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Antarctica Update
14:35 p.m. EDT Aug 7, 2003
The upcoming season in Antarctica is packed with action and several teams will head down to the great white continent this winter. The biggest change from previous years is that Adventure Network International (ANI) will not be operating during the season 2003-2004. All upcoming expeditions will have to join hands for transportation.
This time is typically the toughest as the expeditions race to finalize sponsorships, assemble gear and try to find time for vigorous physical training. The unexpected question of how to get to the ice to begin with now puts a serious addition to the teams already high strung nerves.
As one adventurer puts it: "All of a sudden the trek to the Pole seems like the least of the challenge".
Here are some of the people with plans to take on Antarctica.
The women are on the go this year: Two British women are aiming at reaching the South Pole unsupported on different expeditions. Judy Kelly will make the journey together with the Cold Feat team. Polar explorer Rosie Stancer (profile on Rosie will be up shortly on ThePoles.com) who made it to the South Pole in 2000 will make an attempt to reach it solo and unsupported this time.
Pete Goss and Alan Chambers want to close the chapter on Captain Scott's famous attempt to reach the South Pole on foot in 1911 that ended in tragedy. The two will follow in his footsteps and walk to the South Pole and back using the same route as Scott did.
Another team on a mission is "Breaking the ice". Trying to make a statement for peace; the Israelis and Palestinians are joining forces on a climbing expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula.
A Spanish Kite sled expedition is attempting to "sail" across Eastern Antarctica in a newly designed 'ice-boat'; a sled pulled by an enormous kite. Tey hope to travel 24/7 taking turns navigating, reaching a speed of up to 40 km/h in optimal conditions!
Doug Stoup is up for a solar eclipse expedition and a few more expeditions are in the pipe but not yet confirmed.
There are also teams of Seven Summits climbers heading out for Mount Vinson.
On a recent note a tsunami wave caused by a earth quake hit the Argentine Antarctic base on the Orkneys Islands this week. The quake registered 7,3 points on the Richter Scale but fortunately most of the impact was cushioned by the underwater ice. No injuries or structural damages were reported.
Make sure to check back for updates. It seems to be a thrilling season ahead.
Image of Antarctica ExplorersWeb files
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