It’s actually not that easy to visit Antarctica.  First you have to book a tour – there are no do-it-yourself spontaneous possibilities as far as I know, no airports, hotels or take-out restaurants.  Second, you really do need to spend some time preparing for this singular experience.  I booked my trip a year and a half ago, and have thus had lots of time to prepare.
Lindblad Expeditions sent a reading list, some of which I have read.  Roland Huntford’s The Last Place on Earth, the story of Roald Amundsen’s and Robert Scott’s 1912 race for the South Pole, made for a fascinating read.  It’s no wonder Amundsen got there first and fairly amazing that Scott made it at all!

In recognition of the 100th anniversary of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s heroic voyage, Lindblad sent a copy of Alfred Lansing’s Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage.  Sadly I did not have time to read this book – a pleasure still to come! – but I did watch a fascinating 11-part documentary of his experience on YouTube.  Film photography was still relatively new in 1914, yet Shackleton took a photographer with him.  Over 100 of the photographer’s haunting photos remain.

I loved Anthony Powell’s documentary Antarctica: A Year on Ice which took ten long winters to film.  It’s a tribute to the scientists and mechanics and cooks et al who winter over in incredibly difficult conditions at the McMurdo Station (USA).  You will find more information and a couple of trailers here:  http://frozensouth.weebly.com/  As you may note from this map, McMurdo Station is much closer to the South Pole, and I am travelling during the Antarctic summer, so I will not be subject to the weather depicted in the documentary.  (Whew!)

Preparation for this temperate-climate traveller who for many years did not own a winter coat or boots meant deciphering the modern language of cold-weather garb:  base layer, insulation layer, sock and mitt liners, neck warmers.  What ARE all these items of clothing??  I thank the internet and the excellent staff of Mountain Equipment Co-op (mec.ca) for educating me.  I also thank my family for their generous Christmas gifts that will keep me cozy while I indulge my obsession for penguins.

To keep us warm and to ensure we do not disappear into the “glittering white, shining blue, jet black” Antarctic environment, Lindblad provides a complimentary parka (though I suspect my fees have paid for it).  The Lindblad Expeditions website notes:  “Complete with patches commemorating Ernest Shackleton’s 1914-1916 feat, it’s the ultimate souvenir of your Antarctic expedition, a keepsake you’ll wear with pride forever after.”  Perhaps, but whether I wear the parka in mild Vancouver or not, I am sure I will take the memories of this expedition with me forever.

Finally, all preparation completed, my journey begins.