I am ready for a long road flight for work with a week- or months-long projects.
THE SOUTH POLE
S89°58 W16°55
Coordinates
2 835 meters
Height above sea level
THE MAIN ATTRACTION FOR ALL TOURISTS IN INNER ANTARCTICA IS DEFINITELY THE SOUTH POLE. EVEN ANTARCTICA TOURS FOR ONE DAY INCLUDE A VISIT TO THIS PLACE. SO, WHAT’S HERE?
THE MAIN ATTRACTION FOR ALL TOURISTS IN INNER ANTARCTICA IS DEFINITELY THE SOUTH POLE. EVEN ANTARCTICA TOURS FOR ONE DAY INCLUDE A VISIT TO THIS PLACE. SO, WHAT’S HERE?
THE AMUNDSEN SCOTT SOUTH POLE STATION
THE AMUNDSEN SCOTT SOUTH POLE STATION
The South Pole is divided into different areas, as it is, among other things, a center for scientific research. Here is the American Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, where you can organize an excursion to see how polar explorers live (spoiler: not too badly). Previously, this kind of entertainment was offered to all tourists, but now that their number at the South Pole is approaching a thousand per season, it has become more difficult to get to the station.
The South Pole is divided into different areas, as it is, among other things, a center for scientific research. Here is the American Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, where you can organize an excursion to see how polar explorers live (spoiler: not too badly). Previously, this kind of entertainment was offered to all tourists, but now that their number at the South Pole is approaching a thousand per season, it has become more difficult to get to the station.
Division of the South Pole zone and a fivefold increase in the area around the station.
Division of the South Pole zone and a fivefold increase in the area around the station.
One of the sectors is called the zone of silence, where research is conducted on clean air. Within this zone, the movement of any vehicles and people is prohibited.
One of the sectors is called the zone of silence, where research is conducted on clean air. Within this zone, the movement of any vehicles and people is prohibited.
The station is equipped with plenty of amenities—there are gyms and music rooms, a greenhouse where fresh vegetables are grown, a library, a museum, and even a full-size basketball.
The station is equipped with plenty of amenities—there are gyms and music rooms, a greenhouse where fresh vegetables are grown, a library, a museum, and even a full-size basketball.
THE POLE
THE POLE
There are actually two poles here: one symbolic, surrounded by the flags of all countries that are constantly present in Antarctica. This is the photo that everyone comes here for.
There are actually two poles here: one symbolic, surrounded by the flags of all countries that are constantly present in Antarctica. This is the photo that everyone comes here for.
The ‘symbolic’ South Pole.
The ‘symbolic’ South Pole.
The second pole is the true pole. Due to the movement of the ice cover (every year the sign moves 10-11 meters) the true pole mark is reset every year, and a new sign is placed on it. The old one is sent to the museum at the American station. By the way, the station is not standing still either: it has moved 200 meters from its original position since being built.
The second pole is the true pole. Due to the movement of the ice cover (every year the sign moves 10-11 meters) the true pole mark is reset every year, and a new sign is placed on it. The old one is sent to the museum at the American station. By the way, the station is not standing still either: it has moved 200 meters from its original position since being built.
True South Pole.
True South Pole.
Here people live in two time zones. Since it is impossible to navigate by the sun, the time zones that are most convenient for them were chosen by the ALE camp and the station—partly to make it easier to track the schedule of arriving planes. Tourists, as a result, live on Chilean time, as do all ALE camps, and scientists in New Zealand. Therefore, when our expedition came here for an excursion in the afternoon, the station staff was just getting ready for breakfast.
Here people live in two time zones. Since it is impossible to navigate by the sun, the time zones that are most convenient for them were chosen by the ALE camp and the station—partly to make it easier to track the schedule of arriving planes. Tourists, as a result, live on Chilean time, as do all ALE camps, and scientists in New Zealand. Therefore, when our expedition came here for an excursion in the afternoon, the station staff was just getting ready for breakfast.
THE ALE CAMP AT THE SOUTH POLE
THE ALE CAMP AT THE SOUTH POLE
THE ALE CAMP, WHERE WE SPENT SEVERAL DAYS, IS AMAZING, AND NOT ONLY BECAUSE IT IS, IN THE TRUEST SENSE, A CIVILIZATION IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE. IT IS ALSO A PLACE WHERE ALL TOURISTS AND TRAVELERS WHO ARRIVE BY DIFFERENT ROUTES CONVERGE.
THE ALE CAMP, WHERE WE SPENT SEVERAL DAYS, IS AMAZING, AND NOT ONLY BECAUSE IT IS, IN THE TRUEST SENSE, A CIVILIZATION IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE. IT IS ALSO A PLACE WHERE ALL TOURISTS AND TRAVELERS WHO ARRIVE BY DIFFERENT ROUTES CONVERGE.
