• 0Shopping Cart
Antarctic Heritage Trust
  • CONSERVE
    • Ross Sea Heritage Restoration Project
      • History of the Project
      • Conservation Team
      • Conservation Ambassador
      • Season Update
    • Explorer Bases
      • Borchgrevink’s Hut, Cape Adare
      • Scott’s Hut, Hut Point
      • Shackleton’s Hut, Cape Royds
      • Scott’s Hut, Cape Evans
      • Hillary’s Hut, Scott Base
      • Location Map
    • Famous Discoveries
      • Shackleton’s Whisky
      • Century-old Fruitcake
      • Dr Edward Wilson Watercolour
      • Levick’s Notebook
      • Ross Sea Party Photos
      • Shackleton’s Beer Barrel
    • Antarctic Peninsula Partnership – UKAHT
      • Port Lockroy
      • Stonington Island
      • Horseshoe Island
  • SHARE
    • Latest News
      • Antarctic Blog
      • Conservation
      • Inspiring Explorers™
    • Virtual Reality
      • Hillary’s Hut Virtual Reality
      • International Geophysical Year (IGY)
      • Exploration (TAE)
      • About the Project
      • Antarctica 360 VR
      • Virtual Reality
      • Bookings
    • Films & Publications
      • Strategic Plan
      • Annual Reports
      • The Explorer Newsletter
      • In Nansen’s Footsteps Film
      • Mt Scott Film
      • The Last 36 Film
      • On Satin Waters – Musical Composition
      • Frozen in Time: Scott’s Antarctic Legacy Podcast
      • A Musical Journey to Antarctica
    • Exhibitions
      • Still Life
      • Breaking the Ice: The First Year in Antarctica
      • The Frozen Wild: Photographic & Soundscape Exhibition
    • Educational Resources
      • Scott Polar Research Institute
      • Royal Geographical Society
      • LEARNZ Virtual Field Trips
      • Cool Antarctica
      • Antarctica New Zealand Image Library
  • ENCOURAGE
    • Inspiring Explorers Expeditions™
      • 2022 – South Pole
      • 2022 – In the Footsteps of Hillary
      • 2021 – Mahu Whenua Traverse
      • 2020 – Antarctic Peninsula
      • 2019 – Antarctic Peninsula
      • 2018 – Greenland Ice Cap
      • 2017 – Climbing Mount Scott
      • 2015 – Crossing South Georgia
    • Young Inspiring Explorers™
      • 2022 – November Summit
      • 2022 – June Summit
      • 2021 – Worsley Weekend
      • 2021 – Explorer Conference
      • 2020 – Summit
      • 2020 – Worsley Weekend
      • 2019 – Summit
    • Inspiring Explorers Education™
      • Antarctic Augmented Reality
      • Antarctic Virtual Reality
      • Meet our Education Team
    • Updates and Applications
      • Apply
      • Latest Inspiring Explorers™ Updates
      • Reach the World Partnership
    • Shackleton Centenary Year Expedition
  • SUSTAIN
    • Ways to Give
      • Donate
      • Become a Member
      • Donate an Artefact
    • Supporters and Partners
      • Our Partners
      • Sponsorship Opportunities
      • Your Impact
    • Inspiring Explorers™ Fund
      • About the Inspiring Explorers™ Fund
      • Donate to the Fund
      • Explorer Journeys
    • Shop
      • Merchandise
      • Gift Ideas
    • Work with Us
      • Alumni
      • Contact Us
      • About AHT
      • Our People
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Youtube
    • Vimeo
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Mail
    • Mail
    • Mail
  • Search
  • Menu Menu
  • About AHT
  • Our People
  • Work with Us
  • Latest News
  • Donate
  • Join
  • Shop
  • Contact Us

Archive for category: Encourage

Waking up in Antarctica

April 21, 2019 - Inspiring Explorers’™ Updates – 2019, Expedition Updates, Interviews

After a short break and some time to process her experience in Antarctica, we caught up with Inspiring Explorer Rosanna Price to get her perspective on the expedition, find out the highlights of the trip and the big challenges she faced.

What was your favourite part of the trip?

