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Ann Made it to the South Pole!

Posted: Thursday, November 08, 2007 7:25 AM by Dan Fleschner
Filed Under: ,

At 6:56 a.m. ET, just four minutes before we went on the air, TODAY producer Matt Carluccio called the control room to let us know that Ann and the crew had successfully landed at the South Pole.

Moments after we went on the air, Ann spoke to Matt, Meredith and Al on the phone, getting a standing ovation from the studio. WATCH VIDEO

After six days of unsuccessful trips from McMurdo Station to the South Pole, Ann and company finally made it -- and arrived to people holding "Welcome Ann!" signs. It sounds like she and the crew were a little queasy when they arrived, which stands to reason -- in about a three-hour span, they went from sea level to an altitude of more than 9,300 feet. That'll mess with your body.

The temperature at the South Pole was minus-53, with a wind chill of minus-78. As our executive producer, Jim Bell, deadpanned, "It's the wind chill that gets you every time." So hopefully everyone there is bundled up!

We'll be checking in with Ann as the morning continues...

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CONGRATULATIONS, ANN!!!!!! Yeah, you made it! I'm so happy for you. Wow, the South Pole! I'm glad you were able to achieve your goal. Be safe. I can't wait to see your report. Have a safe trip home.

Linda Walters, Middle Village, NY (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 7:50 AM)

This has been a great series..maybe one of the best you have done since Ive been watching for may years now..thanks

Susan Janus (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 7:57 AM)

CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU, ANN! I had tears in my eyes when I heard your voice and feel as if I made the trip with you. And thank you to Matt and Al... this has got to be one of THE best segments I've wathed in years. Very informative, and uplifting to know there is still time for us [humans] to do something to help save the earth. CHEERS!

Valerie Kunert, Grapevine, TX (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 8:13 AM)

Ann Curry is a fair, fearless female, and one who, if she would run for President of the USA, would get many votes! She purposely stays in the background and makes all those around her look good. She doesn't push her own accomplishments in peoples' faces, yet, she has many. She's well-educated and knowledgeable in things of the world; lives a simple, but outstanding and admirable lifestyle; has a sense of humor; is gracious; and would be a wonderful ambassador for this nation that all would accept.  RUN FOR PRESIDENT, ANN! PLEASE! YOU'VE GOT MY VOTE!!!

Linda Amstutz (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 8:13 AM)

CONGRATULATIONS to ALL of you - but in particular, to Ann and her crew for their perseverence.  You all did a great job with this and I am seriously considering purchasing the DVD for my kids - I really hope this makes it on there.  

Kate, White River Junction, VT (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 8:29 AM)

Dear Ann,
 I have totally enjoyed your adventure to Antarctica. I have a personal reason as my brother, Danny Saxon is there at McMurdo Station. We are both such fans of yours and think you are the best reporter ever as well as a down to earth person who cares for all people. We are also very interested in stopping global warming and its possible damage to our Earth.
 Meeting you was the absolute highlight of Danny's life. Thank you for all you do. You are an amazing person and you make me proud to be a female living in America.You are a role model for all women.

Sincerely,
Sunny Sheppard
West Palm Beach, Fl.

P.S. I bet you would enjoy our beautiful weather in South Florida after your trip to the South Pole!

Sunny Sheppard West Palm Beach, Fl. (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 8:38 AM)

Congratulations, Ann!  What a great opportunity.  I wish I had a chance to live a while at the South Pole... please share any job openings you heard of at the Amundsen-Scott Station!