“
I was supposed to work on the Union Glacier, but then I was told that someone needed to fly here. And I thought—why not? Moreover, the camp is smaller here, and I like places where there are not so many people. For me, even this is quite a lot of people! Of course, I wanted to look at the South Pole, and I love the cold, so I thought that I would definitely like it here. Basically, I jumped at the opportunity.
And this is how I ended up in Antarctica. Once, in Sweden, I met Hannah McKean, she runs the ALE emperor penguin camp. She came to ski at the place where I worked. She was there alone then, and we got to talking. Hannah showed me some pictures of penguins out here and I was very impressed. I started writing down the names of the places because I really wanted to come here, but she told me that it was very, very expensive. But one can try to apply for a job here.
When Hannah was in Sweden, there was a lot of snow—much more than usual. And somehow I had to climb onto the roof of the house to clean off the snow. Hannah later told me that after seeing how I deal with the snow, she decided that they needed her in Antarctica. I don't know if this is true or not, but at least now she says that’s how everything came about.
So as soon as I got home, I sent a letter to ALE. I thought for a long time about what to write about myself. My 18 scientific articles would hardly have impressed them. So I wrote that I can shovel snow and that I am quite strong physically. That's how I got the job.
And this is how I ended up in Antarctica. Once, in Sweden, I met Hannah McKean, she runs the ALE emperor penguin camp. She came to ski at the place where I worked. She was there alone then, and we got to talking. Hannah showed me some pictures of penguins out here and I was very impressed. I started writing down the names of the places because I really wanted to come here, but she told me that it was very, very expensive. But one can try to apply for a job here.
When Hannah was in Sweden, there was a lot of snow—much more than usual. And somehow I had to climb onto the roof of the house to clean off the snow. Hannah later told me that after seeing how I deal with the snow, she decided that they needed her in Antarctica. I don't know if this is true or not, but at least now she says that’s how everything came about.
So as soon as I got home, I sent a letter to ALE. I thought for a long time about what to write about myself. My 18 scientific articles would hardly have impressed them. So I wrote that I can shovel snow and that I am quite strong physically. That's how I got the job.
I was supposed to work on the Union Glacier, but then I was told that someone needed to fly here. And I thought—why not? Moreover, the camp is smaller here, and I like places where there are not so many people. For me, even this is quite a lot of people! Of course, I wanted to look at the South Pole, and I love the cold, so I thought that I would definitely like it here. Basically, I jumped at the opportunity.
And this is how I ended up in Antarctica. Once, in Sweden, I met Hannah McKean, she runs the ALE emperor penguin camp. She came to ski at the place where I worked. She was there alone then, and we got to talking. Hannah showed me some pictures of penguins out here and I was very impressed. I started writing down the names of the places because I really wanted to come here, but she told me that it was very, very expensive. But one can try to apply for a job here.
When Hannah was in Sweden, there was a lot of snow—much more than usual. And somehow I had to climb onto the roof of the house to clean off the snow. Hannah later told me that after seeing how I deal with the snow, she decided that they needed her in Antarctica. I don't know if this is true or not, but at least now she says that’s how everything came about.
So as soon as I got home, I sent a letter to ALE. I thought for a long time about what to write about myself. My 18 scientific articles would hardly have impressed them. So I wrote that I can shovel snow and that I am quite strong physically. That's how I got the job.
And this is how I ended up in Antarctica. Once, in Sweden, I met Hannah McKean, she runs the ALE emperor penguin camp. She came to ski at the place where I worked. She was there alone then, and we got to talking. Hannah showed me some pictures of penguins out here and I was very impressed. I started writing down the names of the places because I really wanted to come here, but she told me that it was very, very expensive. But one can try to apply for a job here.
When Hannah was in Sweden, there was a lot of snow—much more than usual. And somehow I had to climb onto the roof of the house to clean off the snow. Hannah later told me that after seeing how I deal with the snow, she decided that they needed her in Antarctica. I don't know if this is true or not, but at least now she says that’s how everything came about.
So as soon as I got home, I sent a letter to ALE. I thought for a long time about what to write about myself. My 18 scientific articles would hardly have impressed them. So I wrote that I can shovel snow and that I am quite strong physically. That's how I got the job.
Emma in a communal tent at the ALE South Pole camp.
“
The first time I didn’t even quit working for the police. They were so impressed by the opportunity that had come my way, they simply let me go on unpaid leave. But by the time the next trip had come around, I had already resigned. I didn’t intend to stay there forever anyway.
