AN ABERDYFI adventurer has set out to make history in one of the world’s most inhospitable regions.

Joe Doherty, who works at Aberdyfi’s Outward Bound Centre, will attempt to become the first Scout in the world to ski to the South Pole then kite-ski back, a total distance of 1,400 miles.

Joe will ski 700 miles from Hercules Inlet at 80° south, to the South Pole in 60 days.

On the return journey, he will exploit the prevailing winds and kite-ski back the way he came in 20 days, all the while being completely unassisted.

On Monday, after a suitable window of weather, Joe was flown to Union Glacier where he will begin his daunting challenge at well below zero degrees.

In his first update from the polar region, he said: “Weather today has been sunny with a temperature of -15 and a 20knot wind making it -30 degrees windchill temperature.

“Landing on the runway was the smoothest experience ever.

“But stepping out the door of the illysuin was like walking into a freezer combined with a hair dryer.

“It was so cold and dry it took any moisture out of my mouth and I could feel my hair freezing instantly.”

The beauty of Antartica had an instant effect on the 24-year-old.

“Everything here is well thought out and well serviced you couldn’t ask for more,” he said, speaking about his initial polar base.

“But the best thing is this pristine environment, no sound, no human structures, no wildlife and no greenery."

Read the full story in this week’s Meirionnydd edition of the Cambrian News