Tribó:       160 Stage 1 - 156 General  

- Cristina Sans:    399 Stage 1 - 393 General

- José Arimany:    400 Stage 1 - 394 General

- David Saporta:   401 Stage 1 - 395 General

- Jordi Vila:          420 Stage 1 - 414 General

- Jordi Font:         464 Estage 1 - 457 General

At the moment, and as usual, everything is euphoria and excitement ... but the nerves and doubts go inside, and the environment takes the air of those great c

Occasions when you can really disconnect from daily life to focus on proper execution of a dream...

Anyway, we are now heading the game...

Of these, we mention two lesser-known technologies, which are very helpful in this ultra marathon where the self sufficiency is a basic rule which makes it very authentic:

POWER TRAVELLER - MINI GORILLA:

A super lithium high density battery, which weighs only 260 grams and is used to upload all kinds of devices for many hours. We will use it to keep the batteries always full from our photo cameras, IPods, mobiles, etc...

It will be a important gadget for the whole team, which has been provided by the store "Muntanya de Llibres" from Vic (Barcelona)

For more information: CLICK HERE.

RACE TRACKER:

An application that, through a Satellite transmission device, allows everybody to follow us on-line in real-time throughout the race.

It is a system developed by a company from Barcelona, ​​which uses an environment of Google Maps i Google Earth, and manages the signals from different types of signal generators: SPOT, GPRS or 3G Phones, Radio, etc...

You just have to click on the specific icon enabled on this site since next Saturday (March 2^nd.), to follow any time all members of our team. This system is also used in test period by the organization of the "Marathon des Sables", being limited to 120 runners this year.

For more information: CLICK HERE.

I practice some endurance sports since many years but when I registereed Marathon des Sables I discovered some unknown sensations.

The last of these sensations has been running an urban 42,195 km marathon (Barcelona, 2011 march 6^th) as a normal training day. And it was a total quiet sensation: no nervous the previous days, deep sleeping the night before, enjoying the route and irrelevant record (3h40). Further, the sun was splendid.

All of this strongly contrasts with my friend Xavi suffering a lot.  It was his second marathon after many years not running at all, and he hit the 32 km famous wall and finished exhausted.

Definitely, ‘Marathon des Sables' is another type of history

We have been advised of the numbers that we will have in the race:

• - 493: ALBERT BOSCH
• - 494: JORDI FONT
• - 495: JOAQUIM TRIBÓ
• - 496: CRISTINA SANS
• - 497: DAVID SAPORTA
• - 498: JORDI VILA
• - 499: JOSE ARIMANY

The 7 numbers are on the start list of the "26 Marathon des Sables" ... Now the aim is that all them will be also on the list of arrival of this mythical race.

For me it is a challenge to collaborate with the absolute leading daily business newspaper in Catalonia and in the rest of the state. What happens is that as long as one agrees on something, then you have to fulfill. And writing every two weeks a text of some interest, well written and bringing something new to some experts and readers used to a high level of pundits, is not an easy task.

In order to try to make something quite good, I will focus my tracks from what I know from my intense experience lived in the world of entrepreneurship and adventure. At the end of the day, the world of pundits, commentators, lecturers and other freaks of this world of promoters, is full of people that speaks of many things from the perspective of having studied, discussed, researched and conceptualized from the theory, but not having really ever experienced it in firsthand.

The first day we left Deltebre going around to the "Lighthouse of the Fangar", in Natural Wildlife Reserve of Punta del Fangar, through the Pool of Estella and the ubiquitous rice paddies in the area, tracing part of the river Ebro , and ending at Poblenou del Delta.

The second day we surrounded the lake of 'Tancada' to cross then the whole beach of Alauet and Trabucador, and enjoying for about 10Km. of having the sea on the right and left, to reach the foot of the "Lighthouse of la Banya", in the heart of the Natural Reserve of Punta de la Banya, and backtrack to Poblenou del Delta to celebrate the training with a good paella (not just freeze-dried in this case).

From now on we will publish at a frequency of once or twice a week on this site, and during the race you can go along our daily evolution. We pledge to make an effort to share this experience with you ... hope you will like it..

Those who can come, will attend a presentation on key attitudes and facts for understanding, being happy, act and take profit of the opportunities of a quite uncertain world , rapidly changeable and unpredictable.

The MARATHON DES SABLES is one of the most demanding races of the world, one of the big sports indispensable challenges for real adventurers and lovers of the races of Ultra-Endurance. This proof puts to the limit the resistance of the participants who have to traverse a whole of 250km in 7 days, among 30 and 80 daily km for the Moroccan Sahara, supporting temperatures of up to 50ºC and being totally autonomous. Without external help, without any way of transport and with everything necessary they raise, the adventurers will have to overcome one of the big challenges of the current world.

After 25 editions, the MARATHON DES SABLES (MDS) is today an emblematic sports event of overcoming for sportsmen of the whole world who dream of being able to take part in an authentic sports challenge, where they give priority to the personal values, the companionship and the adventure.

This is a race by foot, for stages, with food self-sufficiency and with freedom of pace on a distance of 250km approximately, though with the obligation of every participant to load with his equipment, which includes food and obligatory material. It is a sports test, but overcoat a personal challenge, a fight against the heat, the distance, the sand of the desert and the mind.

The MDS takes place throughout 7 days in the south of the Moroccan Sahara, and in it, they must overcome six stages. Approx.: 1st.  30 km; 2nd. 40 km; 3rd. 40 km; 4th. 80 km; 5th. 42 km and 6th. 20 km. The area is desert changed, with stones, zones of former dry lakes and, overcoat, dunes of sand.

To live and to coexist in the desert, to find the own formula of conciliation with the elements of the environment, to face the most deep-rooted fears, she to be felt to the hurry, to give wings to the dreams, ... all that in an inhospitable environment and simultaneously magically where, in the practical sense, the unique thing that matters is to demonstrate the will and tenacity to every step, to be able to manage to finish the stage with enthusiasm. This compendium of feelings would define the MARATHON DES SABLES, to the pioneering race that one comes celebrating uninterrupted from 1985 and that has used as inspiration to the rest of desert proofs, and that this year celebrates his 26th. edition.

More information in the official Web of the event: www.darbaroud.com

Oscar explained the critical importance of inculcating entrepreneurial skills and attitudes to young people since the primary school; and he showed us  the methodology and many success stories made by the Foundation.

I focused on analyzing a core of values that affect the entrepreneur, and are a compendium of many others that may differ according to each person or organization: Consciousness and Commitment. The entrepreneur should work on these two values from three axes:

1) He must be conscious and committed to confront an entrepreneurial process: Uncertainty, Risk, Success and Failure, Loneliness, Intuition, Ambition, Good Luck.

2) We need a society conscious and committed to the value that the entrepreneur brings to the community. Society at large should recognize those who lead projects as key elements, and should provide them with all the elements to respect them, to motivate them and to facilitate their work.

3) He should be aware and be engaged in creating wealth and value beyond pure profit. Always with a competitive basis and monetary success, he should seek also prosperity for the society and the environment. This will focus on achieving a better society for future generations, while we provide a differential value very difficult to imitate and pound from other economies where they look only for the cost and productivity at any cost.

