Fuel strike chaos and flight drama causes delays to Richard’s challenge

16th January 2011

When former Welsh International and Barbarian flanker Richard Parks set off on his pioneering 7 month race to climb the highest mountain on each of the world’s continents and venture to the South and Geographical North Poles he knew he would face drama along the way, however little did he expect fuel strikes to delay him along his world first journey.

Richard successfully climbed Mount Vinson in Antarctica 8 days ahead of schedule and was expecting to be on his way back to Punta Arenas in Chile today before travelling on to Mendoza in Argentina to start the 3rd leg of his 737 Challenge; climbing the highest summit in South America, Aconcagua.

However chaos has descended upon the deep south of Patagonia, which has seen thousands of foreign tourists trapped in southern Chile due to strikes and road blockades by locals protesting a rise in fuel prices, meaning Richard must remain at Union Glacier Base Camp.

According to a BBC news report, tourists, some of whom have been stuck for four days, had hoped to leave for neighbouring Argentina, but have reportedly been turned back. The strike was sparked by a government plan to hike gas prices by nearly 17%.

The move has brought the region to a standstill and led to clashes with police, who responded with tear gas. Last Tuesday, two young women were killed when a truck smashed through a blockade.

Around 2,000 tourists are stuck in the cities of Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas, Richard’s next destination.

Richard returned to Union Glacier Base Camp after successfully climbing Mount Vinson, which saw him summit in fantastic conditions on the 8th January and day 28 of his challenge. He was hoping to arrive back in Punta Arenas earlier or at the least on schedule by today. He has been sitting patiently at Union Glacier Base Camp waiting for more news on the fuel strikes.

Finally after days of struggle the Antarctic logistics and expeditions company (ALE) who flies teams off the Glacier Base Camp managed to get through the blockades and obtain fuel for the flight. Yesterday Richard stated on his day-by-day diary here at 737challenge.com; “If all goes to plan, might fly out tonight! Waiting is tough! I want to move forward again. It’s good patience training there will be mega waiting on Everest!”.

However, more shock news arrived late last night resulting in further delays for Richard, he said; “Shocking news, weather perfect, blockade bypassed, but broken fuel line on ALE's Ilyushin plane! 3 days to order parts, no flight until next week now! You can’t make this up!” Despite yet more delays and drama, Richard retained his sense of humour, knowing that he will face many challenges over the months ahead which will test his patience to the limit; “On the upside I had my first shower of the year! And for over a month!”

Finally he added; “I have been out climbing to stay strong. Eating like a king here at Union Glacier Base Camp. I just hope my sleeping bag and other Aconcagua gear sent to me isn’t lost in the Punta strike! Just really eager to get on with the next leg now and feel ready and raring to go”

Richard’s next leg of his incredible world first 737 Challenge will see him take on Aconcagua, the second highest of the famous “Seven Summits”. At 6,959m/22,830ft high, it is also the highest mountain outside of the Himalayas.