Programme 4
The ship sets sail for South Georgia - the ultimate goal of the expedition. Two days sailing to South Georgia across the roughest sea in the world, which, as luck would have it, stays uncharacteristically calm. But for one member of the team, the sea voyage is sheer misery. Cliff is below deck, green. "I used to get sick on the swings in the park," he admits. If he is too sick and loses condition, he will not be allowed to make the traverse. He has patches, tablets and acupressure pads - but time is not on his side.
The traverse team is put through their paces, erecting tents on the windy deck to simulate the strong katabatic winds of the glaciers *** People find themselves hanging by ropes over the railings as their team-mates simulate a crevasse rescue. The enormity of the task ahead sets in - people reveal their hopes, fears, and inner gremlins.
On the bridge, we have our own version of the United Nations - the Argentine Captain, the German logistics expert, the Norwegian alpine expert and the Irish expedition leader meet. They decide how best to deal with the traverse - landing sites, possible rescue locations and timings are discussed. Communication protocols and emergency procedures are planned for. Weather reports are pored over and serious concerns are voiced about the likelihood of any landing being possible.
Meanwhile, a final equipment check takes place in the lounge. Cliff is in serious trouble. There are some key pieces of equipment he simply doesn't have. He has skimped with others. His ability to hide these facts has put his place on the team in jeopardy. Pat loses his temper. Cliff gets an ultimatum - 'find the right gear by this evening, or you are out.' With less than 12 hours to go, and no shop within 2,000km, Cliff does the only thing open to him. He goes to the team members who haven't made the cut.
At 4am the traverse party stands on deck, waiting to see will they get the go-ahead. Weather conditions are foul. No-one believes this is going to happen. Three hours later there is a break in the weather. The team lands and the trip that began as a dream some 12 months previously becomes a reality.
The traverse throws everything at the team - winds blow grown men off their feet; communications fall to pieces; tents are blown away and require drastic measures. Despite carrying back-packs weighing 20kgs, the expedition leaders insist on upping the pace to 12 hour shifts with only 10 minute breaks. the team now understands the true meaning of 'beyond endurance.'
Back on the ship, the tension is unbearable as they wait for any sign of the traversing group. Eventually, as night falls, a sudden cry goes up - the team has been spotted on the crest of the glacier. As the black dots increase in numbers, everyone on the ship presses against the rails. The ship's horn sounds within earshot of the traverse team who spend the night under canvass on the beach-head.
On the final day, the entire party of 23 expeditioners and the 59 relatives and friends that make up the 'support team,' together walk the last 7km to Stromness, and then pay a visit to Shackleton's grave at Grytviken. In a tearful and emotional gathering, Shackleton's relative, Kate Buchanan is one of the people who gets to pay her respects.
Shackleton, Crean and the Irish polar explorers were largely ignored in their own lifetime. Nearly a century on, a group of ordinary Irish men and women gave themselves a small taste of what these heroes went through and, in turning their own dreams into reality, achieved more than they ever could have believed possible.
