South to the Pole by Ski: Nine Men and Two Women Pioneer a New Route to the South Pole

The announcement in Mountain Travel magazine tantalized 58-year-old Murphy: ``First international overland expedition to the South Pole by ski. If successful it will be the fourth to reach the Pole by foot, the first on a new route (cost, $69,500 per person).'' Murphy ( Adventure Beyond the Clouds ) had led climbing expeditions in the Himalaya; he was an experienced skier but without knowledge of polar travel. Four other men and two women signed on with the group that included two leaders from Mountain Travel , a representative from the Chilean government and two snowmobile operators for ground support. The group flew from Chile to Patriot Hills Base Camp (near Hercules Inlet) Antarctica, in a DC-4. A Twin Otter would drop supplies and bring the party out from the Pole. Setting out from base camp on November 27, 1988, they reached the Pole 53 days later. Murphy gives a day-to-day account of harrowing conditions--wind, extreme cold, whiteouts, crevasses--during the 700-mile journey, a severe test, physical and mental, for everyone involved, and the adventure of a lifetime. Illustrations not seen by PW. (Aug.)