Antarctica 2007

In November 2007, I joined a small team of mountaineers from around the world to attempt a number of mountain peaks in Antarctica. The 12 day voyage across the Drake Passage onto the Antarctic Peninsula, one of the world’s most remote and beautiful regions, promised to be one of the most challenging and incredible trips undertaken. The plan was to spend 6 days in the Gerlache Strait and Lemaire Channel area to attempt several mountains, all of which will presented tough challenges to the team. Many of the climbers had Winter Alpine Mountaineering technical experience and I took the opportunity before the voyage to prepare myself with the skills and fitness level required. The historic crossing of the Drake Passage was met with much trepidation. The size of the waves and gale-force winds ensured it often lives up to its reputation. At sea, we will were totally self sufficient.

In addition, to the several one-day alpine-style ascents of mountains, the group enjoyed the spectacular beauty of the region, with its icebergs, glaciers and incredible sea-life & wildlife. This was nature at its finest! The voyage included an extensive lecture program focussing on the wildlife, geology, history and geography of the Antarctic Peninsula. We were given guidelines for approaching the wildlife and talk about the implications of the Antarctic Treaty. The voyage onto the Antarctic Peninsula was taken on a ship named the Polar Pioneer. Built in Finland in 1985 as an ice-strengthened research ship, she plied the treacherous waters of the USSR's northern coast. In 2000 she was refurbished in St Petersburg to provide comfortable accommodation for 54 passengers. This class of vessel has a fine reputation for polar expedition cruising, due to its strength and manoeuvrability. It’s said that the Russian captain and crew are among the most experienced ice navigators in the world and their enthusiasm is legendary. A small fleet of inflatable Zodiacs with outboard motors enabled us to travel from ship to shore.

Drawing on the wealth of experience of the crew and guides, we made the best use of prevailing weather and ice conditions. Because we were so far south, we had almost 24 hour daylight. The expedition promised to be an incredible journey and the rigours of the potentially hostile Antarctic weather did not disappoint. The Polar Pioneer will provided vital shelter, but exploring the mountain areas on foot exposed the group to very cold, windy weather.