Jeff M (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 8:57 AM)

Congrats Ann and her team! Wow, that is truly remarkable... I can't wait to see the videos :)

Rose (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 8:59 AM)

You know, I must be the only one who thinks this whole trip is a farce.  It is also EXTREMELY irritating that Ann Curry has not once acknowledged the LC-130 crew that got her to the South Pole, or the unit they are from (the 109th Airlift Wing).  This shows me how clueless she, and NBC, are about what they do and what the scientists do in Antarctica.  It's all about her.  Very, very, VERY annoying - while she's gallivanting around, she's taking away valuable time and resources from the NSF and from the 109th Airlift Wing as they are trying to get their jobs done on a tight schedule.  It would be alright if she had expressed some sort of appreciation, but she hasn't.  It's all about her and it's making me sick thinking of all the people she's ignored or pushed hard to get what SHE wants - to heck with everyone else.

Julie Raz (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 9:01 AM)

To Ann and the entire NBC crew, Congratulations! to all, I stood in front of the TV in tears with shampoo in my hair. I have watched the Today show my entire life and consider all of you family. I admire your perserverence and celebrate your accomplishments. Bravo! Safe travels home!

Gale West, Plantation, FL (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 9:02 AM)

What an inspiration!  You go girl!  We have spent the week watching and waiting for your efforts to pay off .. what a blast!

Gail Flynn, New Port Richey, FL (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 9:02 AM)

great going ann..i also agree, your the best thing today show has ever seen..of course matt and the gang are great tooo..i always love the cold weather,, the colder the better.. that is a dream i have had for years and years. antartica 50 below must be somthing to experance..i would love to feel what it,s like..keep up the good work..

joedice attle ma (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 9:06 AM)

Congrats on making it to the South Pole, Ann! My fiance is a pilot for the 109th and is currently down in Antarctica. I have been hearing day in and day out about the storms that were hitting McMurdo, so I am glad that you made it to "The Pole"! In fact, my fiance might be one of the men that took you to The South Pole and I am so proud of him! Thank you for the recognition of this amazing and talented Air National Guard squadron!

Carie, Waterford, NY (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 9:55 AM)

You're truly blessed..........great job and it's one of best reporting story ever. Thanks to all NBC crew to bring such a story on air.

none (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 9:57 AM)

Ann, CONGRATULATIONS!  I NEVER doubted that you would make it to the South Pole; I knew you were driven.  It is an adventure of a lifetime, and from now on your new Title should be "The Marco Polo of the today show."   PLEASE KEEP YOUR FINGERS AND TOES WARM!!!

g.eglesiaspennsylvania (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 10:01 AM)

Congratulation Ann, I am so proud of you taking such a trip and enduring the cold -53 degree temperatures. I cannot imagine  how cold it must feel.  I personally could not be comfortable in weather less than one degree.  I live in Florida and 40 degrees is too cold for me."smile".
I'm looking forward to seeing the photos and hearing about your experiences at the South Pole.
Way to go Ann!

Ann Brown, Palm Coast, Fl. (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 10:10 AM)

I had to leave for work but checked on the web as soon as I got here! Been rooting for you Ann to make it. I enjoyed the entire series. Congrats to you and to all who helped you bring us this report.Safe travels home

Michelle Lane, Atlanta, Ga. (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 10:22 AM)

Hi Anne,

CONGRATULATIONS, you have made to where few have ever trod. I remember well when I got off the plane in late 1956.

I am Patrick D. “Rediron” McCormick a Antarctic veteran of Deep Freeze I and II  and  member of USN Mobile Construction Battalion  Special  (Seabees), the all volunteer battalion that began construction at McMurdo Station in December 1955.  I wintered at McMurdo with ninety-two others in 1956 and was a member of the twenty-four man construction team that began construction of the first South Pole Station in late November 1956 where only seventeen men had ever been before we arrived.  Beginning on November  20, 1956 we built six prefabricated buildings with tunnels connecting them before leaving on Jan. 4, 1957.

I am in awe of what has happened since our humble beginnings of living in tents to the new super modern elevated station. Savor your time there and take lots of pictures because once you go to the Ice it gets into your blood and never seems to release you.

