An Expedition to Baltimore USA

Pushed to an extreme, endurance and patience, have motivated the determined and undeterred to reach beyond their capabilities.

Fiona and Mike Thornewill are two such rare “climb to the top” explorers. They have climbed the South Pole as the first and only married couple. Fiona is the first to have all alone without aid reached the South Pole in record breaking time, and the first woman to reach both Poles (see list of accomplishments). Mike and Fiona have also brought up two of the most respectful and ethically driven sons, my wife and I, have had the pleasure to meet.

Most home-officed working husbands and wives mostly “struggle” with chore scheduling issues and who ends up putting out the trash. Wife and husband, Fiona and Mike, pulled 200-pound sleds loaded with food and equipment during a 966-mile treacherous journey. Imagine, the driving distance from Savannah Georgia to Houston Texas is 966 miles (1554 km). At an average of three miles per hour imputing weight and height it would take 2,204,026 steps or 5,784.4 lengths of the London Bridge and have burned 98,764 calories. Their awe-inspiring stories have nearly convinced me to walk to Houston because according to calculations that would result in a net loss of 30 pounds!

We met Fiona Thornewill following her stirring lecture series during our recent June 2022 trip to Europe. There is a significant reason Queen Elizabeth bestowed her with an MBE. Fiona epitomizes perseverance, grit, and the inner and outer strength to transcend whatever is inside of us that persuades us we cannot go further.

Where a typical athlete eventually intervenes to stop a relentless treadmill, Fiona turns the switch higher and higher until it tilts, and when the premium fuses have blown relentlessly chooses to continue onward and upward.

Several weeks ago, Fiona, Mike and their two sons traveled from England to the United States and graced and blessed our home with an overnight stay. There is a marked difference in the tone and quality of a conversation while engaging with an entire family of high achievers. At the dinner table speaking with the parent-accomplished-explorers and talented progeny who are destined to be recognized as discoverers and inventors was as satisfying as my wife’s cooking. That is the highest compliment possible!

UK woman claims South Pole record

A British woman has achieved the fastest time for walking unaided to the South Pole, her team has said.

Fiona Thornewill walked 700 miles in 42 days

BBC NEWS | UK | England | Nottinghamshire | UK woman claims South Pole record

Fiona Thornewill’s Ascending Accomplishments

2000: 1st British woman to ski South Pole.
2001: 1st British woman to ski North Pole.
2001: 1st Woman to ski both Poles.
2001: Fastest woman to ski North Pole in 55 days.
2004: 1st British woman to ski solo & unsupported South Pole.
2004: Fastest individual to ski South Pole unsupported in 41 days 8 hours 14 minutes.

Awards

2000: Pride of Britain
2001: R.A.D.A.R – People of the Year.
2004: European Woman of Achievement.
2004: Royal Institute of Navigation – Achievement Award.
2004: Explorers Web Best expedition of the Year.
2004: Midlander of The Year.
2005: MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire)
2008: The Explorer Award (Explorers Society Poland)
2011: Nottingham Woman of Substance

Mike Thornewill’s Ascending Achievements

2000: 7th Britain to ski to South Pole – without dogs/vehicles.
2001: 8th Britain to ski to North Pole – without dogs/vehicles.
2001: 3rd Britain to ski to both Poles.
2001: 31st person to travel both Poles – surface travel using any means.
2016: Has amassed 427 days experience in the Arctic and Antarctic, spread over 30 expeditions.

Brief History

1981: Joined police service.
1981: Rock/ice climbing becomes dominant interest.
1982: Achieved Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.
1983: London marathon 2hr 50 min.
1984: First British Ironman triathlon: 11hr 45 min.
1985: Operation Raleigh – team Zebu 3 (sailed Pacific Ocean).
1985-1995: Numerous climbing trips to Alps/USA/Australia.
1999-2008: Numerous polar expeditions.