I'm a fan of the Adventure and Entrepreneurship, and I would feel guilty, if after having been fortunate to travel and live very intense experiences around the world and particularly beautiful and sensitive sites, I would not have learned anything, and had only done all this to have fun and have some beautiful pictures. That is why I like so much talking about "values" associated with entrepreneurs, as the leading future projects, they must decide not only move, but think carefully about where and how we move forward. Now more than ever, we are responsible for the future we will have.

The #TRINXAT is a reference and very active user group on Twitter, which acts as a forum to develop networking opportunities and expand personal social networks, taking advantage of an encounter in the real world, from a dinner conversation where attends a limited number of people to share an interesting theme with an expert or speaker of reference in order to connect restless spirits and entrepreneurs.

In each #TRINXAT they attend around 10 resident members (fix members of the group), and between 10 or 15 non-resident guests. The contents of each meeting are shared live in Twitter with the virtual community.

Is was really very interesting both for what we discussed, and for the people who attended.  At the same time, it was a curious experience for me because I knew this intense world of the " Twitter Community", which shares real-time and On Line, their experiences and comments. All Twitterers were constantly connected to their mobile phones (smart phones) in connection with others "hooked" that did not stop making comments in real time. Just as a fact note that during the event they were generated 388 Tweets, which led to 18,239 impressions, reaching a total of 37,000 people. Impressive, isn't it?

I'm on Facebook and LinkedIn, because there, without having to be connected to any particular frequency, I can use it to disseminate the contents of my website, which I have it linked directly in these applications. Instead, I'm not on Twitter because I have no time (and I do not know if I want) to be aware and active in this community in real time. But this is only my personal choice, and the truth is that this whole social networking world, it is interesting and perhaps also necessary to follow, if you want to be aware how are going the habits and trends of our society.

Partners from around the world regularly attend the presentation of business investment opportunities that the staff of Keiretsu Forum has previously located and filtering.  This is a great way to put in contact potential investors with entrepreneurs needing capital for projects or partners that add value to their business.

The Keiretsu Forum is the largest international network of private investors. Since 2000, the associate members have invested 175 million dollars in a lot of companies from all sectors (technology, clean energy, health sciences, consumer products, etc. ...), all with significant growth potential.

I have attended many meetings on different networks of private investors or business angels in recent years; but with the only I continue actively linked, it is with this because it is the more active, more open and more proactive of all.

Nowadays pursue with any entrepreneurial project is very complicated. Therefore, having platforms that support these initiatives is always great news for the future of our society.

This weekend we had planned to make the top of Mount Etna (Sicily) on skis. Airline tickets reserved, Skis reviewed and all the material prepared ... but three weeks ago the volcano entered I a strong eruption, leaving a spectacular rivers of lava on its slopes which, inevitably, removed snow from the mountain. Since then, although the area has recovered to normality, it has snowed very few, and also without having a enough base to allow us to do the mountain on skis.

So, as we have no intention of going to fry pork chops in Etna, we will postpone our target for next season.

Javi Marina, my team mate in the Jungle Marathon, and promoter/director of the race, was the main protagonist of the event, along with Mr.Vilert (President of the Girona-Costa Brava Tourist Board), Fco.Javier Cortés Huete (high-level marathon runner, with a best stratospheric mark 2h07' in the Hamburg marathon), and myself.

Of course I will try to take part in this unique race which allows us to live a quite hard and interesting challenge, but also wonderful at the level of track and landscapes, which will be held on 13,14 and 15 May. 135 km in three days, and 5.500 cumulative vertical meters.  A great opportunity to discover every corner of this spectacular part of the Catalan coast.

I suggest intensively to participate in this race to everyone who wants to test himselv in an event that goes beyond just looking at the chronometer, and allows sharing a full experience for 3 spectacular days in a special environment. Registration is open until 31 March, and costs 395€, which includes both the organization and gifts, such as transport and hotel full accommodation throughout the weekend.

More information: http://www.costabravaxtremrunning.com/

See Promo Video: http://www.costabravaxtremrunning.com/ca/videos.php

So, for those who want to see images of an ultra-marathon race in stages rather adventurous, enjoy the photos.

Today I run the Folgueroles Duathlon, my third this season, and the first I've done minimally well. In Vallfogona (November), I fell and nearly broke my shoulder. In Solsona (December) I was touched and frightened by the shoulder injury and having responsibility for having the Dakar just around the corner. And today I could be comfortable and thoroughly within my level. Finally I have finished 60 overall within the 178 runners, and have provided the necessary points for the team (top 3 score) for finishing third in the Clubs category.

I'm happy, because I've gone back to ride quickly after super bike Slap in November, and because despite being basically training long distance in a very slow speed for ultra marathons, I have been going pretty well in a very fast race ... Don't doubt: The duathlons are a total sprint between 1h30 and 2h30 depending on the level, where everybody runs as if it were independent races, and without thinking that after running about 6-10 miles (depending on race) you have to make about 20 mountain bike, then another 3-5 on foot.

At the end of the day: A good way to spend a Sunday morning, thoroughly these mountain roads that we love, and being useful to find a good competition environment, a few friends, and make a quality workout for other priority targets.

I am very grateful for their ongoing monitoring, both for ambitious and more interesting adventures, and in also for modest projects, but also curious. I'm happy to have been part of its information content for so long, and having witnessed from the first line of their consolidated and fruitful business development within the complex communications sector. I am also pleased to be working often with the newspaper as a columnist on various topics.

At the region there's also another news web site (www.elripolles.info), that also covers all the subjects (General info and Sports), with a high level of quality and proximity.

As an example, attached an interview we did this last week in the space "The Magazine" where I explain quite well the adventures and misadventures of my last Dakar. SEE INTERVIEW (NOTE: The interview is in Catalan)

MARC COMA: What a champion! Winning three Dakars intermittently (it means  failing some edition), has great merit, as the pressure that these people hold, running to the limit in a so difficult field for so many hours and many days, it is a fact that very few people in the world could do. Marc is so good that all the experts and fans believe that if anyone has problems, he's unbeatable right now, and rivals can only aspire to victory when he suffers a mishap during the race. Surely one day he will race in cars, but I think he is still motivated to continue fighting for victory in the motorcycle category in the world's toughest motor event.

CARLOS SAINZ: Nobody has any doubt that he is one of the greatest rally and raid drivers in history. But I wonder if he still has the passion and motivation to continue fighting to win this tough event where, besides having the best car and the best team (which he already has), it requires a lot of favorable circumstances to win at the end. Although I appreciate him, I put a small question mark to his co-pilot Lucas Cruz. It's hard for me to understand how a co-pilot of his theoretically level, can make a lot of mistakes even opening track (by car, it means: behind the bikes), even being second.

NANI ROMA: He has abandoned, but it he is always my favorite. On one side I think it has a high level. On the other because he is my personal friend. And thirdly, because he is a champion who meets a lot of very special requirements both in sporting and human: Great intuition and driving ability, empathy and personality, humble beginnings, fighting spirit in all circumstances (at the race and at the offices), and faithful and consistent with his way of thinking and acting. He has an ambitious project for the future, and of course, I want him to succeed.

