Akshay Nanavati Is Spending Veterans Day Walking Across Antarctica
U.S. Marine Vet Akshay Nanavati is just a few days deep into a challenge many would describe as “impossible,” and maybe even “nuts,” yet at the same time “incredible.” On Nov. 8th, Akshay set off to embark on a 110-day solo coast-to-coast ski expedition across Antarctica, covering 1,700 miles while dragging 400 pounds worth of supplies behind him, pushing the boundaries of human endurance.
No dogs, no kites, only him and one of the harshest environments Mother Nature could offer.
It might sound like hell for most people, but for Nanavati it’s all the reason to do it anyway. He welcomes suffering, one might even say he actively seeks it out. He says it’s part of his journey to earn this life he’s been gifted.
The expedition, dubbed “The Great Soul Crossing,” is the culmination of four years of intense preparation for what will most likely test his physical and mental limits like never before. Plus, if he succeeds, he’ll break several Guinness World Records.
“Antarctica is one of the most hostile, unforgiving environments on the planet, the coldest, driest, windiest continent,” Nanavati described. Throughout this treacherous journey he’ll will be skiing up to 12 hours a day with temperatures as low as -40°F. He’ll rely solely on his training, equipment, and mental fortitude to complete this grueling trek across the frozen continent.
“Why the hell would I do this, right?” he asks with a smile. His response: “You have to remember that you’re seeking out hard because there’s value in hard.”
