Messrs. Steger, American and Etienne, French enlisted four others from the U.S.S.R, China, Japan and Great Britain for an unmechanized, 4000 mile, seven month attempt to cross Antarctica. The continent is roughly the shape of a bottle cap. Planning to travel thirty miles per day on cross-country skies with dogsleds, they wish to draw international attention to threats against nature and the need for cooperation in protecting Antarctica. The expedition is being financed by a group of wealthy Americans who have been interested in Antarctica since its discovery by Captain James Cook more than 150 years ago. But many countries now covet the land for strategic, political and economic reasons. About 45 nations have signed television contracts with the expedition.
Messrs. Steger, American and Etienne, French enlisted four others from the U.S.S.R, China, Japan and Great Britain for an unmechanized, 4000 mile, seven month attempt to cross Antarctica. Planning to travel thirty miles per day on cross-country skies with dogsleds, they wish to draw international attention to threats against nature and the need for cooperation in protecting Antarctica. The expedition is being financed by a group of wealthy Americans who have been interested in Antarctica since its discovery by Captain James Cook more than 150 years ago. But many countries now covet the land for strategic, political and economic reasons. About 45 nations have signed television contracts with the expedition.