LAIA SANZ: A '10 'in all aspects. Getting this results in his first Dakar is very difficult. We have to recognize that she is very good, but also that Jordi Arcarons has done a great job. They have trained very well, they have done a great strategy, they have driven perfectly, and they have completed a great result both in the overall standings, as winning the female category. Laia has a great future in this type of races. The only problem I see is that if the first year she has won in women and has a high rank overall, so: what motivation she will  have for future editions? A result among the Top 10 is very difficult for her. And winning every year among women is ok, but it may be quite the same if achieved. May be it will happen as in the Trial, who despite she is a great pilot,  there's a point that she always wins and it seems to have no rival or that their titles do not have merit.

PEP VILA: Being sixth in the increasingly contested category of trucks is great news. Pep is doing very well and also has great merit what he has achieved. The problem also is the future, he really should have doubts about whether or not to go higher. The trucks each day are over (the first two or three several days have won even Nani Roma. Can you imagine?), And get a good result (in the top 5) requires a huge budget, and taking many risks: while trucks have few problems, once launched at full speed, any shock can be lethal to the crew.
 
FOJ XAVIER: He is the most experienced Spanish pilot in the Dakar (19 times). Like many people, I respect him a lot, and I really appreciate him personally, because I know him since he meet in the Rally of the Atlas (Morocco), in 1996. He finished 19^th. overall, which is really fine. But it amazes me how one person can be so many years motivated to do the same: Same race, same class, same approach, same goals. It is obviously an expert, and this makes him dominate like few this event, but I am diametrically opposed to the approach of my projects. It's clear to me (which is not necessarily the best), that my passion for this is precisely to raise different challenges, with new objectives, and not always dominating 100% the situation, to test the self-management in times of uncertainty and in the obstacles that every adventure proposes me.

MY TEAM: Mc.Rae-ProDakar Team has been great on this Dakar. The car has not had any major problems and has proven to be a very good option for those who want to make an adventurous race with a great team and a tight budget. The mechanical group led by his Manager Chris Leyds has been at a great level. The result of three riders at the finish is good, but I think that it doesn't reflects the good work and good car they had. The four pilots of the team that we abandoned, has been in all cases for reasons of strategy, personal or accumulation of problems, always outside the team or the car. The four abandoned cars were perfect and have stopped running in perfect condition. My special congratulations for the group of riders that reached the end: for Tim Coronell, who has done a perfect race, and also for the argentinians Pato Silva and Emiliano, that have fighted as great Dakarians in his first try.

In the Dakar, the media works usually two major blocks of issues: One is based on purely sporting points (The competition), where playing the race results and favorite pilots. And another is about curious stories related to the event. In this last section I fit perfectly, both for participating in a special vehicle (Buggy - Two wheel drive - Alone) and for summiting Everest few months earlier.

With all this we have had media coverage that has allowed us, between the previous and the half race where we were alive, to compensate all sponsoring investment in our team.

As always, thanks to all sponsors for believing in us.

We attach one of the best videos prepared by the communication services of the ASO (Dakar Organization), which was played on Eurosport for all the world, and a lot televisions in different countries: SEE VIDEO

I have long theorized about it, I have written, I explain that in lectures, and now I have to apply. But when you're in a moment of failure, it's also hard to manage! I've been a couple of days in a low mental shape after the abandonment, but I'm getting out of the hole, and hopefully with lots of energy.

Without wanting to be excessively positive now, I have to admit that I see a very good side to this end, and now I want to focus on getting the most out of the drop in the Dakar 2011.

To do this, I will not waste a second to complain and discuss possible "excuses" to justify me, but will invest my energies to analyze all my mistakes for not managing well the critical moment in which I had very complicated circumstances. What separates success from failure, or people who does ambitious things from the rest, is basically to manage well the 'Key' moments. I've seen in all my business and sport adventures, and in general I felt proud of how I managed this moments. But here I failed. And it's not so serious to fail, but it would be a problem not to learn of the fault, and just find external reasons from oneself (The car, GPS, Satellite, etc ...), to have a compliant version but also not rich at all.

I always think that my adventures, aside of giving me fun with sport and allowing me to meet people and exciting new lands, represent an investment to get a result as an important personal enrichment and learning, which I also can share with many other people. Thus, while at in the sport side I have failed, I hope to collect many results of this adventure..

Finally, on the morning of day 7 arrived safely to Biouvac. My partner said that would not go out again because he was feeling bad, he had a big pain in his back and did not see himself capable of making the next very hard stage. I did check the car quickly, I prepared the Road Book, ate a little and try to leave about the last of all cars and trucks.  When I went out I saw that the GPS was blocked by the organization code that made me put the day before (in order not to cross with vehicles that  left the stage 6). I went to unlock it with the organisation, but with all the things, I lost another hour. So, I went much later than anyone of the last cars and trucks. There were just a few trucks behind, among which, fortunately, our asistance truck. 

Finally I started to move, and when I reached the first dunes, I found one pass that I could not climb where it was evident that most people raised in the race, he was a very long and vertical way through dunes, and the sand was triturated for all cars and trucks that had passed before. I detoured to find an alternate step, but it was complicating myself by dunes to try and find again the right way, and while looking at my road book, I got distracted for a moment, and went straight into a hole of sand, staying completely trapped . I won't be long explaining what it was the work to get the car out from there, because I was absolutely alone, away from the road, and did not pass or heard any other vehicle ... it was really complicated.  It took me  more than 2h30 to get out, and had to stop and rest a while under the car, because I felt that was near of a physical collapse from the heat, lack of sleep and not eating hardly anything in a lot of hours.

After a while of being stuck, I tried to call my assistance truck which should pass near some time later, in order to ask them to came to help me, but the satellite phone was not working (I had problems the day before, but I had reloaded it in the camp during the morning before leaving). During this interval I was also without power in the car, and I thought that it was again without battery, but now there was nothing of power and I thought that with the engine effort that I was demanding to the car to leave the trap where I was, it would be a blown fuse. I tested the fuses and I see one that was wrong. I had no spare fuse, but I made a bridge directly with a little electric cable. 

However, when I got the buggy out there, i didn't really knew where I was or where to go, and I was aware that behind me there was not my truck for assistance any more. Then, with the intention to take some risc and forcing the speed to reach at least my truck, in order to do the stage together, I tried to find the right track. I made a lot of spinning by those dunes, and found traces in different directions, not knowing exactly if they were correct, as the Road Book didn't show me any coincidence, and the GPS did not indicate any particular way point (It is blocked by the organization and indicates only one way point from time to time).

I was really finish, and telling truth, overwhelmed. At 17h I had 450 km. very tough to go, without even being on the right track, and knowing that the slightest problem I would be in a delicate situation because no one on the back that could helpme . I went to a high point to stop a moment to think a little bit,  and see if I could see something, and heard a motor noise not too far. Two bikes were circulating around, and I went to meet them. The two bikers were doing a tour there. They had no idea where it might be the correct rout of the Dakar, but they offered me to show me the way to a nearby road.  I had to make a decision, and I gave up.  I followed up that bikers to make sure that I would not be in severe problems and not lose the vehicle in the desert.  From there I went easily to the starting point of the biouvac, and went to report that I was fine and out of the race. Just before doing so, I weighed in again the possibility to start the stage again, because there I know exactly where I was.  But the truth is that I did not dare ... I looked impossible and too risky.