The first time I didn’t even quit working for the police. They were so impressed by the opportunity that had come my way, they simply let me go on unpaid leave. But by the time the next trip had come around, I had already resigned. I didn’t intend to stay there forever anyway.
THE CAMP AT THE SOUTH POLE IS NOTICEABLY SMALLER IN SCALE THAN UNION, BUT IT HAS EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR A COMFORTABLE STOP FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS.
THE CAMP AT THE SOUTH POLE IS NOTICEABLY SMALLER IN SCALE THAN UNION, BUT IT HAS EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR A COMFORTABLE STOP FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS.
Here, as well as on the Union Glacier, guests stay in heated Arctic Oven tents, designed for extremely cold conditions (temperatures during the season range from -25-35°C). Extra mattresses and pillows are also on offer. Unlike the larger and more comfortable Union camp, there is no shower, but there are quite good toilets.
Here, as well as on the Union Glacier, guests stay in heated Arctic Oven tents, designed for extremely cold conditions (temperatures during the season range from -25-35°C). Extra mattresses and pillows are also on offer. Unlike the larger and more comfortable Union camp, there is no shower, but there are quite good toilets.
In the communal tent, food is prepared, and workers and tourists who have arrived here in various ways gather together. It is also the main place for having a chat. Here we also met Wendy, an Englishwoman who was skiing alone for 43 days.
In the communal tent, food is prepared, and workers and tourists who have arrived here in various ways gather together. It is also the main place for having a chat. Here we also met Wendy, an Englishwoman who was skiing alone for 43 days.
“
Now that my youngest daughter is ten, it's time for her to take care of herself. I hope that after making this journey, I will be able to show my children that you need to really burn with a passion for what you want to do, and then everything will work out.
Many years ago I worked for a charity, and one day we organised a trip to Antarctica to raise money for the foundation. It was then that I first met people who made trips like this. They were all so athletic and hungry for adventure. None of them lived an ordinary life, with children and a home. I became interested in Antarctica, in studying its history, and decided that one day I would go myself. I contacted ALE and started preparing for the trip. Because, in order for you to be allowed to do something like that, you must first prove that you are really capable of it—demonstrate your achievements. So I made a number of other trips, all just so that they would give me the go-ahead for Antarctica.
Many years ago I worked for a charity, and one day we organised a trip to Antarctica to raise money for the foundation. It was then that I first met people who made trips like this. They were all so athletic and hungry for adventure. None of them lived an ordinary life, with children and a home. I became interested in Antarctica, in studying its history, and decided that one day I would go myself. I contacted ALE and started preparing for the trip. Because, in order for you to be allowed to do something like that, you must first prove that you are really capable of it—demonstrate your achievements. So I made a number of other trips, all just so that they would give me the go-ahead for Antarctica.
Now that my youngest daughter is ten, it's time for her to take care of herself. I hope that after making this journey, I will be able to show my children that you need to really burn with a passion for what you want to do, and then everything will work out.
Many years ago I worked for a charity, and one day we organised a trip to Antarctica to raise money for the foundation. It was then that I first met people who made trips like this. They were all so athletic and hungry for adventure. None of them lived an ordinary life, with children and a home. I became interested in Antarctica, in studying its history, and decided that one day I would go myself. I contacted ALE and started preparing for the trip. Because, in order for you to be allowed to do something like that, you must first prove that you are really capable of it—demonstrate your achievements. So I made a number of other trips, all just so that they would give me the go-ahead for Antarctica.
Many years ago I worked for a charity, and one day we organised a trip to Antarctica to raise money for the foundation. It was then that I first met people who made trips like this. They were all so athletic and hungry for adventure. None of them lived an ordinary life, with children and a home. I became interested in Antarctica, in studying its history, and decided that one day I would go myself. I contacted ALE and started preparing for the trip. Because, in order for you to be allowed to do something like that, you must first prove that you are really capable of it—demonstrate your achievements. So I made a number of other trips, all just so that they would give me the go-ahead for Antarctica.
In 2020, when Wendy met our expedition at the South Pole.
Wendy with her ‘boat’, where she kept all her belongings during the trip, and in the general tent of the camp.
“
I’ve always been very determined. For me, it’s all quite simple—you decide that you want something, be it a trip or a new job, and then you just fill in the gap between what you want and reality. As if slowly stepping back from your future goal to see yourself now.
I’ve always been very determined. For me, it’s all quite simple—you decide that you want something, be it a trip or a new job, and then you just fill in the gap between what you want and reality. As if slowly stepping back from your future goal to see yourself now.
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Anthropogeos. 2021
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