Vinson 2007/8 Print

In the 2007/2008 Antarctic season I spent 8 weeks in Antarctica working for Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions (ALE).


This involved operating and maintaining camp facility at Vinson Base Camp and conducting environmental and safety 'ranger' patrols on the mountain.


Additionally I made 3 ascents of Mt Vinson 4897m during the season. I took 2 Dutch climbers to the summit on 16th Dec 2007 and repeated the climb with 2 Danish climbers on 21st Jan 2008. Together with two ALE guide colleagues I made a ski ascent of Vinson on 26th Jan 2008. The ski descent was less enjoyable than anticipated due to breaking a binding less than 100m below the summit.


These 3 climbs were the 6th, 7th and 8th times that I had climbed Vinson.


The pictures shown here were all taken on my first ascent of the season in mid December 2007.


David Hamilton

 
 

Click on images to enlarge.

Arrival in Antarctica at Patriot Hills

Arrival at Vinson Base camp by Twin Otter flight

Travel between Vinson Base Camp and Camp one

Vinson Camp one

Leaving Vinson Camp one for Camp two

On the fixed ropes leading to Vinson Camp two

Vinson Camp two

Climbing towards the summit of Vinson with Mt Shinn behind

High on Mt Vinson

Nearing the summit of Mt Vinson

Mt Vinson summit 4897m

Back at Vinson Base camp after a successful climb