Normally I try not to give up over trifles.  Obviously I do not know what would have happened if I had gone again on the stage.  Maybe I would have gone well and would have an epic story with a happy ending, or maybe I had gotten into a serious problems.  Doing adventures around the world, you never know where to draw the line, and often achieving success or not dependes precisely on knowing how to manage this balance.  If I had given up to see things complicated, I could not have summited mols of the mountains I have done, or I could not have finished many Dakars. But this time I had to give up, and therefore it has been a failure.  Now I have to asume it all, and try to learn as much as possible of what a bad ending can teach me.

Before finishing, I want to make clear that this abandonment has not been motivated at all by problems with the vehicle. The situation that has led me to be out of the race has been caused by an accumulation of circumstances, among which there are, as is evident from these hard races, some minor mechanical problems; but I have to be honest and admit that the reason for the key problems that I had to get to give up, are caused basically by my mistakes. It was me who strayed from the path, it was me who made my situation more difficult getting itno that sand hole, it was me who could not find the right path after all, and it was me who decided not to go ahead.  Perhaps if the satellite phone I had worked, the car battery had not failed, and the GPS had not been blocked before leaving, all would have taken another direction, but in the end those are only added elements to my own mistakes. The Mc.Rae Buggy Pro-Dakar is a very good car, far more reliable and efficient than I could imagine, and spectacularly fun. Like most cars in this hard race, it does have some details to be improved to make it even better, but although I have had some unexpected problem, I can only speak well of it, or at least I do not want to puc excuses in the car for my bad result. 

I especially thank all the Mc.Rae Pro-Dakar team members for his dedication, passion, performance and excellent treatment. I feel really sorry for them and the hard work they have done, for not being able to succeed.

Thank you all for following me, for your messages of support (I could read them almost every day), and I hope the next adventure will have a better finish. Now I will have to apply what I always say and have written on many occasions, that the only failure is not trying what you want ... but when you find the failure, at that moment, the truth is that it leaves you in very bad mood ... 

Having in front of us 10,000 km. with the extreme hardness imaginable to advance with a motor vehicle, and exit in the middle of a huge crowd of people in the heart of the capital of Argentina, it is impossible to leave anyone indifferent.

Here in Argentina there's a passion for motor sports, and the Dakar follow-up is amazing. We went through the streets of Buenos Aires, and could hardly move between the amount of people that filled every corner.

Today's stage had no special section, and therefore, we only had to travel 377 km. of liaison to the city of Victoria. It was good to drive a while with no pressure, in order to finish a few details and check the final work to do in the Biouvac tonight in to meet 100% for the stage tomorrow, where the things start to be serious.

The second stage, from January 2, consists of a very long link of 566Km., And a special of 192 km on very fast tracks.

Remember that normally, each stage of the Dakar has two sections: The liaison, where we always drive on the easy and obvious route to get from one point to another, are not timed, and only has a maximum time to do it; and the special section, where the real race is: They are timed, seeking the greatest difficulty in the path, and assume the real hardness of Dakar.

From now on I'll try to keep the site updated daily, either directly or through the people who help me in all matters of communication. But now we enter the "Uncertain" zone, and depending how the things get complicated, there will be some day/s that we cannot update information on the web. You can also follow the Dakar page: http://www.dakar.com/

Getting through this stage has not been easy, and we've been working hard for two days to leave all the mechanics in a position to tackle the toughest motor race in the world. I must say I am very pleased to be part of the team "Mc.Rae - Pro Dakar", because they are a very enthusiastic group about their work, highly efficient, and impressively ease of treatment.

It is a curious situation, which I have experienced in many other adventures, to find myself surrounded by many people I just met, and that for a lot of days will be crucial for me and for meeting my challenge. I met Chris Leyds, the team leader, in Dakar 2001, and my mechanic Shack, three months ago in Amsterdam, but I've seen the rest of the team for the first time two days ago here in the Argentina's capital. The group is divided into two very clear parts: A majority of Dutch people (mechanics, truck drivers and team leader), and the Argentina side  (three pilots, some people attending, and communication staff that is all the time following them). And in the middle of all, there is a Spaniard alone, enjoying himself, with good relations to everyone, and acting as a translator quite often.

Today I close a busy and passionate year about the vital adventure balance, and I am starting another, participating in the Dakar in which I'll face some different new challenges that motivate me a lot.

Therefore, I wish all those who follow me in one way or another, to have a year rich in experiences. In these dates we are always used to do a bit of balance and to establish certain goals for the next exercise. But it happens sometimes that daily live dominates us, and after a few weeks, we have forgotten that we were the principal and first cause of the purposes that we had done. Even we have many problems, Even there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding us, and however complicated the circumstances of each one of us, the fact is that our future is not yet written, and we all have a blank notebook to write it as we want it . Thus, from Argentina, and about to get into an exciting adventure, I hope you enjoy writing your personal every day history book. Have a happy 2011.

And this is what we've been doing in a very intense and stressful way during these two days. Yesterday putting the car ok in its major themes, and today running a thousand details to make everything work. Finally, at 18h we could test the buggy on a dirt track nearby, and after we have made the final adjustments to customize small details, but in the end, are very important in order to adjust everything to the practical needs of every day, in a very small cabin in which we have to spend a lot of hours in extreme conditions, and for many days.

Now everything should be ready, and we can only overcome the final step of verification, to get the car in parc ferme, and ready to leave on Saturday to my first Dakar Buggy Solo, my first Dakar in South America, my first Dakar as a pure concept of adventure, and my first conscious Dakar.

Among other things, our program is as follows:

- Tuesday 28: Relax and adaptation to the environment and temperatures of Buenos Aires.

- Wednesday 29: Labeling of the car, review vehicle details, and course of emergency mechanical repairs on track with the whole team.

- Thursday 30: General meeting with the whole team to review the coordination and organization of the logistics of the race.

- Friday 31: Technical and administrative checks.

- Saturday January 1: Departure of Dakar 2011

As we did in my last expedition to Everest, we have a technical sponsorship agreement with SPORT to be our official newspaper for this new adventure.

I will send my report daily, talking both what happens to me in my particular participation, as my vision of the race from inside. It will be published in the online edition of the newspaper, and in the printed edition as long as they see it fitting on it.

From late October Camila has appeared in various prominent media such as La Vanguardia or TVE. On Tuesday November 30 he received a super tribute at the health center of the Valle de Hebron (Barcelona), during a day of volunteering. And just last Monday we met the three for the first time in a communication media, linking our three profiles from the common bond that is music in general, and specifically Camila's song.

In the photos you can see an image of this interview on "The Second Education" at COM RADIO, you can hear clicking HERE

Also, who wants to hear the first song of Camilla, entitled "LO PUEDO CONSEGUIR" (I can get It), it can be found on his MySpace website: www.myspace.com/camilavargasmusic, or directly clicking HERE

One requirement: When you hear the song, I only ask that you play it with a bit of relax, and concentrate as much as possible in his letter, thinking it was written, composed and sung by a girl of 15 who only has a 20% lung capacity, and is awaiting a lung transplant at any time, as the only way to go out of a lethal threat to his life, and minimally in order to improve their quality of life.

