In the 2006/2007 Antarctic season I spent 8 weeks in Antarctica working for Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions (ALE).

I spent most of this time working at Mt Vinson where I maintained the Base Camp facilities and made 3 ascents of the mountain, 2 with clients and one with fellow ALE guides.

I also led a 'last degree' ski expedition to the South Pole from 10th Jan 2007 to 18th Jan 2007

10 Jan - late night flight to drop off point at 89.00.001S 85.34.660 W

11 Jan - 6 hrs travel, 6.32 n miles covered to 89.06.319S  85.40.318W 20 kt winds

12 Jan - high winds (30-40 kts), poor visibility, no movement

13 Jan - 8 hrs travel, 7.5 n miles covered to 89.13.595S  83.44.645W 30 kt winds

14 Jan - 8 hrs travel, 7.8 n miles covered to 89.21.404S  83.41.700W little wind

15 Jan - 9 hrs travel, 8.56 n miles covered to 89.29.934S  84.55.103W little wind

16 Jan - 9 hrs travel, 8.96 n miles covered to 89.38.890S  85.30.255W little wind

17 Jan - 9 hrs travel, 9.64 n miles covered to 89.348.529  85.31.390W 15 kt wind

18 Jan - 11 hrs travel, 11.5 n miles covered to 90° S

This was the second time that I had led a 'last degree' ski expedition.

There are no pictures available to illustrate this trip on this site. They were taken on slide film and I have not found the time to make scans. Pictures of my two other trips to the south Pole in 2003 and 2007 are available and give a good idea of what is involved.

David Hamilton