Unclimbed Peak in Antarctica Up For Grabs
Jun 22, 2004 12: 16 EST
In January 2005 a group of ham radio operators will travel to Peter I for two weeks of transmission from the island. Peter 1st Island is a small island lying off the coast of Antarctica at 68 47S 90 35W. It is very remote but has been visited several times by both tourists and scientists aboard ships. Passing ships are often unable to land shore parties, however, because of weather conditions.
The organizers have been to the island before, having conducted a similar and successful expedition in 1994. The ship has a helicopter, in addition to inflatable boats, for shore landings although shore landings on Peter I are difficult. The shoreline is predominantly ice cliffs. There will be at least one fully qualified doctor on the expedition.
The highest peak on the island is Lars Christiansen Peak (1640m) and it is unclimbed. The 2005 expedition has already chartered a suitable ship and have 20 radio operators confirmed to go. They are looking for a small, competent climbing team to attempt the peak. This is NOT a commercially guided or commercially organized expedition. Anybody interested can contact Bob Allphin; MAllphin@aol.com or Ralph Fedor; rfedor@cloudnet.com.
The expedition leaves Punta Arenas, Chile on January 14th and will return to Punta around February 10th. It will take around 6 days to sail to the island and 6 days back. This leaves around 2 weeks on the island but will certainly not mean 2 weeks of climbing. The radio party has priority in landing and logistics and there may well be delays of a few days at each end due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances. The weather in this area is atrocious – maritime but cold – so 10 days on the island may only yield 4 or 5 suitable for climbing. The sea journey will be rough.
This is a unique opportunity to make the first ascent of the highest mountain on one of the world’s most remote islands. Those wishing to join the expeditionas climbers, however, should do their research and take full responsibility for their trip.
Information provided by Damien Gildea, author of “The Antarctic Mountaineering Chronology”
Image of 1994 expedition to Peter Island courtesy of USM professor Gary E jones.
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