• 1st. Spanish facing the Dakar with a Buggy (two-wheel drive), and no copilot.
• 1st. Dakar facing as real adventure that focuses on a certain return to the origins of the event, rather than pure competition.
• 1st. Dakar in South America after racing 7 in Africa. Noting the problem of not being able to run in the Sahara due to the geopolitical problems.
• 1st. Dakar Aware: This participation will be the first test for the "Racing 4 Change" project, which aims to promote responsible attitudes, engaged and active from the sport.

The 1^st. of January Albert will start the world's toughest motor race, having completed the '7 Summits' project, climbing the highest peaks on each continent, summiting Mt.Everest last May.  Apart of the adventure challenges that he usually does, and the climbing projects, now he wants to add an experience from another point of view, in a race that he knows very well, having participated twice in motor bike and five times in car.

Although Albert Bosch has made 7 Dakars, for many reasons, he will face this one as a first participation for all the values and concepts that will be part of your project.

It is important to me to be present in the Spanish capital in an event like this, and I invite those who are in Madrid or those who have family, friends or coworkers there, to come or to communicate them about this event.

Obviously do not know as many people in Madrid as I do in Barcelona, and I can not afford to be so ambitious about the assistance as in the presentation made on 28 October, but I hope that from my contacts, those of Strategycomm (My press agency), and also the Editorial URANO-EMPRESA ACTIVA we will have a good Quorum for this event.

Anyway, launching myself into a public act, always requires a small risk; but this is the essence of any entrepreneur who pursues the fact of achieving any objectives.

The collaboration with PASCH will reach transversally all sports activities that I will do next year, and also will use all kinds of synergies we can bring each another  with  visibility and relationships (Conferences, Public Events, Press, Commercial Relations , etc.).

This sponsorship reflects the will of the company to manage business relationships and communication through differential and innovative ways about the practice in the industry.

PASCH is a nearly a century-old Spanish company (Founded in 1913), with offices in Bilbao, Madrid, Barcelona and Lisboa, and specialized in the sale of engines and large power equipments and services for the Marine sector, Railway, Energy and Mining .

In the picture I am with Antoni Puig, director of the Barcelona office, at the time of signing the partnership agreement.

The first adventure where we will share image with PASCH, will be the next Dakar Rally starting in Buenos Aires on January the 1^st..

More information: http://www.pasch.es/

Last Tuesday we made the first 'official' training all together, with the exception of the Amazon of the group (Cristina), who could not come with us because she had to work.

A 65Km. training in one day, going from Tavernoles (Vic) to Girona in about 7 hours, it's a nice and very productive challenge to prepare an ultra-marathon, like the ‘Marathon des Sables'

Leaving at 6 o'clock in the morning near the Parador de Sau, covering all the Sau, Susqueda and Pasteral swamps, in oder to arrive at the "Green Way" that goes between Olot and Girona, and come to this city at 14h after a break / breakfast for an hour halfway.

I do many activities throughout the year, and some of them are shared with friends, and some others I have to prepare them alone. I can therefore fully appreciate the extraordinary value of doing special things with close friends, and enjoy the full 360 degrees of experience included in preparing and living a great event.

Etna is one of the world's most active volcanoes, and is almost always in constant eruption. Although sometimes it can be very destructive, it is not considered a particularly dangerous volcano, and thousands of people live around her.  The fertile volcanic soil makes extensive agriculture, with vineyards and orchards, occupy much of the side slopes of the mountain. Due to its recent volcanic activity, and its population, Mount Etna has been designated as one of 16 volcanoes of the decade for the United Nations.

A new adventure without too much pressure, close to home, and with a special charm to remember from there all the experiences and emotions on Everest nearly a year earlier.

SEE THE BOOKTRAILER

The book treats twenty great stories of adapted sports. All cases are very strong, and are beautifully described by the pen of Sergio.  But I emphasize the Pep chapter, for a lifetime devoted to the world of motor racing, both before and after the accident that left him 18 years forever sitting in a wheelchair.

Until that time he was devoted to the trial, and had come to sign as official driver of one of the leading brands of the moment. Since the accident, he began to recover mentally, and redirect his live so that he could continue to strive to live their passions. He has been a Raid Champion of Spain in different categories, when competing against drivers with no disability, since there is no motor for disabled pilots.

The highlight of his sporting career has been participating in the Dakar on three occasions. And especially in 2000 when we made together (he as a pilot and me as co-pilot) the Dakar rally.  He was the first Spanish in a wheelchair facing the toughest motor race in the world, and we became the first team in the history to finish the Dakar driving only with hands.

Since a long time ago we support each other in various activities; the 3 Dakars from Pep have always been as part of teams that I've ridden with my partner / friend Rafal Galán; and now we've just closed a sponsorship agreement with the Grupo Sifu Foundation, IM3 Engineering, and Driving Events, which will let Pep run all Spanish Raid Championship 2011. The goal for next year is simple: Try to get an overall victory! Almost nothing, isn't it? ... And does anyone believe that Pep is a "Disabled"? Or rather we should consider hem a "Over capable"?

I strongly recommend this book ... and I invite you to think about one of the most powerful phrases that I think should never have been written: "We can not choose the circumstances, but we can choose our attitude in front of the circumstances" ... And the 20 examples of "Lives with No Limit" are clear examples.

TITLE:  VIDAS SIN LÍMITE

AUTHOR:  Sergio Fernández Tolosa

EDITORIAL:  SAGA/Editorial

ISBN: 978-84-937704-7-1

With the Mountain Club I made a conference about the ‘7 Summits' challenge, and then we did the fellowship dinner with about 70 attendees of all ages. This event presented the diplomas to certify members who have made a peak over 3,000 meters, the badges to those with 25 or 50 years of membership, and gave me a wooden memorial "Piolet" (like the "Golden Piolet'), to recognize the finishing of the project of climbing the highest peaks on each continent.

All in all, a magnificent moments, where one can see the importance of being part of a collective, to be aware of what is your real background, and to share your hobbies with people who love the sport and, above all, to see the illusion, energy and commitment of all the people who manage these institutions without expecting anything in return beyond the satisfaction of having done something positive for the people, for the sport they love, and bring a bit to make the living and welfare of our society a little better.

For those who like the sport of running, who like the nature, who like the curious experiences or simply to those who want some fun reading about an upcoming story, real, and full of epic and good humor, I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

The blog is only in Catalan, but you can use any Internet translator to read it in English.

As I do so many different adventures, I realize that I must pay the price of not being able to go too deep into each of them, and therefore I appreciate what they do athletes like Jaume, because not only are particularly remarcable in their sport but, as in his case, he knows how to communicate in a pleasant way, and with great quality.

For anyone interested in attending any of the talks, I detail the schedule below.

