Antarctica 2012
i can't resist giving just a wee taste of this fabulous expedition - we had a lot of bad weather but then at the end the sun came out for a few days during which 8 unclimbed peaks were ascended. - as the slowest member ot the party, I managed just two of these, roger, lucy and toby 3, andy & dave smith 5 or 6, and phil and dave williams 7. The expedition also included some awesome kayaking and sailing - cape horn to antarctica and back was my sailing debut. Tips -dont take photochromatic specs to antarctica - the lack of ozone makes the specs go black and u cant see. Dont take new ski boots! Dont trust the sleeping bag manufacturers claims for warmth. Do take an axe and crampons - especially useful in geting off the beach. Instead of skiing downhill with yr pulk try using it as a pole (Toby Roger, Lucy) or carrying it on top of yr sack ( most everyone else )- both work.Be prepared for enormous cravasses with pathetically thin hidden snow bridges. going uphill almost always we roped up. Dont buy Argentine chololate bars, chewy bars, halva, or electronics. Do buy lots of argentine tonic water and argentine gin (£4.50 a litre), argentine steaks. (these lists can be added to)
These initial photos (taken by various members of the team) are just a temporary taster and will hopefully spur other members of the team with the skills to put something really good together - Meanwhile you might like to check out the Picasa links below where there is a collection of pictures of our ascent of Agammemon peak - originally put together by Toby Johnson as a contribution to a slide show we were invited to do for the scientists and support staff at the nearbye USA PALMER Base. This was a highly enjoyable visit to a well fitted out and well stocked base which included a cinmea, pool room, restaurant, recliners, hot tub, plenty of beer, and not least a popcorn machine . We didnt want to go home to our cramped yacht. Somehow it got past midnight - and everyone except us seemed to have gone to bed. - it was such a good idea to make popcorn - when inebriated - not. Somehow the machine self ignited - setting off the Base fire alarm - instituting a variety of complex safety pocedures including getting the whole base out of bed into the cold snow on underpants fire parade - which appeared to be automatically broadcast on the emergency radio to half of antarctica. As we scampered back to our yacht i saw a fire fighter dressed in a space suit looking like he was preparing to stop WW3. Not sure if he yacht will get an invite to go back to Palmer base in the near future.
https://picasaweb.google.com/102942003897812061867/Sunsets2324JanSg?authkey=Gv1sRgCKDFiaPPytiBfQ
https://picasaweb.google.com/102942003897812061867/100___01?authkey=Gv1sRgCJTAhJ2q_5CHlAE
Added 18 Nov 18 by admin
