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Expedition
Itinerary |
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EXPEDITION OVERVIEW |
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Day |
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1 |
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Sat. |
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Jan. 1, 2011 |
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Arrive
Punta
Arenas,
Chile |
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Day |
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2 |
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Sun. |
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Jan. 2 |
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Penguin
Colony &
Clothing
Review |
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Day |
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3 |
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Mon. |
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Jan. 3 |
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Expedition
Briefing
and Baggage
Pickup |
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Day |
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4 |
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Tue. |
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Jan. 4 |
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Fly to
Antarctica |
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Day |
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5 |
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Wed. |
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Jan. 5 |
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Acclimatize
to
Antarctica |
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Day |
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6 |
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Thu. |
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Jan. 6 |
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Flight to
Geographic
South Pole |
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Day |
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7 |
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Fri. |
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Jan. 7 |
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Return from
the South
Pole |
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Day |
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8-9 |
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Sat.-Sun. |
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Jan. 8-9 |
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The Heart of
Antarctica
Meteorite Search |
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Day |
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10 |
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Mon. |
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Jan. 10 |
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Return to
Punta
Arenas,
Chile |
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Day |
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11 |
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Tue. |
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Jan. 11 |
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Depart Punta
Arenas |
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The
itinerary
below
outlines
an
‘ideal’
program
with
no
delays.
It
is
intended
to
outline
general
program
objectives
and
to
highlight
activities
and
experiences.
Exact
timeline,
activities,
and
program
details
may
vary
and
delays
should
be
expected.
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Day 1
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Dinner
Arrive Punta Arenas, Chile |
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After your overnight
flight, you will arrive in Santiago, Chile, where you will clear Customs
before boarding a connecting flight to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, you
will be met and transferred to our hotel. Spend the remainder of the day
resting or acquaint yourself with the area. This evening, join fellow
expedition members for a welcome dinner. |
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Overnight: Hotel Finis Terrae, or similar (3 nights) |
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Day 2
Sun, Jan. 2
Breakfast
Penguin
Colony & Clothing Review |
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After breakfast, join
us for an excursion to see the Magellanic penguin colony outside the
city. We will travel through scenic countryside to this colony of over
10,000 penguins. You will have time to photograph and observe these
fascinating creatures. This afternoon each traveler will meet with an
expedition representative to check Antarctic clothing and ensure that
nothing has been forgotten. |
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Day 3 Mon,
Jan. 3 Breakfast
Expedition Pre-Flight Briefing & Baggage pick-up |
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In the morning
we will meet for our Antarctic briefing, which will include
information on our flight South, the current weather situation
and what to expect upon our arrival in |
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Antarctica. After the
presentation, each traveler’s luggage will be weighed and
prepared for loading on the Ilyushin 76 for departure the next
day (weather permitting). Clothing not needed in Antarctica will
be stored at the hotel to be picked up when you return. Once
your Antarctic gear is picked up, you will be on standby for our
flight. |
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Day 4
Tue, Jan. 4 Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Flight To Antarctica |
We will call you at
your hotel to advise you of current conditions in Antarctica. If the
weather is suitable for our flight, you will be given just under an hour
to prepare before being picked up at your hotel by bus.
At the airport we will pass through security, including x-ray of all
hand luggage. We then complete immigration formalities and proceed to
the aircraft, allowing time for photos before climbing on board. After a
safety briefing by the flight crew we will fly south.
The Flight to Antarctica |
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The flight time from Punta Arenas to Antarctica is approximately 4.5
hours. The initial part of our flight passes over Tierra Del Fuego, or
“Land of Fire”, so named by Portuguese explorer Fernão de Magalhães
(Ferdinand Magellan), for the native Yahgan people’s campfires that
illuminated its shores. The ocean south of Tierra del Fuego, the Drake
Passage, has been notorious throughout modern history for its wild
storms, violent winds and heavy seas.
At approximately 60˚ south we reach the winter limits of frozen seas.
This area of ocean is called the Antarctic Convergence and is rich in
plankton and other tiny creatures that form the base of the food chain
for Antarctica’s rich bird and wildlife colonies. We are now entering
the area governed by the Antarctic Treaty.