• November 13^th. - 18h - Vic (Barcelona): "The 7 Summits" - Mercat de Muntanya Activa de Vic - http://www.mercatdemuntanya.org/

• November 18^th. - 19h - Igualada (Barcelona): "Attitude, the change energy" - Congress ‘Let's Win the future' - http://www.gcarles.es/

• November 21^st. - 10h - Calldetenes (Barcelona): "The Adventure of Living" - IX Week of Science and II Scientific International Congress of Calldetenes - http://www.calldetenes.cat/

• November 21^st. - 19h30 - Calldetenes (Barcelona): Roud Table "The Man and the world" - With Tomàs Molina (Meteorologist from TV3), Àngel Ferrer (Emerital Teacher from Kioto University), and Pere Tremolosa (Scientific Coordinator). - IX Week of Science and II Scientific International Congress of Calldetenes - http://www.calldetenes.cat/

• November 22^nd. - 19h - Selva del Camp (Tarragona): "The Spirit of Adventure and the Business World" - With Luis Moya (Rally Copilot), Luis Enrique (Football player) and Gemma Mengual (Synchronized Swimming Champion) - Business & Talk Club - http://www.mpbtc.com/

• November 26^th. - 12h30 - El Vendrell (Tarragona): "Managing in an Uncertain World" - 17 Congress of trade fairs of Catalonia - http://www.fefic.com/

• November 27^th. - 19h30 - Sant Joan de les Abadesses (Girona): "The 7 Summits: A great journey around the world" - Annual Day of the Unió Excursionista S.J.Abadesses - http://www.uesantjoan.com/

• November 30^th. - 19h - Barcelona - "Jungle Marathon - An extreme maratón at the Amazon Jungle" - Organizad by VITAE in the Chocolate Museum from Barcelona - http://www.vitae.es/

• December 15^th. - 20h - Madrid: "The Spirit of Adventure" - Book presentation in Madrid - Club Zayas/Asociación Cultural - http://www.zayas.net/

Results: The helmet destroyed (You can see the photo attached), a hematoma super scratched on the leg and arm, and a strong dislocation at the junction between the collarbone and shoulder. Fortunately and inexplicably (for the accident I hat), I have nothing broken.

Now I will relax for ten days to recover, and to think that it is quite good that from time to time we have some incidents.  If not,  we often forget that any activity we do, behave or not much perceived risk, can be dangerous if not extreme care.

The route of this race is very hard, talking in terms of Urban Marathon. Leaving the plains from the stadium of Marathon, the route to the center of the capital is linear, with constant up going track, quite soft in theory, but a rather high accumulate after all.

All runners know that coming here is only a matter of symbolism, as neither the route is too good, nor allowed to do too good personal time.

I completed the 42.195 km in 3 hours, 15 minutes and 8 seconds. And I assure you that I ran like a madman. Without wanting to show off, I will say that I'm sure that I would have to be between 3h05 and 3h10 on a flatter marathon. Last year I did my first marathon of asphalt in Madrid with a time of 3h12, and ran with much less power and good path here. I am very happy from my time in Athens, and I have it clear that the next marathon, I will want to prove that what I said is possible, trying to go under the 3h10 .... And do it in my way: Without training for the marathon, and only taking advantage of the volume of training provided to me from other close races, as it was, in this case, the Jungle Marathon.

My friend Jordi Vila also ended, although he was more choked with slopes of this land, crossing the line in 3h49'36 ". He took this race as part of a training for ultra running that has to do for his first participation in the "Marathon des Sables, at which we will share team next month of April.

Anyway, even though the track was hard and quite ugly, it must also be said that entering the "Panathinaikon Stadium" of downtown Athens, right next to the Acropolis, after completing the full marathon in their original route, is an experience that has to be lived at least once in live every runner.  And being able to do it just the year that marks the 2,500 th anniversary of the legend, will be a memory for my entire our lives.

We will run some hours absolutely connected to the history, celebrating an anniversary impossible to meet for any other sport.  2.500 years from the fact that became a lot of centuries after, the most mythic race: The Marathon.

There are different legends around the history of Marathon battle.  There is one with a lot of sense and which I like very much, explaining that, in Athens, women were waiting to know if their husbands had loss or win the Marathon's battle, because the Persian promised to attack Athens, raping all women and killing their kids.  The Greeks took a radical decision:  If their women didn't receive news of their victory before one exact hour of the indicated day, they would commit suicide in order to avoid the enemy's humiliation. The Greeks won, but later than the date forecasted.  If they didn't inform Athens immediately, they would find their wives dead when arriving home.  Therefore, the maximum general decided to send urgently a man with the news, Philipides.  He run without stopping at all during hours; he arrived before the limit hour, and before falling dead, he could only say one word: NIKÉ (Victory).

Any endurance runner aims to do Athens Marathon at least one time in his live; and my friend Jordi Vila and me, we are going to make this dream real in the same year that a magical anniversary is taking place.

I finished the JUNGLE MARATHON (222 Km. in 6 stages at the Amazon) just one two weeks ago. Muscularly, I feel quite well, but the state of my feet still suffers extreme punishment to which I submitted them in the jungle, running always wet and dirty. The blisters are not yet fully healed. If it would be any other race, I would cancel my participation. But here I have a reserved place since 10 months ago, and I will not miss it just for feeling a little bit of pain during the test. If Philipides died to communicate the Victory to his people, I can endure a little pain to honor his achievement and greatly enjoy celebrating such a special moment surrounded by thousands of runners from around the world. A great occasion to apply the sentence that says: "Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option"

Jordi and me, we have our special date with history.

We have had long conversations with this TV On-Line platform, in order to make our own TV channel, but at the moment, the issue has not progressed because I think we do not have enough content in a consistent manner, and we do not want to be engaged in a project in which we could have too much work for the resources we have in order move all project communication.

Anyway, this is another example of the possibilities offered by technology for communication and promotion of any project, even if it's business, sports, cultural or social.

Watch the presentation

I has been a long time for me working in this new this new literary adventure, and you're all invited to share now the moment of its staging.

Unfortunately, at the moment the book is only available in spanish.  I am working now in order to find an editor for the english version, which I expect to close in the near future.

This ultra-marathon, includes some very special circumstances for participants , ranging far beyond the pure athletic ability: It should be totally self-sufficient during the week long test, always run with your feet wet and dirty mud and sand, with consequent problems of blisters and foot damage, it takes a special acclimation and resistance to the strong heat and very high humidity of the area should monitor the risks from  the animals , etc ... All this has possibility that we were beating other teams theoretically stronger in the purely athletic.

The side by side with a team from the British army lasted until the fourth stage, but the fifth special stage and queen of the trial of 89 km. Non Stop,  Cyrus and Albert were able to overcome the top two rival British group, and remove them sufficient advantage to make it the first end equipment. Almost 18 hours non-stop that day, and destroyed  feet for blisters were worth it to achieve a goal that we had not planned to start.

At  the official website of the trial, yesterday there was a mistake,,they put as winners of the teams, a brazilian team, in fact they win the  category of Pará (special for the natives of the zone) but not the general.

At the top of the race were only the American Andrew Block, first individually, and the Chilean Chinchilla Martin, fourth at the individual level, then the third place was deserted because Jaume  and Xavi were sharing second place together.

The four team members were absolutelly happys  at the  arrival of the last stage, which was 32km. dating back to the beach and the river 'Tapajós.

Thank you very much follow that we've made through this site, and all the messages of support we've been going through.

Some quick comments from each of four cats in the jungle (JUNGLE.CAT)

Xavier Marina: "It's unbelievable. And since I had trained very well experienced in long distance races and stages, but did not think we can  reach this magnificent result, both individual and team level. And people here are running very strong, but most has gone more or less every day, while we have been very consistent ".