My best regards,

Redion

Patrick "Rediron" McCormick Cumberland, R.I. (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 10:29 AM)

Our family has been watching these segments with interest since my son, Andrew Hughes, and nephew, Brian Kennedy are at the South Pole right now.  They're both plumbers and mention should be made of all the service people who brave these extreme conditions so that the researchers can do their jobs....after all, the scientists have to eat, sleep, keep warm, etc.  

Eileen Hughes, Coldwater, MI (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 10:29 AM)

Only a true Oregonian would make it to the South Pole!!!  Congratulations Ann and the Today show team!!!!  

Laura Buccafurni (OSU Beaver) , West Linn, Oregon (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 10:31 AM)

Congratulations Ann!  You are an inspiration to me.  You have such integrity and zest for life that I strive for.  I admire your willingness to try new ventures.
Safe travels back to NY!
Carrie

Carrie Ryan, Lake City, MN (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 10:41 AM)

I think it was quite rediculous that NBC spent all that time and CARBON fuel to put on that show "Ends of the Earth". These trips were just expense-paid VACATIONS. Think of the tons of fuel wasted!!! Wild-erness areas should not be accessed! And then you tell everyone, today, how easy it is to get there. Is all this really getting GREENER? I think NOT. Let those areas alone!!!!

Bob Faenger, Springfield, MO (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 10:45 AM)

This was so very exciting for my co-workers and me to see.  We manufactured the wall panels (SIPS) that were used in building the Science Station - it's so awesome to see them in place.  Can you believe that huge building started out in Watertown, South Dakota?  This building will keep you nice and warm, Ann, we promise!

Roberta Bartel, Watertown, SD (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 10:50 AM)

Oh my gosh Ann...Way to Go!
I have been watching all week in anticipation of your arrival.  You are an inspiration and I have truly enjoyed your adventure! Way to Go Woman!

Cindy Wooten, Columbia Maryland (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 10:53 AM)

I just would like to correct Julie Raz.  Ann Curry did acknowledge the 109th men this morning for getting her to the South Pole.  You must've walked away from your TV set cause I definetely heard her say "thanks" to all!  Way to go Ann. Can't wait to see the video and pictures.

April, Pennsylvania (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 11:06 AM)

Congratulations Ann! I'm sure this has got to be one of "the" major experiences of your life! Your name is now on that list of famous Antarctica explorers. Admiral Bryd was once quoted to offer this advice to would be explorers "take a good plane, take plenty of dogs and only the best men". Its seems he forgot the strength, determination, and perseverance of a woman!
Do you know who was the first woman to set foot on Antarctica? I will never be able to think of "Ann"arctica without thinking of you!
One request from a fan could you please send me a post card from the south pole? Its believed postal history started with the BYRD SECOND ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION, I would love to have one from you!

Patrick Maldonado Albuquerque, New Mexico 87114 (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 11:16 AM)

Congratulations Ann!!!  I rushed to get my daughter out of bed to hear you talking from the South Pole.  She and I want to go there in the worst way.  Meanwhile, my husband and younger daughter look at us like we're crazy.  They would rather be at the Equator with Al!  We can't wait to see the video from Antarctica! You are awesome Ann!  NBC is lucky to have you!  Have a safe trip home!  

Anastasia Pitses (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 11:27 AM)

I was really happy when I heard that you made it!  Congratulations!  This is the best series of reports The Today show has ever had! I love the Today's anchor team.  You are really fun to watch because you really know what you are talking about and you really seem to care about one another. Keep up the Great work!

Millie Matthews (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 11:43 AM)

HURRAY ANN!! I've been watching all week and almost cried today when your phone call came through.  Stay warm and have a safe trip back.

Michele Good, Elkins, WV (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 12:00 PM)

You go girl!  You did it and we're all proud of you.  It was certainly exciting waking up to the news that you got to the South Pole.  You put NBC on the cutting edge of risk takers.  

