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Days 4 & 5 Tue-Wed
Jan. 10-11
B/L/D daily
Patriot Hills Camp |
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Expedition members
will meet in the morning to discuss logistics, weather and
safety information for our journey south. We will also be given
information regarding the various group activities arranged
during our stay in Antarctica. Bring a pen, paper and any
questions you may have to the meeting. Following the South Pole
briefing we will be given a tour and orientation of the camp and
the surrounding area. Later, we will go over meteorite search
techniques, practice setting up one of our South Pole tents, and
rest so that we get the most out of our visit to the South Pole
and Patuxent Range meteorite site. |
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During our
days at base camp we will learn about living on the ice,
while experts monitor weather conditions for our
upcoming expedition. |
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Day 6 Thu Jan. 12
B/L/D
South Pole |
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When
conditions are right, we will board a ski-equipped
long-range aircraft for the 6-hour flight south to the
bottom of the Earth – the South Pole! Upon landing at
the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, we’ll be treated
to a guided tour of the base by resident staff,
including the station’s excellent gift shop.
We’ll visit the ceremonial pole as well as the
geographic pole, where 360 lines of longitude
meet and the ice is almost 3000m (10,000 ft) |
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thick! After our tour we will set up our camp for the night, followed by dinner at 90° South.
Since the Sun does not set, after dinner you’ll have
daylight to revisit the Pole, to contemplate the fact
that you are standing at the Earth’s South Pole - a
truly profound accomplishment! |
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Overnight: South
Pole Camp |
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Day 7
Fri Jan. 13
B/L/D
Patuxent
Range Meteorite Search/ Patriot Hills |
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On our
return flight to Patriot Hills, we will stop to re-fuel
at Thiel Mountains. Depending on conditions, we plan to
fly on to the Patuxent Range, one of the areas in the
region known for finding meteorites. Once at Patuxent we
will spend several hours conducting our own search of
the area, taking GPS locations and photographs of any
samples we find. Antarctica has been set aside for
scientific endeavors and study, with a treaty signed
into effect on 1959. This treaty does not allow for the
private removal of meteorites. |
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This
afternoon, our flight will continue on to Patriot Hills
where our celebration meal awaits us! |
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Overnight: Patriot Hills Camp (two nights) |
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Day 8
Sat, Jan. 14
B/L/D
Patriot Hills |
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Returning
to Patriot Hills, we will have the opportunity to
cross-country ski, take snowmobile trips to vistas of
the Ellsworth Range and enjoy talks about space science,
life in Antarctica and the history of polar exploration. |
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Day 9
Sun, Jan. 15
B
Return to Punta Arenas |
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Weather permitting, we will board the Ilyushin 76 for
our return to civilization and Punta Arenas. |
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Overnight: Hotel Finis Terrae, or similar |
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Day 10
Mon, Jan. 16
B
Fly Home |
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After
breakfast, you will transfer to the Punta Arenas airport
according to your flight schedule, to arrive home on
Tue, January 17. |
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NOTE:
Every effort will be made to follow the above
itinerary but it is very likely to change based on
weather and other local conditions. Please remember that
Antarctica is the most remote and windiest continent and
flight delays are common. Do not plan any important
commitments for at least two weeks after your scheduled
return. Give yourself time to enjoy this unique
experience without stress. |
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