Jaume Tolosa: "Make the second at the individual level, with Xavi and win the race as a team is more than we could dream at the  start. The whole team worked like clockwork and we have not died at any time. Always go together with Xavi has been a great success, because its speed and consistency have helped to keep my pace very high every day and in any field. I reach  the second place at the trans-saharian  marathon , now second at individual level and first as a team..... I'm excited".

Cyrus Parvine: "I guess from the outside is difficult to assess what we have achieved. But I have a foot full of blisters open and shoulders crushed. For me this race is not the hardest I've done physically, but psychologically, for the harshness of the environment and, in my particular case, control my phobia of butterflies, of course I did my hardest race . Without doubt, my already extensive experience in long distance races has helped me a lot both physically and mentally, to keep myself always in the leading positions. I do not come back to that hell, but I'm very proud to have them come out with this result, the best I have ever achieved".

Albert Bosch: "Just 5 months ago from  today I reach the summit of Everest, and celebrate this win and a 6th place in the individual classification is fantastic. My three colleagues are pure racers, they  only train this sport,  this  forced me to throw as hard as I could, moreover, cost me a lot regain fitness the back of Everest, and I get worried about this race badly. I am very happy because, although they have destroyed my feet, I have been reacting very well to the harsh conditions of the jungle".

Send a hug to the families and friends.

Congratulations Champions!

We will continue to report.

Regarding tomorrow stage, Jaume and Xavi they must maintain their
positions. And  Cyrus and I try to find the best balance .. Our illusion is to climb from the Top 15 where they are now in the overall standings, to the top 10 ... Both of us we are confident and we use to do things long and hard .

If we reach the stage 90Km long., Remain the last 30Km.!! Wish me luck! "

Note from the monitoring team:

If you want to send an email  to Albert: You must connect to the Webb junglemarathon.com hold the option to go to the Jungle Marathon 2009 race 10'i tab to go to email, from there you can write a text of no more 250 words, and then enter the word you will find a box in the space below.

There have been some dropouts, doctors work hard extracting thorns (some more than two centimeters) disinfecting wounds and administering analgesics, a companion has a scorpion stung and is safe.

The third stage was the longest, some sections were paths that connect small villages. The children from there accompanied the runners for a while encouraging them.  The   night camp was installed in one of these villages.

The leader is an American (Andrew Bock), Jaume is second and third Xavi, bothh are about thirty five minutes far from the leader.

Therefore we have no rankings for yesterday (11-10) and neither for today.

The communication is very precarious, but we hope to receive some mail from Albert.

You may follow the race on-line through the Race Track, you can find the direct link in the "line up".

We will continue reporting.

We covered a short distance , and it  take a longtime!

Here we will count the kilometers twice: First the distance and it will add the difficulties.

Obviously, the organizers also have done a thorough review of all material required that we carry on. I have noticed that every day, without exception, this material will be reviewed either on arrival or in some control during the race. The Organisations is always worried because, as happens more often than one might think, and to save weight in the backpack, someone let things that may seem unnecessary, and instead should be fundamental . The penalty for not wearing any item required at any time is two hours. Even if we take  a drug or use any particular item, you must keep the packaging to show that it had has been used.

From there, we just have to wait a little longer and enjoy the sensation  of nerves and anxiety prior to the start of the adventure.

We do not know exactly what we expected and what will happen these days of pure jungle, but once again we see that these things have done for us, all the sense in the world, is so intense and very enriching to feel fully alive and in contact with nature in this very special places in the world.

Xavier Marina is the youngest, but he has a great experience in ultra endurance races.  His power ant capacities, make him a favourite to the three first places.

Jaume Tolosa is really competitive in ultra distance races.  An specialist in desert long lasting Non Stop races, will also fight for a place in the Top Ten.

Cyrus Parvine is very resistant and, even he will not be one of the fastest of the group, he has maximum probabilities to finish this hard amazon event.

Albert Bosch has a multi adventurer profile.  He is not an specialist in running, but he has also done a lot of ultra endurance races.  His ability to get adapted to extreme situations should make him advance from less to better level.

During the event we will not have any connection with the external world.  We will be without internet, without mobile and also without satellite phone, because even we could have it, we also have to avoid any non totally necessary load in this total self autonomy adventure.  We can only send one mail per day from the organisation system, and we will use it to send a small text with the main news of each stage, in order to update it daily.

As they say: "Listen to your body is one thing, but understanding what he's saying is quite different." Therefore, they are based on specialization in different sports, physiology and technology on one hand, and a deep understanding of user needs on the other. And I suppose that an agreement with a quite mature sportsman/adventurer (44 years old), who practices extreme activities in many diverse disciplines, it is still interesting for their own test or data analysis, such as brand positioning, since not all have to be very young super-elite athletes, ultra-specialized, and totally focused on the outcome of the competition, when there are so many exciting and extremely interesting challenges in the world of sport and adventure.

The organization of this adventure has sent us an excerpt of the most common animals, and frankly, we are not particularly relaxed after reading that.

In general, we are awared that there is a huge amount of venomous creatures in the Amazon jungle, but if we are wise, take appropriate action as watching where we put our hands and feet, waving our shoes in the morning, and never sleep on the ground, nothing sever has to happen to us.

SNAKES: They say that all are dangerous, and they'll bite if we step on them or feel annoyed. The most common that we can find are the cobras, but we must aware for all, both the smallest and the huge Boa constrictors and Anacondas. We must be careful and, if possible, take a knee guards, similar to what they advise us ... the stimulator can see a promotional video for this gadget: SNAKE PROTECTOR

SPIDERS: They confirm us that the population of dangerous spiders is colossal. But reassure us by saying that those who have a phobia about them, don't have to worry, because they are well camouflaged and will be difficult for us to see them. The most dangerous are the shoes in the morning ... We are lucky with  such encouragement, isn't it!

SCORPIONS: Fortunately here we have better news, because although you see is full of them, its bite is usually very painful, but usually not fatal as the desert ones.

ANTS: The size of some from this region is really impressive. Their bite is not very serious, but it seems a severe burn.

JAGUAR, PANTHERS and PUMAS: The most common and dangerous are the Jaguars. Theoretically there are not a great danger, but we have to be alert, because they are animals that can attack us even if they do not feel threatened or harassed.

CAYMAN: The crossing of rivers and ponds or small lakes that we will run, are full of these giant lizards. But experts say we do not have to suffer for it, because although we will see them almost at hand while on the water, will turn away immediately, and there is no reason to be attacked.... But what happens if someone has Alzheimer's, and forgets that he has to leave or that he has already eaten a while ago?

PIRANHA: It is seen that, contrary to popular legend, they do not attack or bite even if you have an open wound. Usually only eat dead flesh.

MOSQUITOS: Within the large catalog of mosquitoes that it circles the area, could not miss our beloved "Anopheles", carrier of malaria through its bite. Much repellent, long sleeves and pants whenever possible, and perhaps a preventive pill ... can save us some surprises.

These will be our leading citizens, but there are others such as stripes, wild pigs, blood-sucking parasites, etc...

It is a pleasure to know that we're going to a remote area of the planet and at least we will not feel alone ... and if we are not careful, we can meet an animal friend which we will remember for all our live or more.