There were many moments but the highlight was definitely the night we spent on the ice. It was such a unique experience. I’ve never done anything like that before and I think I was a little bit nervous. When it was first floated that it was a possibility I thought we would be heading out with a sleeping bag and a tent. I imagined us sitting in the tent drinking hot chocolate. The next minute we got given a spade, told to walk up the hill, dig a hole and then tuck in our bivvy bag. I have gopro footage of me digging my hole in lots of real powdery snow, but I didn’t dig it deep enough because it was getting dark. Once you are in it, you just lie back and look at the stars. I woke up around 5am and the direction I was facing was perfect to see the sun rise. You could still see all the stars but the sun was this red glow coming up, and then all the colours started to change on the ice on the horizon, it was beautiful.

What went through your mind when you were arrived back in Ushuaia after 10 days aboard the Akademik Ioffe?

I was just really sad and I didn’t want to leave the ship. It was a whole surreal experience and I just want to do it all over again.

What was the most challenging part of the trip?

I got quite sick on the way back and it was challenging for me to call the doctor because I knew I was at risk of getting put in quarantine. In the end I was diagnosed with a chest infection and spent 24 hours away from the others. It was a spacious room though and I had an amazing view sleeping right next to the window.

I also know there was one time we were kayaking when we had the opportunity to paddle through an area between rocks. It was a bit like a washing machine with waves coming from everywhere. The instructor said that if we weren’t confident not to worry about doing it. I nearly didn’t go through, but the others did so I thought to myself “just do it”. It turned out to be fun and I even turned round and came back through it. It was quite thrilling.

Diary excerpt – March 12:

We have just explored an Antarctic volcano on Deception Island. This morning we paddled around the coast of the island, including through a choppy passage between a cliff and a high rock. The waves arose from all angles, making for such an exhilarating ride we did it twice. Humpback whales were spotted and playful seals followed our kayaks round the shore where we headed to the remnants of an abandoned whaling station in Whaler’s Bay. Seals everywhere!

What did you learn or discover about yourself

I learnt to trust myself a bit more and just have fun. But by the end of the trip I was really having a good time, rather than worrying about falling out of the kayak or hitting ice bergs.

Diary excerpt – March 7:

The weather has taken a turn – the waves have become bigger, wilder, crashing over the bow and sending the boat into a pendulum-like motion. On the top deck we have to be extremely careful. The winds can knock you over if you don’t hold onto the rails. We kitted up in our kayak gear today, in preparation for the adventure that awaits tomorrow. The prep consists of layering up our clothing, getting into a dry suit, pulling on a skirt which attaches to the kayak, securing our life-vest and practising entering the kayak. While all this was going on, it was snowing on the deck. Amazing.

What was something you experienced that was different to your expectations?

I didn’t expect the ice to be so amazing. The scale of it and how important it is. I was looking forward to all the wild life and animals, and seeing the whales up close, but for me actually the ice was breath taking. I was surprised by the magnitude of it, and how amazing the icebergs looked, how blue they are. I wasn’t expecting the colour, nor the wonderful shapes and sizes to be so captivating.

When you go out and share your story, what will be the thing you want to share most?

This expedition has made be even more aware of how important Antarctica is for the world and our environment. It really hit home on this trip how important it is that we look after our environment and our oceans. On a personal level, this trip is one of the highlights of my life. It’s so different from watching documentaries or seeing things online to actually being there. It has really inspired me to keep exploring and keep pushing myself.

What other messages will you be giving to audiences about the trip?

They will be about getting outside your bubble and outside your comfort zone, but also learning about your environment and learning about Antarctica and educating yourself.

You are travelling more than a century after the early Polar explorers who first visited the continent. How would you compare your experience with theirs, what would the similarities and differences be.

With modern technology and a vessel with all the comforts of home (showers, beds, hot meals), we travelled to Antarctica in relative luxury compared to the early polar explorers like Scott and Shackleton. I think the night on the ice may have been the closest experience to what they may have experienced in terms of discomfort (although definitely nowhere near the same degree), so I have a whole new level of respect for them. But I think the sense of wonder and amazement at this beautiful continent is inspiring no matter who you are, no matter when you visit Antarctica – whether a hundred years ago, today or a hundred years from now. I feel that just being there connected me to the great feats of these polar explorers.

Diary excerpt – March 11:

Today we stepped back in time by visiting Port Lockroy, a historic site maintained by Antarctic Heritage Trust’s sister Trust, the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust. We explored the station here, Base A, which was established in 1944. The facilities have been preserved right from the tins of food, to the Reader’s Digest catalogues, to the scientific equipment, as well as sleeping and living quarters. We mailed postcards to ourselves from Port Lockroy’s famous Penguin Post Office – they won’t make it back to us until November as the staff, (including AHT’s own Conservation Programme Manager Al Fastier), have left for the season. In the afternoon we kayaked around Argentinean base Almirante Brown Station, to Paradise Bay. The Bay is a stunning vista filled with tall mountains, glaciers, and brash ice on a still harbour. Mike, Mele and I chose to hike up a hill, to view the beauty from above.

