UA-124173970-1 google-site-verification=0s5a35dli_mtOsnKZh7kpERYJye8W8PlW1indlDocgI 279506616524861 TTB 104: Hiking Antarctica - The Travelers Blueprint

Episode 104

TTB 104: Hiking Antarctica

Justin Jones is one of the premier motivational speakers and extreme adventurers in the world. In our conversation today, Justin discussed how he completed the first unsupported kayak expedition from Australia to New Zealand (62 days, 3318 km/ 2075 mi), the first unsupported expedition from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole and back (89 days, 2285 km/1430 mi) and a 1800km/1125 mi trek across the Australian Outback with a one year old (102 days). 

Inside the Episode:

  • (5:51): “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all” As you hear Jonesy’s explanation for putting this quote by Oscar Wilde on his website, he makes it clear that his biggest fear (coming from a guy who encountered hungry sharks while kayaking from Australia to New Zealand) is living a life of regret. Seems cliche, and it is, but that’s because we can ALL relate. One thing we learned from talking to people like Jonesy on our podcast is just how important it is to take action on the things you are gratifying. Whether it's hiking across Antarctica or starting a travel podcast - do it. VG
  • (9:34): What’s the longest you ever kayaked? Our guest Jonesy took 3.5 years to plan his incredible kayaking expedition across the Tasman Sea, the sea between Australia and New Zealand - the first to do it on an unsupported vessel. The journey ended up taking 62 days, where Jonesy and his partner were hit with life draining elements, including hungry sharks, a hurricane, and dehydration. 
  • (14:32): Jonesy is a methodical and meticulous planner. However, no matter how much you plan you can never really ‘know’ what to expect once you put yourself in an open kayak, in the middle of the Tasman Sea...with our merciless and unforgiving Mother Nature. 
  • (24:24): Walking roughly 18 miles a day over the course of three months through the blistering cold of Antarctica, Jonsey was burning about 10,000 calories per day (think 20 Big Macs a day). Due to packing restrictions however, Jonsey was only able to eat about 6,000 calories per day, surviving off of dehydrated meals, vegetable oils, and butter. 
  • (28:11): How do you poop when you're bundled up on a hike through Antarctica? “Have you ever watched a man poo for 6 days straight? You should try it!?”
  • (30:03): Did you know there is an actual barbershop pole on the South Pole?! There is an actual pole at the South Pole! The more ya know…
  • (32:26) Over the course of his journey, Jonesy was hit hard by the elements - Losing a total of 66 pounds, Jonsey found himself desperate for calories to the point where he was eating his toothpaste for nourishment. 
  • (37:56): “The Longest Unsupported Unassisted Polar Expedition of All Time” That’s what Jonsey planned on accomplishing with his partner Cas after extensive planning and preparation. Then, they showed up to the starting point only to find out that another guy would be challenging them for the title. By the time they made it back halfway - word got back that this man had beaten them to the finish line. However...as you hear Jonesy say in this clip, the man, named Alex, waited for them to cross together. #humanititycanbebeautiful 
  • (45:00) Ok, so we were already blown away by the stories Jonesy shared. But when he got into the details of his walk through the Australian Outback with his wife and 15-month old daughter, we were truly blown away. 
  • (57:07): Rapid Fire Question Round!! With Justin Jonesy! 

Learn More About Our Guest: 

Thank you for listening! 





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The Travelers Blueprint
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Elliot Shibley

We came up with the name "The Travelers Blueprint" for two main reasons:
To provide information for you to draft your own itineraries or how to begin a career that takes you all over the world.
We both have backgrounds in engineering, architecture, or the environment, so we though a blueprint was an apt title to describe our intentions and end goal.

Why We Do It:
We both recently settled down with our careers and families, and can no longer live the nomadic lifestyle we both still crave. The solution to satisfy our overwhelming wanderlust is this podcast where we get to sit down with savvy travelers, globetrotters, conservationists, nature-lovers, or any other travel enthusiasts to peer into their inspiring lives. By listening to these fascinating individuals, we vicariously live through their experiences, and in turn share them with you.

You will hear the personal stories of extraordinary people who have “been there and done that”. Our guests share their unique wisdom and unpack valuable advice on how to plan your trip, what to do once you get there, and how to make sure you head back home (or not) with memories that will last a lifetime. Each episode’s discussion will range from a particular location, to discussing a travel-oriented project or conservation effort, and everything in between.

Occasionally, we take a break from hosting guests, and you will get the opportunity to listen to us divulge our own travel ideas and travel experiences, or maybe just exchange our thoughts on travel methods. Although we have similar worldviews and travel ideologies, you will quickly learn that we also have some very different travel expectations.

Tune in each week, and discover something new about the world, the fascinating cultures buried within, and learn how to draft your own journey from those who have traveled before you!