At 66° south we cross the Antarctic Circle. Along this circle the sun
never sets at the austral summer solstice and never rises at the austral
winter solstice. Further south, Antarctic days and nights lengthen until
at the South Pole the sun rises and sets only once a year. Continuing
our flight south and if cloud conditions co-operate, below us we may see
tabular icebergs and the ice shelves from which they calve.
Our first sight of the icy continent is Charcot Island close to
Alexander Island, at 71˚ south. These islands lie in the Bellingshausen
Sea, west of the Antarctic Peninsula.
The ice sheet continues to stretch inland until in the distance appear
the spectacular Ellsworth Mountains, the highest range in Antarctica. We
fly south along the Ellsworth Mountains to their southernmost extension,
where our runway comes into sight. The wheeled aircraft lands on an area
of blue ice that is approximately 800 m above sea level. The blue ice
remains clear of snow due to katabatic winds that funnel down from the
mountains with great force.
On arrival at Base Camp (81o South Lat.) you will be warmly welcomed by the friendly
staff who will show you to your spacious and comfortable accommodation
and settle you down to a welcoming meal. |
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Day 5
Wed, Jan. 5 Breakfast
/ Lunch / Dinner
Orientation
to Antarctica and Acclimatization |
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Our group will meet
with our guide for an orientation to Base Camp and Antarctica. Our guide
will brief us on environmental and safety considerations for our time on
the ice as well as logistics and weather for our journey to the South
Pole. We will tour camp to discover the intricacies of daily life in
Antarctica. The rest of the day provides an opportunity to acclimatize
to our new surroundings and participate in optional, light activities.
This evening we will enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by our chefs and
then take in a presentation about the history, science and significance
of the South Pole, in preparation for the next phase of our journey to
the bottom of the world.
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Please anticipate that we may spend several days at base camp waiting
for suitable flying weather. In this case, our guide will organize daily activities and
keep us updated regarding our departure. |
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Day 6-7
Thu & Fri, Jan. 6 & 7 Breakfast
/ Lunch / Dinner Daily
The Geographic
South Pole |
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Fly to the most
southerly point on the globe!
After breakfast and a final weather check by the pilots and our guide,
we pack up and head as far south in the world as humanly possible. |
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The flight to the pole will take approximately 6 hours from Base Camp
over the high, polar plateau. Below, you will see wind affected snow
called sastrugi, the occasional field of crevasses, and an endless
expanse of white. En-route, we may stop at Thiel Mountains to re-fuel
the aircraft. The fuel cache marks the approximate half-way point
between base camp and the South Pole. The re-fuelling will last about an
hour and will give us a chance to stretch our legs before the remainder
of our flight. The break will also give us a chance to have a snack and
a drink. Much of our time over the next two days will be spent in the
cold, above 3000 m. It is important to drink plenty of fluids and keep
energy levels up with and meals and high calorie snacks.
As we approach 90 degrees south we will catch sight of the South Pole
station in the distance. The United States of America maintains a
research station at the South Pole, named the Amundsen–Scott Station in
memory of those intrepid explorers.
We land on the groomed skiway and taxi to our parking position near the
Amundsen-Scott station. Be sure to bundle up before de-planing, paying
particular attention to hands and face. Temperatures at the pole vary
from -35 to -25C and at these temperatures, even the slightest breeze
can quickly freeze exposed skin. A pair of lightweight inner gloves
helps protect hands while operating camera controls.
The physiological altitude is approximately 3,300m. You may feel the
effects of altitude, including shortness of breath and mild headache.
Take it slow and steady to help your body cope with these unfamiliar
conditions.
On arrival, we will be met by a representative of the United States
Antarctic Program (USAP) and escorted inside the station. We will enjoy
an informal talk on the science undertaken at this remote and unusual
research facility. If the shop is open we may be able to purchase small
souvenirs such as T-shirts, badges, etc. so be sure you to bring some
US$ cash. The station also has a rubber stamp that you may use for
stamping postcards and other items, but please note that postal
facilities are not available. |
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Following our station visit we return outside to the Geographic South
Pole. Here all 360 lines of longitude meet and beneath your feet the ice
is almost 3000 m thick. You are part of a very select and very limited
group of people who have journeyed this far south on our planet.
Congratulations!