What skills did you bring to the team, and how were you able to use those skills on this trip?

I wrote the daily updates back to the Trust. It was challenging because we couldn’t send images so I had to create word pictures to describe views and experiences that actually defied words. I feel like I got to know the team well and build a good rapport with everyone. Particularly it was important to hang out with Mele and Lana who I will be keeping in touch with over the next year as part of my mentoring outreach programme.

Any comments about the team itself?

I don’t think there is a better bunch of people I could have gone on the expedition with. We gelled so well together. Everyone was really encouraging of one another, and helpful and excited for each other. I really miss hanging out with the team.

Would you recommend others apply for future expeditions and why?

Yes, yes. Of course. You really grow as a person, you get to experience Antarctica and you make connections that will last a lifetime.

Do you have any advice for future expedition members?

Take a moment to put down your camera and just experience being there, and absorb it. Waking up in Antarctica – that is the moment that has really stayed in my mind. I wasn’t focused on getting out my phone at that moment. Just breathing and being there. I’ll remember that for the rest of my life.

You joined the group for the Polar Plunge – tell us about that ‘chilling’ experience

The polar plunge was epic. Although I wasn’t feeling well, I definitely forced myself to do it because how many people can say they went for a swim in Antarctica? Now I can!

The morning we were in Whalers Bay before we got ready to go kayaking, the guide said to wear our togs in case we wanted to go for a polar plunge. Then once we were on shore we stood on the edge of the water in a group waiting for the first person to make a move and start undressing. When I saw Georgie ditching the dry suit, I though “this is it”. Then we quickly stripped off and ran in. A passenger from Kazakhstan did it about three times. I managed about two strokes and then ran back out. It was so much fun. They had staff on the shore with towels and then they zoomed us back to the ship for hot chocolates, a plunge into the hot tub and then into some hot showers.

https://nzaht.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Rosanna_MD.jpg 3840 5760 Comms https://nzaht.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo-dark.png Comms2019-04-21 08:34:082019-06-05 02:24:06Waking up in Antarctica

Taking the Plunge

March 12, 2019 - Inspiring Explorers'™ Updates - 2019

March 12

We have just explored an Antarctic volcano on Deception Island. This morning we paddled around the coast of the island, including through a choppy passage between a cliff and a high rock. The waves arose from all angles, making for such an exhilarating ride we did it twice. Humpback whales were spotted and playful seals followed our kayaks round the shore where we headed to the remnants of an abandoned whaling station in Whaler’s Bay. Seals everywhere!

Antarctic Heritage Trust/Sylvie Admore

Remnants of old whaling supply boats on Deception Island

We also took the opportunity to go for a polar plunge – stripping down to our togs and running into the freezing water. I managed a couple of strokes before sprinting straight back out. The spectators (which numbered many more than those in their togs) had as much fun watching the spectacle as the swimmers themselves.

In the afternoon, we hiked up to the craters of the volcano. This side of the island was striped in black and white – volcanic pebbles and ice, the small rocks blackening the crater edges.

We are sad to say goodbye to Antarctica as we head back to the Drake Passage. Every moment of this huge adventure will be treasured for our lifetime.

One Ocean Expeditions

Written by Inspiring Explorer Rosanna Price

https://nzaht.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ira-Meyer_8800-1People-1030x687.jpg 687 1030 Comms https://nzaht.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo-dark.png Comms2019-03-12 23:00:192019-06-12 03:14:16Taking the Plunge

Drake Lake

March 14, 2019 - Inspiring Explorers'™ Updates - 2019

March 13

Relatively calm waters on the Drake Passage today – as on our way to Antarctica, we’ve been fortunate to experience mild weather that is closer to the Drake Lake than the wild Drake Shake.

Many of the team are enjoying catching up on sleep – well-deserved after five non-stop days of adventure in Antarctic waters. Others have been attending the many presentations on offer today. First up was a presentation on albatrosses, many of which have been spotted from the ship today. Learning about the history and politics of the Antarctic Treaty has also been a highlight, as has hearing about the women of Antarctica – amazing too that one of our ship’s staff, Karen (also a Kiwi!), was one of the first fifty women to work in Antarctica as a member of the team at Scott Base.

