It's hard to believe how much can change in just five years. Back in 2018, as we were gearing up for our climb to Mt. Elbrus, our journey to Antarctica was an unforgettable adventure in itself. We were transported from Punta Arenas, Chile, to the frozen continent in a Russian military cargo plane known as an Ilyushin-76. The four-hour flight was a rollercoaster of emotions, with only two small portholes on each door, exposed cables running the length of the cargo hold, and the constant hum of the engines. It was a shaky, loud, cold, and, frankly, quite boring experience.
Fast forward to today, and here we are, preparing for another epic journey to Union Glacier Camp in Antarctica. But this time, things are different, and it's a testament to how much progress has been made in expedition logistics.
Our flight this afternoon is scheduled to land at Union Glacier Camp in Antarctica, and we're traveling in style this time. Instead of the Ilyushin-76, which felt like a relic from a bygone era, we're on a Boeing 757 operated by Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions (ALE). The flight is not only smoother but also comes with a touch of Iceland, as pilots from Iceland Airways are at the controls.
The landing itself is a thrilling experience. Imagine a 2-mile ice runway in the middle of nowhere, and landing on it requires a unique approach. Since regular brakes don't work well on ice, the plane slows down after touchdown solely by reversing the thrust. It's a remarkable display of precision and control.
Once we touch down, the adventure is far from over. It will take about an hour to unload the plane and transport our team the 2 miles to Union Glacier Camp. And what a camp it is! Nestled in the heart of the frozen wilderness, it offers surprising comforts. Hot showers, real toilets, and a team of chefs who take great pride in serving outstanding meals three times a day await us. Our schedule for tomorrow includes essential preparations. We'll practice setting up and breaking down our tents and brush up on our skiing skills. The weather is always a wild card in Antarctica, so we want to be well-prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws our way. I experience this in 2018 when I was stuck at Mt Vinson base camp for two weeks awaiting the planes to return us to Union Glacier.
If the weather gods smile upon us, Saturday will mark the beginning of our exciting journey into the heart of Antarctica. The anticipation is palpable, and our team is filled with excitement and a sense of adventure. Our adventure is about to begin, and we can't wait to share our experiences from this icy wonderland with you. Stay tuned for more updates from the frozen continent.
The home where Ernest Shackleton helped raise the money to sail a ship to rescue his men stranded on the Antarctic shelf near Elephant Island.
Our Team - Missing Kai the woman from China who’s on the trip.
