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Date: 

November 2000 - Jan 2001

Event: 

Antarctic Expedition

Description: 

First attempt by blind person to manhaul a sledge from antarctic coast to South Pole.

Aim: 

Be the first blind person to go to the bottom of the World - before also going to the top of World on Mt. Everest

Sighted guide: 

Jon Cook sighted guide, with 2 other expedition members, Expedition leader American Doug Stoup, and Deputy-leader, Australian Damion Gildea.Miles developed frost damage to his hands due to a circulation problem, and had to be airlifted out after 37 days, with team continuing to pole.

Miles comments: 

Our original plan was for Jon and I to be climbing Cho Oyu, an 8,000 metre Himalayan giant, as final preparation for Everest. Due to my altitude anomaly in the Himalayas we headed South instead, to fulfil another goal, and not waste time. I have learned in life to expect the unexpected, and, when circumstances change, as they invariably do, adapt your plans, but keep your goals... Antarctica was probably my toughest expedition to date, both physically and mentally.

Lesson learned:

I learned a lot about positive attitude there, teamwork, perseverance, and not being afraid to try something new in my life. Also the importance of positive attitude in adversity the team that plays together, stays together! Deeply, deeply dissapointed at not reaching pole- but what a wonderful experience I will never forget or regret! At the end of my life, I will be more concerned about the things I haven't attempted, rather than those I have. Deeply indebted to sighted guide Jon Cook - team members supporting each other key to high team achievement. Experienced reality of T.S Eliot's words "only those willing to risk going too far will discover how far it is possible to go". Failure is a temporary condition- giving up is what makes it permanent. The pole is still there, and I still have my fingers - a score-draw, so far...