Nickie (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 12:04 PM)

I have the idea that true reporting is enlightening others with the truth.  I must say I feel very enlightened after watching the Today Show this week, which is more than I could ever ask for in television these days.  To Ann and they entire crew who got her to the South Pole; job well done!

Lauren, Canton, Ohio (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 12:18 PM)

Congratulations Ann! and the NBC/Today show family. These reports and your perserverance have been truly inspiring. Looking forward to seeing the report on the Nightly News.  Have a safe trip home!

S. Holmes, New Orleans, LA (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 12:19 PM)

Congratulations, Ann, for being a real trooper and not giving up. I have been watching intently the series because I find it fascinating, but also because my daughter Roseann Meyer is working at the South Pole with the support crew at the airstrip. This is her second "summer trip" there and loves it and all the hearty souls she works with. They are a special group on an adventure of a lifetime.
In response to Bob Faenger's comments about the series being a wasteful farce, I have to disagree. I would only hope that people watching will be inspired to act in a more responsible way after seeing first hand what we could lose. How many years did Al Gore preach the truth before anyone listened. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words.
Thanks for seeing this through the end, Ann.

Patricia Meyer, Portsmouth, R.I. (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 12:23 PM)

Being a former "ice person", 1996 - 2004, I enjoyed the segments from Antarctica.  It made me a little homesick.   It was great seing some of my friends in the background shots.  Although you were able to show only a very small part of what goes on on the ice, my thanks to NBC and their Antarctic crew for bringing it to the viewers.

John Ackley, Pigeon Falls, Wisconsin (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 12:25 PM)

WHOO-HOO! Congratulations, Ann! What an awesome achievement in your continuing excellence of broadcast journalism. Having lived in Alaska for 31 years and understanding the complications that cold weather brings; your voice sounded great..angelic, even. Safe travels on your return to New York. My prayers go with you.
Respectfully, Michael Curran, Juneau, Alaska

Michael Curran, Juneau, Alaska (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 12:34 PM)

Good job Ann! I only just saw on the internet about your adventure to the North Pole.  This is surely a notch in American history to have a female visit this remote area of the world.  My prayer is that God will bring you all back safely to the USA, and that you will achieve all that you set out to do while you are there.  I hope the entire series will be available to the public for viewing.  God Bless!

Beverley Rose, Naples, Florida (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 12:37 PM)

Congratualations Ann!!!!! You are amazing, I never doubted for a minute that you would make it!
Take care and have a safe trip home. Can't wait to see the video!

Michele March, St. Louis, Missouri (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 12:38 PM)

Congratulations to Ann, NBC News team and the TODAY show.  THis was an extremely interesting series.  To the two people so far that have said negative things, is it just so you can be contradictive??  I too heard Ann thank the Men and women of the National Guard for the dilligence in making the trip possible.  I think the plane would be going whether Ann was on it or not.  I doubt she "pushed" anyone to do it for TV!!  

As far as the FREE PAID VACATION aspect.  Get real!!  If we aren't shown the parts of the world that hold the keys to turning the Green House effect around it wouldn't be real to most humans.  We have the chance to see how this all affects every living creature.  Sure there was fuel expenses and a "foot print" left but sometimes for the sake of knowledge you have to do things like this.  This whole week on NBC has opened eyes of millions of people that don't "think" how every little thing they do to be GREEN can help ALL OVER THE WORLD!!

Thanks ANN!!  I am so excited to see all of the video you have and all the wonderful stories you will share.  I know you have met a lot of people there that are giving so much of themselves for the world's sake.  I know you personality has warmed them even with the temperature outside being in the negative degrees!!

TO THE NASAYERS........ Go recycle if you want to make a statement!!!

Judy Barnhart, San Jose, CA (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 12:39 PM)

CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU AND THE CREW!
I never doubted you would make it back.  You are truly loved and admired.  I am a big fan of yours and think you are the best.  Continued success, you are an inspiration.

Safe trip home to all!