Today has also been a fantastic opportunity to share previous Antarctic Heritage Trust Inspiring Expeditions’ short films with the rest of the passengers on the ship, who were in awe of the powerful narratives.

The night has ended with a hilarious game of Polar Pictionary, with our Inspiring Explorers and supporters putting forth a great show. We are all thrilled to hear that the Akademik Ioffe is ahead of schedule – we will arrive at Cape Horn around midday tomorrow, enjoying the calm waters, and will be met by a pilot ship that evening to be guided through the Beagle Channel back to Ushuaia.

Written by Inspiring Explorer Rosanna Price

One Ocean Expeditions

View from the deck

https://nzaht.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Paul-Zizka_Landscape-17_QFAC00141.jpg 1154 1731 Comms https://nzaht.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo-dark.png Comms2019-03-14 20:29:162019-06-12 02:55:43Drake Lake

Inspiring Explorers’ Expedition™ 2019

May 28, 2019 - Inspiring Explorers’™ Updates – 2019, Expedition Updates, Encourage, Inspiring Explorers'™ Updates - 2019, Inspiring Explorers' Expeditions™, News Story, Share

Our 2019 Inspiring Explorers’ Expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula saw our largest group ever joined by New Zealand Olympic kayaker Mike Dawson.

Read more
https://nzaht.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190311_094825-e1559081509258.jpg 4032 2268 Comms https://nzaht.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo-dark.png Comms2019-05-28 22:25:072020-04-10 16:21:54Inspiring Explorers’ Expedition™ 2019

Penguin Post

March 12, 2019 - Inspiring Explorers'™ Updates - 2019

March 11

Today we stepped back in time by visiting Port Lockroy, a historic site maintained by Antarctic Heritage Trust’s sister Trust, the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust. We explored the station here, Base A, which was established in 1944.

Base A at Port Lockroy in winterAntarctic Heritage Trust

Base A at Port Lockroy in winter

The facilities have been preserved right from the tins of food, to the Reader’s Digest catalogues, to the scientific equipment, as well as sleeping and living quarters.

UK Antarctic Heritage Trust/Al Fastier

Base A has been conserved right down to the tins of food

We mailed postcards to ourselves from Port Lockroy’s famous Penguin Post Office – they won’t make it back to us until November as the staff, (including AHT’s own Conservation Programme Manager Al Fastier), have left for the season.

In the afternoon we kayaked around Argentinean base Almirante Brown Station, to Paradise Bay. The Bay is a stunning vista filled with tall mountains, glaciers, and brash ice on a still harbour. Mike, Mele and I chose to hike up a hill, to view the beauty from above.

After dinner, Nigel gave a riveting presentation about Shackleton’s whisky. Many passengers were keen for a tasting with the bottle he brought along.

Written by Inspiring Explorer Rosanna Price

https://nzaht.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/20181201_164334-e1554946605506.jpg 1500 2000 Comms https://nzaht.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo-dark.png Comms2019-03-12 02:03:572019-06-12 03:15:35Penguin Post

A Night on Ice

March 11, 2019 - Inspiring Explorers'™ Updates - 2019

March 10

Last night, on a flat, snowy hilltop we made our beds. By beds, I mean digging human-sized holes in the ice and then placing a ‘bivvy bag’ with a mat, sleeping bag and liner in the hole. The view was spectacular, mountains and icebergs resting in the ocean all around us. The colours changed as the sun went down. Mele made a miniature snowman. The clouds cleared and Lana saw shooting stars amidst the twinkling heavens.

Antarctic Heritage Trust

Antarctic Peninsula

During the night there our group experienced varying degrees of sleep and coldness (temperatures down to -2). For me, cold toes in the morning was a small price to pay when you’re waking up in paradise.

This morning we went for a long paddle in Foyn Harbour. This ended with paddling into a rusted shipwreck – the remains of a ship that caught fire and sunk in 1915 carrying barrels of whale oil. More humpback whales and porpoising penguins sighted on our excursions.

In the afternoon we explored Cuverville Island, home to the leftovers of a Gentu penguin colony. Those of us that kayaked had whales surrounding the kayaks and swimming underneath. Some of us got up close and personal to an elephant seal and leopard seals.
We ended with a barbecue on the stern, mulled wine, Nutella doughnuts and whales breaching beside the ship.