We are working with Pep Busquets on a project to run the upcoming Spanish  Raids Championship (with him as co-pilot I did the Dakar 2000, becoming the first team in history that managed to complete the rally driving only with hands-Pep lives on a Wheel chair-). Four and half months ago I summited Everest with Nelson Cardona, who has a leg amputated due to a climbing accident. On day 15 of this month we presented at the ‘Luz de Gas', the first song of Camila Vargas, a 15 yearls old child/youth who only has only a 20% lung capacity. And now I stand here with Pancho, a concentrate of pure energy, who is painting despite being blind.

Fred (pictured with Camilla and his friend Luis Manuel) is a 100% lively person.  He is Happy, he is extremely accomplished, he has an incredible vital motivation, and it turns out that although she could not see, he dreams and draws hi dreams. He won second prize in the 'New Genius' contest, which is prepared since seven years ago COCARMI (Catalan Committee of representatives of persons with disabilities). This crack was with us at the party "Seven Summits and a Dream" and he gave it to me and Camila, a T-shirt with the winner drawing.

You can follow Pancho through his blog: http://www.seeuproductions.blogspot.com/

And we can all think a bit on if, instead of spending so much energy complaining about the circumstances, we invest activating in our life projects, whatever circumstances we have in live.

Cyrus who is the most talented of us at the level of language, immediately noted that although the termination "CAT" identified us with Catalonia, but also meant "cat" in English. Here we doubted for a moment, but then we saw the stars, fate, destiny, or the crazy chance, should have led us to the best definition we needed to cross the jungle: We have to be four real "Jungle Cats".

Cats because we have to move like felines, agile, very carefully, avoiding all kinds of creatures and obstacles, and sharp claws for skating not too much on that slippery ground.

Cats because we will have to see at night in more than one occasion, when we cross the thick vegetation at dusk after longest stages (There is a 87-km one)

And Cats because there are specifically 7 days of the race, and certainly we will need to exhaust the 7 lives that have been granted by mom cat, to survive a lot of handicaps, suffering, risks and athletic strength of this adventure in which we have bundled.

With all this cat motivation cat, four Catalan small cats hope to cross the finish arch on October 16^th., even crawling or crawling like a mangy cat.

MIAUUUUU......

In the Everest Base Camp, just after the summit (Photo attached), I decided to activate this new communication tool to give visibility to the different activities I do, and to communicate ideas around this concept I called " Spirit of Adventure" involving all aspects where an adventurous attitude can help us live with greater intensity, passion and motivation: The sport, work, life in general...

I'm happy with how it has been this website, but seeing it finished, I get the feeling that I bought a Ferrari to go to buy bread. I do not know if I have enough level or content for such a powerful tool. A lot of people will think that I do show off, but I do not put anything invented, and indeed, pick up more than half of my life dedicated to making crazy things of any kind. And indeed, if one seeks a particular positioning itself to ambitious projects, and having the support of sponsors to make them, he cannot remain at a level of total discretion and not wanting to have a certain visibility.

What I do have clear regarding the contents generation for this new website, is that I will work always based on some basic parameters that constitute a kind of rules for me:

1)    I will not talk about personal issues. Here my family or social life has no place. It will cover issues related to adventure, entrepreneurship, sports in general, and attitudes or values related to this.

2)    I will try to get away from dogmatic positions or believe that, by the fact that I am convinced that a certain attitude may be valid for what I'm doing, is an absolute truth. Everyone knows what suits him and how you wants to focus their actions, and I do not want to preach from this space.

3)    I will Make it clear that for me, although I have a very intense life and approach to critical moments in certain activities, limits do exist, and are very important. Among others: Enjoy the risk without rashness, always give priority to the family in my life projects and adventures, seek balance in all aspects of my activity (Professional - Personal - Family - Sports), do not use artificial substances to improve performance, always work for a good return and image for sponsors, etc. ...

4)    I will always pursue an attitude of discovery and learning in all projects that I have the luck to be doing. The most beautiful part of Adventure is that it always drives you to uncertain and unknown areas, and one must be humble and aware that knows very little, getting personal enrichment after all.

5)    I want to share with everyone who follows this site, the most interesting content as possible, the conclusions of all this learning, discovering new places that we visit, and contribute more things than only about what I am just doing.

6)    I will update the Web at least once or twice a week when not immersed in any particular project. And when I'll be in action, I promise to make every effort (which is not always an easy thing to meet), so that everyone can live the most of every adventure.

7)    I will show myself as a rebel against the "Carpe Diem".  Although I think it is absolutely necessary to know how  to live as intensely as possible each precise moment, one also has to be always working and planning for the future, because it will determine whether we can live many interesting moments later.

8)    I will try whenever possible, to focus on meaningful adventures. After more than two decades devoted to making ambitious projects, I really think that I do not do it  just to have fun and make four beautiful pictures. The concepts and the meaning that is given and is extracted from each event are much more important than the entertainment they can bring.

9)    I'll work on the line to make energy sharing things with many people, as long as anyone does a bit or very severe action, he generates more energy than you need. And harnessing this energy can provide many more results than the central objective itself of each project.

10) The only point where I will show myself with a bit radical opinion, is the approaching of the attitude around everything which will come out on this site. Despite my promises not to be dogmatic, it true that from my particular point of view, I am really convinced that we are all responsible for our attitude. And with a positive attitude we always have so much strength for achieving everything we want, whatever the circumstances we find in the way.

Welcome as this new space, where I have put and I will put a lot of illusion, work, energy and positive attitude so that we can share a certain Spirit of Adventure, always necessary to live intensely

After three years of operation of the website 7cims.com, I have made a total of 360 posts, and having completed the project, I hereby closed a road full of emotions, suffering, memories, incredible images, moments and comments shared with many people, hours and hours of searching the right words, and great enthusiasm invested in these texts.

So much time communicating facts and reflections on the evolution of this adventure and other things,  have made me feel very identified and linked to this WEBSITE (7cims.com). But to break new ground, we have to close some doors as we go forward. And today plays terminate this chapter.

Finishing this 7Summits website, just the day after celebrating the closing of the project with a super party shared with many friends and acquaintances. A party that started from the 7Summits, but that connected the power of many people who accompanied me at this stage, and it is linked to the realization of another dream: Camila Vargas for being a singer, despite their complicated health conditions .

I feel sorry because all the experiences during this journey through the highest mountains on each continent, jumps to be part of the memory file.  Sometimes I think I would have had to invent a 50 Summits Project, in order not to stop travelling with this intensity. But I’m very happy because learning and discovery so much from the same project, have strengthened me a lot so I can raise other equally or more attractive targets.

Farewells the ‘7 Summits’, next Monday (day 20 / 9) will welcome the new web www.albertbosch.info. I invite you to follow me along this new space, where I will communicate a lot of adventures and projects that I have in my head or in progress, and will focus also a relationship in the world of adventure and entrepreneurship of life and/or professional.

Hoping it was not too boring for you reading my texts, and being able to bring something positive to you along this time from the website of the ‘7 Summits ‘, I say goodbye giving you many thanks for having gone along, while I will give you a huge ‘HELLO’ in capital letters next Monday in my personal website, and also giving you thanks for joining me to share there an intense “Spirit of Adventure”