Ginette, Florida (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 12:40 PM)

Ann,
I've been watching all week and was thrilled when the Today Show announced this morning that you made it to the South Pole.  Congratulations to you and the staff at NBC.  This has been an amazing week.  Thank you for the awareness and the education.  Safe travels home.

Richmond, VA (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 12:48 PM)

Congratulations Ann, we are studying penguins and this is  wonderful.   You made it and all thechildren here at my school watched your video from the Today Show.  Bravo, Ann, you are the best...

Karen M. Zgrodek, Wallkill, NY (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 12:52 PM)

Ann,
Congratulations on your safe (and very brave) arrival. What an exciting experience for us to watch.  Ann, you really are the best.
Sandy

SANDY CAPONE WIND GAP PA (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 1:05 PM)

Hi Ann! What an accomplishment, I congratulate you and the folks at the Today show - this is why I watch the Today show seven days a week! What an amazing story-kudos to you for your perseverance and endurance. Safe journey home.

Cecile Gamez, El Paso, Texas (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 1:08 PM)

What a fantastic series this week!  Kudos to all the people (NBC, Today Show staff, people at the ends and at the middle of the earth) who let us see what a beautiful planet we have and how much we have to do to save it for future generations.  The men and women who work in these locations risk their lives every day so we have a good life.  Many thanks for letting us be a part of it!

Linda, Syracuse NY (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 1:18 PM)

Bravo, Ann, the persons who got here there, and the persons who are there all the time studying the atmosphere! What an achievement for the TODAY show to simulcast Ann, Matt and Al and Meridith from the four corners of the globe. We all need to be more globally aware so that we do not spoil it for our descendants. Thank you all for your efforts to make us more aware!!

Elizabeth Bergman, Kansas City, Missouri (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 1:19 PM)

BRAVO ANN!!! I'm so glad for you and the team. I had tears in my eyes when I heard your voice. It was very emotional... BRAVO... and  Thanks to all for the great. Please have a safe trip home.

Angel Garayalde, San Juan , Puerto Rico (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 1:22 PM)

Dear Ann,
As many people have already said, you are incredibly inspiring.  I had already admired you as a person of great integrity, intelligence and kindness.  Now I add to that, strength and courage.  I thank and commend you, Al, Matt, and the Today show, as well as ALL the hard-working people behind the scenes in every location making this segment possible.  You all have done a tremendous job in encouraging people to become "global citizens" as well as more sensitive to our beautiful planet's need to be cared for and protected in every way.  Have a safe journey home.  Blessings,

Daryl Elizabeth Gedney, Denver, Colorado (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 1:29 PM)

Congratulations, Ann and many thanks to Matt and Al for giving me great vicarious experiences this week. I have been a Today show viewer since 1990 and this week was the best for me.  I recorded all the shows this week and can tell you from my heart that my day starts with Today.  I am a novice mountain hiker (4 years) and can only watch your accomplishments with envy.  Now it's Meredith's turn to top that... (maybe a shuttle launch....)

To Julie Raz and Bob Faenger: If you're so upset with what these individuals have done, do it yourself and get a life.  They're on the TV for a reason.... Entertainment and information...

Gil Borrero, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 1:30 PM)

Congrats to you dear. I miss your news day job. Take care and bravo to all nbc people especially Matt. Thanks for the notes while taking my lunch today. Bye.
See you soon.

Joe Veloso, Windsor Locks CT 06096 (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 1:32 PM)

Hi,Ann
It has been so incredible watching your report on the Today show. I have truly enjoyed this due to a personal connection to the south pole. My boyfriend, Andrew Williams is currently working on the new science foundation building. as a carpenter and was able to capture your photo while he was at McMurdo last week, before leaving on one of the only recent flights into the south pole. I look forward to hearing and watching more of your incredible report.By way tell Andrew hello for me! Take care and God Bless

Megan Stenbeck, Littleton, CO (Sent Thursday, November 08, 2007 1:37 PM)



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