Written by Inspiring Explorer Rosanna Price

One Ocean Expeditions

Kayaking in the Antarctic Peninsula

https://nzaht.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Gabe-Rogel-Landscape0311.jpg 667 1000 Comms https://nzaht.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo-dark.png Comms2019-03-11 22:27:352019-06-12 03:16:59A Night on Ice

Whales Ahoy

March 10, 2019 - Inspiring Explorers'™ Updates - 2019

March 9

Another amazing morning in Antarctica. Today we found the whales!

The ship docked up in Charlotte’s Bay – a glassy harbour surrounded by looming white glaciers over black rock, and home to large arctic-blue icebergs. Some icebergs had deep holes or caves in them, and we saw carving inside of one of these cavities.

We found the whalesOne Ocean Expeditions

We found the whales

A pod (if not pods) of humpback whales were breaching metres from our kayaks. A whale came up in front of me, mouth first, and I could make out the balaena and barnacles on its black coat. Some had a bright yellowy-orange colour on the underside of their tail which you could see as the tail came up and rolled into the ocean again.

In the afternoon, zodiacs carried some of us onshore to Portal Point. We saw a big Weddell seal lazing on the ice, fur seals playing around on the water and sliding on the ice, and a lone penguin looking for some friends. Overhead there were dozens of Antarctic shags flying above us.

We have arrived in perfect conditions to spend a night on the ice! After dinner we plan to kayak out to our own camping spot (for the Inspiring Explorers group), dig us some holes in the snow, and hunker down in bivouac sleeping bags for the night. We are all beaming about this rare opportunity.

Written by Inspiring Explorer Rosanna Price.

One Ocean Expeditions

Whale seen from kayaks

https://nzaht.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ira-Meyer-Whales-7560-2-1030x687.jpg 687 1030 Comms https://nzaht.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo-dark.png Comms2019-03-10 21:54:012019-06-12 03:17:56Whales Ahoy

Discovering the Wonders of Antarctica

March 8, 2019 - Inspiring Explorers'™ Updates - 2019

March 8

Yep, that’s an iceberg. Today we really discovered the wonders of the Antarctic!

We awoke to find ourselves sailing in front of the South Shetland Islands – huge, mountainous islands of ice, snow and dark rock. Wildlife dotted all along the shores.

IcebergAdeline Heymann/One Ocean Expeditions

Iceberg

Finally, we were able to put all our hard work from kayak training into practise. Plonking down the gangway, and then cruising along in a zodiac, we made our way out to the calm waters of Yankee Bay on Greenwich Island. Getting into a kayak from over the side of a zodiac is much easier than we’d imagined (with many hands to help). Seals and penguins watched us from the shore, as we paddled around the coast.

One Ocean Expeditions

Antarctic birdlife

It was such an amazing experience to be able to see Chinstrap and Gentu penguins, fur seals and Antarctic shags bobbing through the water, swimming alongside the kayaks and entertaining us all. Picture three juvenile seals wrestling with each other on top of an iceberg. One of the many, many highlights was kayaking through brash ice close to the shore.

One Ocean Expeditions

Weddell Seal

The glaciers are beautiful – just like paintings. The scale is hard to capture in photographs because they look so flat, but there is a vibrant arctic blue that glows through the ice.

In the afternoon we made it to Half Moon Island. The water was a bit more choppy, and we got the chance to thread through some rocks close to shore. Again, getting up close to wildlife and being absolutely in awe of the mountainous glaciers all around us. We exited the kayaks onshore (bar Alex, who had more photographing to do from the kayak) and walked around the island to get up close to the animals – including a Weddell seal and some elephant seals. We even came across a washed up whale jawbone.

What a day. We are thoroughly fed, as always, and ready for bed.

Written by Inspiring Explorer Rosanna Price.

AHT/Nigel Watson

Kayaking in Antarctica

https://nzaht.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Adeline-Heymann-Iceberg_0449.jpg 618 930 Comms https://nzaht.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo-dark.png Comms2019-03-08 01:25:572019-06-12 03:18:31Discovering the Wonders of Antarctica

Almost in Antarctica!

March 7, 2019 - Inspiring Explorers'™ Updates - 2019

March 7

This morning Marco and I saw a whale for about two seconds – it was brown, with a curvy fin, and we’ve had a dozen guesses at what species it could be.

