During his homeward voyage to return from the South Pole in 1912, Captain Robert Scott met his very unfortunate demise. He and his fellow travelers perished due to the extremely cold temperatures as well as the lack of food. Because of his ambition and persistence, and even though he lost the race to the South Pole and perished, he is known as a national hero.
Since then, scientists have found out more precisely the vehement conditions that an explorer needs to overcome in traveling to Antarctica. Antarctica is a place where temperatures dip to minus 90 degrees Celsius during the winter months, and experiences wind speeds that can average 67 kilometres an hour. Unfortunately, Captain Scott saw the same conditions without knowing what to expect beforehand.
A Polar Region scientist, Scott's writings to wife describe extreme isolation. Even with all our modern communication skills, scientists today still feel that same sense of isolation. When Scott died, he left behind his wife and young son.
It was several months after his death that more letters were found on his body. The camp with his equipment was eleven miles away. The wife-made-widow of Captain Scott was waiting in New Zealand from him when she was made aware of his passing.
Scott's letters to his wife can enlighten historians. At the trip's onset, he spoke of the pleasure derived from a fine meal and his appreciation of his body's ability to endure the conditions. The cold didn't seem to be a problem, as the hot food made up for the bitter cold.
However, as time went on, and food became short in supply, Scott's mental outlook changed as well. He wrote of the unrelenting cold in the Antarctica wilderness. He and his men were only able to consume one hot meal with two days of cold food in order to move another 11 miles.
During this time of great exploration, Scott was a monumental figure, but, unfortunately, his plans were cursed twofold. First, the race to the South Pole was lost to a Norwegian named Roald Amundsmen. Amundsmen arrived at the South Pole on December 21, 1911 and Scott did not get there until January 18, 1912.
Scott had already be hailed a hero for his expedition to the Antarctic wilderness in 1902 through 1904. Dr. Edward Wilson and Lieutenant Henry Bowers accompanied Scott. All three men grasped at hopes of survival. Captain Lawrence Oats and Petty Officer Edgar Evans also did not survive.
While just twenty miles from the depot, the explorers needed to stow all provisions. The small group was down to the last of their food and fuel. Scott then told his wife in a letter that she could find a new husband in the event of his death. In the same letter, he wrote of temps reaching negative 70, and only a tent to provide protection.
In his last written words he conveyed no sorrow, and expressed no qualms regarding his choice to take the trek that would inevitable claim his life. In fact, he said it was much better than lounging in comfort at home. Throughout the years that have followed, many Brits young and old, have been encouraged by Scott's endearing will and perseverance.
It was unfortunate that Captain Robert Scott's group failed to beat Roald Amundsmen to the South Pole. He passed away March 29, 1912. In 1913, Scott's journal was published under the title "Scott's Last Expedition."
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