The four-times capped international set off in December to attempt to climb the Seven Summits – the highest mountain on each of the world’s continents – and venture to the South and North Poles all against a seven-month clock.
Mount Vinson, deep within the frozen Antarctic, is part of the Ellsworth mountain range and was the last of the Seven Summits to be discovered and climbed. Only around 700 climbers have successfully climbed Vinson, much less than Everest.
On Tuesday of this week, Richard arrived at Mount Vinson base camp which is 2100m high and climbed to low camp and to 2815m yesterday.
“We moved really fast today covering 9k in 3 hours 40, it was really hot whilst we climbed but I am pretty cold now!” said Parks.
Richard completed the first leg of his challenge trekking 60 miles to The South Pole on the 27th December. He then faced an 8-day wait before starting the Mount Vinson leg, ensuring he was still on the pole on New Year’s Day to ensure he reaches all three poles within the same calendar year.
On reaching the South Pole he stated: “When we saw the Antenna at the pole all the guys were all really elated and it really was a pretty amazing feeling. You can’t help but be sucked into the history and the mystique of the place, thinking of all the pioneers and the people that have got here before us.”
Parks is keen to ensure he doesn’t think past each step of his nine-leg challenge. From the Pole he added: “It’s been really tough, we have had a lot of long days and had to hit the ground running with the regards to the conditions and the cold. One of the demands I put on myself was to stay in the moment and experience and enjoy every leg for what it is and right now it’s pretty amazing to be here. I feel privileged to have the opportunity.”
You can also follow Richard’s progress day by day at www.737challenge