Perching chinstraps penguins.Antarctic Heritage Trust / Sylvie Admore

Perching chinstraps penguins.

The weather has taken a turn – the waves have become bigger, wilder, crashing over the bow and sending the boat into a pendulum-like motion. On the top deck we have to be extremely careful. The winds can knock you over if you don’t hold onto the rails.

We kitted up in our kayak gear today, in preparation for the adventure that awaits tomorrow. The prep consists of layering up our clothing, getting into a dry suit, pulling on a skirt which attaches to the kayak, securing our life-vest and practising entering the kayak. While all this was going on, it was snowing on the deck. Amazing.

There is a competition on at the moment where we guess the coordinates and day for spotting the first iceberg. No icebergs yet. Tomorrow it’s highly likely.

We’ve had a rundown of the sail plan, subject to change, but the first stop tomorrow is Aitcho Island part of the South Shetland Islands. Home to Chinstrap penguins, fur seals and hopefully an elephant seal or two. We’ll be up nice and early, hopefully in calmer waters, ready to paddle.

Written by Inspiring Explorer Rosanna Price.

https://nzaht.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/171-Perching-chinstraps-1030x689.jpg 689 1030 Comms https://nzaht.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo-dark.png Comms2019-03-07 22:10:372019-06-12 03:19:06Almost in Antarctica!

Hitting the Drake Passage

March 6, 2019 - Inspiring Explorers'™ Updates - 2019

MARCH 6

Most of us awoke in our beds to the swaying motion that indicated we had entered the Drake Passage. Notorious for its choppy seas and high swells, we are lucky enough to have only gentle rocking to prepare our sea legs with. Read more

https://nzaht.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Akademic-Ioffe-Prow-1030x687.jpg 687 1030 Comms https://nzaht.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo-dark.png Comms2019-03-06 07:02:132019-06-12 03:19:52Hitting the Drake Passage
Page 3 of 12‹12345›»

Latest Inspiring Explorers Updates

  • Ihlara, Sadra and Laurette exploringFirst Day in AntarcticaMarch 13, 2020 - 2:42 pm
  • Take a Musical Trip to AntarcticaApril 28, 2021 - 2:52 pm
  • A'aifou PotenamiSharing Stories to InspireSeptember 7, 2020 - 12:03 am
  • COVID-19 UpdateMarch 20, 2020 - 1:11 pm
  • Inspiring Explorers Anzac and LauretteAn Alien EnvironmentMarch 25, 2020 - 8:23 pm

Instagram

antarcticheritage

#OnThisDay in 1904, Captain Robert Falcon Scott's #OnThisDay in 1904, Captain Robert Falcon Scott's first Antarctic expedition ship 'Discovery' arrived back in Lyttelton Harbour, Christchurch, New Zealand.

Scott's National Antarctic 'Discovery' Expedition 1901-04 was sponsored by the Royal Geographical Society, the British Government and a London businessman, Llewellyn Longstaff. There were also donations from officers of the Royal Society and other private individuals. Sir Clements Markham launched the appeal that eventually raised £90,000 for the expedition – sufficient to pay for a new ship, provisions, wages and other costs.

It was the second expedition to winter over on the Antarctic continent, following Carston Borchgrevink's 'Southern Cross' Expedition 1899-1900. The men carried out significant exploration of the continent, including a ‘furthest south’ record of 82º16’S, and comprehensive scientific observations in the fields of meteorology, geology, glaciology, botany, marine biology and cartography.

At the end of the expedition, Scott and his men worked to saw a channel in the ice, freeing 'Discovery' from her berth of two years. On 5 January 1904, the relief ships 'Morning' and 'Terra Nova' were sighted. Efforts were then made to free 'Discovery' with explosives, but this did not achieve the desired effect and Scott made plans to abandon the ship. Then, on 14 February, the sea-ice began to break up and with the aid of a final explosive charge and some assistance from the wind and currents, 'Discovery' was free. After stopping briefly in Robertson Bay at Cape Adare to replace the rudder, the 'Discovery' proceeded to Lyttelton.

You can read more about the history of Scott's first Antarctic expedition here: https://nzaht.org/conserve/explorer-bases/scotts-hut-hut-point/history-of-expedition/

📸 Discovery Hut, the expedition base located at Hut Point, with the ship 'Discovery' in the background. Canterbury Museum.