We will take time for photographs and for reflection at the Geographic
and Ceremonial Poles. Imagine how it must have felt to stand here nearly
100 years ago with only the sound of the wind and an endless expanse of
white stretching northward in all directions. |
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The distance we so comfortably travelled in hours, took the early
explorers years of planning and months of travel by sled, foot and ski.
They stood where we now stand contemplating their achievements and their
equally arduous return to the coast.
At the end of the day we return to our field camp, enjoy a hot meal
prepared by our guides, and settle into our cozy sleeping bags for the
night.
The completion of this incredible journey will be the return flight to
Base Camp over the polar plateau. At Base Camp we will have a
celebration dinner and toast our achievement! |
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Day 8-9
Sat - Sun, Jan. 8-9 Breakfast
/ Lunch / Dinner Daily
The Heart
of Antarctica Micrometeorite Search |
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Over the
coming days you will experience Antarctica’s interior
with a daily program of activities such as skiing,
hikes, walks, and talks on diverse Antarctic themes. As
an added feature to this amazing expedition, we have
arranged for an excursion to an area around the blue-ice
runway to search for micrometeorites. Blue-ice areas are
known to cause meteorites to come to the surface. Many
areas have yet to be searched for meteorites. We will be
searching at an altitude of 800m, which is lower than
meteorites are typically found. If we do find any
material, it will most likely be small grains, however,
we may be lucky! With such luck, we may be able to add
to the Antarctic meteorite database.
A SnoCat or truck will take us from our Base Camp to the
blue-ice area, a journey of about an hour each way.
There, we will conduct |
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organized searches,
remembering always not to touch any suspected finds in order to preserve
their future scientific value. Any finds will be recorded and
photographed for future scientific research. We will have a picnic lunch
out on the blue-ice before heading back to camp to review our findings. |
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Day 10
Mon, Jan. 10
Breakfast
Return to Punta
Arenas, Chile |
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Weather permitting, the
aircraft from Punta Arenas will arrive in base camp on the scheduled
departure day with a new collection of avid explorers and will take off
with your group for the final leg of your Antarctic journey. In Punta
Arenas you will be met at the airport and transfer to our hotel. We will
assist wherever possible with any questions you may have. |
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Overnight: Hotel
Finis Terrae, or similar |
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Day
11
Tue, Jan. 11
Breakfast
Depart Punta
Arenas |
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After breakfast
transfer to the airport for your flight onward. |
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IMPORTANT NOTICE . . . |
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Please note that you are
traveling to an expedition base
camp situated in the interior of
Antarctica, the most isolated
and windiest continent on earth.
Every effort will be made to
follow the above itinerary but
it is offered subject to change
at the discretion of expedition
staff based on weather, aircraft
serviceability, and local
conditions. You will be
accommodated and looked after in
base camp during any flight
delays to Punta Arenas.
Days of delay are a normal part
of Antarctic travel. DO NOT plan
anything important for a minimum
of two weeks after your
scheduled return. Give yourself
time to enjoy this unique
experience without the stress of
pending commitments. |
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WHAT TO EXPECT . . . |
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A
South Pole expedition is
definitely not luxury travel.
Participants need to be fit and
in good health, and will be
required to submit a signed
medical information form at the time they make
their reservation.
The main purpose of this
expedition is to reach the South
Pole, and everything possible
will be done to achieve this
goal. Although we have allowed
time in our schedule for weather
delays, each participant must
acknowledge that there is the
possibility that extreme weather
conditions could significantly
alter our travel dates both to
and from Antarctica, and these
same conditions could even
prevent expedition members from
reaching the pole.
Base Camp is the only private
camp operating in the Antarctic.
It has a complete kitchen and
dining area as well as outlying
tents that house the
communications center, workshop,
and other operations as well as
client and staff accommodations.
We will overnight in
double-walled nylon tents that
comfortably house 2 people and
are specially designed for use
in polar regions. Guests sleep
in their own or rented sleeping
bags with lightweight beds, bed
linen and pillows provided.
Activity Level - Moderate.
Remote field camps with basic
facilities. Temperatures to
–40C. Overnight and light
activity at altitude (3350M).
Walking up to several kilometers
on uneven snow and ice. |
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