South Pole 2007/8 Print

In the 2007/2008 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 on skis with fellow ALE guides.


I also led a 'last degree' ski expedition to the South Pole from 30th Dec 2007 to 12th Jan 2008

30 Dec DH arrives at Patriot Hills from VBC / clients arrive at Patriot Hills from Punta Arenas
31 Dec DH prepares equipment
1 Jan DH prepares food
2 Jan afternoon flight to drop off point at 89.02.038S  94.27.811 W
3 Jan 7 hrs travel, 6.17 n miles covered to 89.08.197S  94.45.325 W
4 Jan 8 hrs travel, 8.41 n miles covered to 89.16.595S  95.21.742W
5 Jan 8.5 hrs travel, 9.0 n miles covered to   89.25.591S  95.34.396W
6 Jan 9 hrs travel, 9.63 n miles covered to 89.35.218S  95.41.000W
7 Jan 8 hrs travel, 8.47 n miles covered to 89.52.797S  98.03.765W
8 Jan 9 hrs travel, 9.12 n miles covered to 89.348.529  85.31.390W
9 Jan 10 hrs travel, 7.2 n miles covered to 90° S
10 Jan at South Pole Station
11 Jan at South Pole Station
12 Jan fly back to Patriot Hills


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

David Hamilton
 

Click on images to enlarge.

Twin Otter ‘drop off’ at 89° South

Sled hauling on the way to the South Pole

Camp on the ice close to 89° South

Ice build up on clothing

The long, flat road to the South Pole

Tent interior while skiing the ‘last degree’

Onward to the Pole!

The sled…

David Hamilton demonstrating good sled technique

Approaching the South Pole markers and flags

Camp beside the new USA base at the South Pole

Sign board behind the ‘real’ South Pole marker

David Hamilton at the ‘ceremonial’ South Pole marker

Reflection in the ‘ceremonial’ South Pole marker