#OTD #inspire #explore #discover #conserve #Antarctica #Scott #RobertFalconScott #discovery
#OnThisDay in 1900, Borchgrevink's British Antarct #OnThisDay in 1900, Borchgrevink's British Antarctic 'Southern Cross' Expedition party returned to New Zealand from Antarctica after two years.

Borchgrevink’s party of 10 men was funded by magazine magnate Sir George Newnes. The aim of the expedition was to collect scientific data and study wildlife, be the first team to intentionally overwinter on the continent and explore the continent’s interior. Borchgrevink also wanted to investigate the commercial possibilities of the region, focusing on whaling, mineral prospecting and the mining of penguin guano for fertiliser.

Many of the expedition’s scientific records were lost but they did achieve some exceptional ‘firsts’, for example, they were the first to erect a building in Antarctica at Cape Adare. This hut still exists today as the only example left of humanity's first building on any continent. Antarctic Heritage Trust is proud to care Borchgrevink's legacy at Cape Adare on behalf of the international community.

They were also the first team to winter over, and use dogs, sledges and skis to travel over land and sea ice. Expedition members Bernacchi and Colbeck also produced a detailed map of the area that was used by later expeditions. Finally, under Bernacchi’s leadership, the first full year of weather readings was recorded. Their data set the baseline for Antarctic climate science.

📸 The Southern Cross expedition members pictured just before spending the first winter on the Antarctic continent, 1899. Canterbury Museum

#inspire #explore #discover #conserve #Antarctica #borchgrevink #capeadare
#OnThisDay in 1912, Captain Robert Falcon Scott ma #OnThisDay in 1912, Captain Robert Falcon Scott made his final diary entry as he, Edward Wilson and Henry Bowers, waited for the inevitable end, trapped in their tent with unseasonably cold temperatures and worsening health preventing them from making the 11-mile journey to their next food and fuel depot.

Scott's diary: "Since the 21st we have had a continuous gale from W.S.W. and S.W. We had fuel to make two cups of tea apiece and bare food for two days on the 20th. Every day we have been ready to start for our depot 11 miles away, but outside the door of the tent it remains a scene of whirling drift. I do not think we can hope for any better things now. We shall stick it out to the end, but we are getting weaker, of course, and the end cannot be far.

It seems a pity, but I do not think I can write more.

R. SCOTT.

For God’s sake look after our people."

Scott's Polar Party reached the South Pole on 17 January 1912, 34 days after Amundsen and his Norwegian party. During the journey home Edgar Evans suffered a fatal concussion and passed away 17 February. Thereafter, in March, Scott’s diary records the heroic end of Captain Lawrence 'Titus' Oates who, stricken with frostbite, walked out from the camp to his death.

For Scott and his remaining men, a successful march home depended on the decisions made and the depots laid months prior to the expedition. However, the storm that raged and a lack of food and fuel prevented this, and the men died in their sleeping bags within their tent. The journal of Tryggve Gran, part of the 11-man search party, records that the bodies were found on 12 November 1912. He used his own skis to construct a cross above the cairn that he and the rest of the search party erected over the site and wrote of Scott's skis, "I am using the Owner's ski(s) - they must finish the journey - and they will."

📸 Snow Cairn erected over the final resting place of Scott, Wilson and Bowers, Antarctica New Zealand Pictorial Collection.

#OTD #inspire #explore #discover #conserve #Antarctica #RobertFalconScott #terranova #southpole
Antarctic Heritage Trust is honoured to be one of Antarctic Heritage Trust is honoured to be one of the ten charities that Matt Rose has chosen to support as part of Matt's Good Walk. Matt is walking the length of the South Island and has raised almost half of his ambitious $250,000 target, some of which will help fund one young person on the Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ - South Georgia 2023.

Check out the news story below to read more about how Matt is achieving this.
https://www.scene.co.nz/queenstown-news/local-life/matts-big-fundraising-strides/

To learn more:
https://www.mattsgoodwalk.nz/
https://inspiringexplorers.co.nz/

#mattsgoodwalk #inspiringexplorers2023 #inspire #explore #antarcticheritagetrust
#OnThisDay in 1870, Herbert George Ponting was bor #OnThisDay in 1870, Herbert George Ponting was born. Ponting was a professional photographer and is best known as the expedition photographer and cinematographer for Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s 'Terra Nova' expedition 1910-1913. During his time on the ice, Ponting captured some of the most enduring images of the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration.

Scott’s vision of taking Antarctica to the world was to be fulfilled beyond his wildest expectations. Through his skill, tenacity and adaptation to the Antarctic conditions, Ponting opened everyone’s eyes, providing lessons to members of the expedition so the standard of photographic work on their scientific field parties was second to none. Ponting returned from the 'Terra Nova' expedition after the first year with a catalogue of over 1700 negatives and ca. 25,000 feet worth of film. His work moved beyond the bounds of travelogues or scenic imagery, it became the very forefront of polar wildlife documentary film-making.

Ponting had his very own darkroom in the 'Terra Nova' hut at Cape Evans on Ross Island. To find out more about Ponting and this fascinating space, check out the Trust's podcast Frozen in Time (#3 on the interactive map) on our website https://nzaht.org/frozen-in-time/

📸 Photographer Herbert George Ponting (1870-1935) at work in the dark room of Scott's 'Terra Nova' hut, Antarctica, during the British Antarctic Expedition, 24 March 1911. Alexander Turnbull Library

#inspire #explore #discover #conserve #Antarctica #RobertFalconScott #Scott #Ponting #capeevans
#OnThisDay in 1889, Lionel Greenstreet, First Offi #OnThisDay in 1889, Lionel Greenstreet, First Officer of Shackleton's Imperial Trans Antarctic 'Endurance' Expedition (1914-17) was born. He grew up in East Barnet, Hertfordshire and at around 15 years old, became a cadet on the training ship 'Worcester' where he passed certificates in Navigation and Seamanship.

In August 1914, while on leave from duties with the New Zealand Shipping Company in Scotland, Greenstreet wrote to Frank Worsley, Captain of the 'Endurance' for a position on the expedition. As the First World War was starting, the original chief officer Douglas George Jeffrey, had left for active service. One day before Endurance sailed from Plymouth, Greenstreet received a short message from Worsley directing him to come meet him from whereby he was told to get his affairs in order and be ready to leave the next morning.

Greenstreet played an important role in the expedition team's survival after 'Endurance' was abandoned and crushed by ice in the Weddell Sea. Worsley later gave extensive praise to Greenstreet for his efforts on the journey to Elephant Island, relieving Worsley at the tiller of 'Dudley Docker' and serving as a key rower for the boat. After the expedition, Greenstreet served in both world wars, held numerous positions, married and eventually retired in Brixham, Devon. Greenstreet was the final surviving member of the 'Endurance' expedition, he died in 1979.

📸 Public Domain, Photographed by David Knights-Whittome

#inspire #explore #discover #conserve #Antarctica #Endurance #Shackleton
#OnThisDay in 1912, the remaining three members of #OnThisDay in 1912, the remaining three members of Scott's Polar Party, British Antarctic 'Terra Nova' Expedition 1910-1913, made their final camp on their return from the South Pole. Captain Robert Falcon Scott, Lieutenant Henry Bowers and Dr Edward Wilson were just 11 miles from the next depot of food and fuel which would have saved them.

Scott's diary entry on Monday 19 March, describes a dreadfully heavy sledge and -40-degree temperatures. Trapped by a blizzard, the men shared the little food they had left and waited.

"Every day we have been ready to start for our depot 11 miles away, but outside the door of the tent it remains a scene of whirling drift..." - R. F. Scott, Thursday 29 March. Scott's Last Expedition © The Long Riders' Guild Press.

📸 Scott's Party on Reaching the South Pole 1912 © Antarctica New Zealand Pictorial Collection.

#OTD #inspire #explore #discover #Antarctica
#OnThisDay in 1912, Captain Lawrence Oates made th #OnThisDay in 1912, Captain Lawrence Oates made the ultimate sacrifice, stepping out of his tent into a blizzard never to be seen again. Oates was an integral part of Scott's Polar Party, during the British Antarctic 'Terra Nova' Expedition 1910-1913, and made a brave attempt to preserve enough supplies for Scott, Wilson and Bowers during their return from the South Pole.

Oates was severely frostbitten, weakened and suffering from scurvy. Believing he was slowing the other men down, Oates died so they could have a chance at living. As he left the tent, Oates's famous last words are recorded as "I'm just going outside and may be some time..."

Captain Scott recorded these words in his diary, and some uncertainty lies over whether it was on the 16th or 17th March, which is also the same day that Oates was born 32 years earlier in 1880. Scott also wrote of Oates in his diary, "...it was the act of a brave man and an English gentleman."

Lawrence Oates was born in Putney, Surrey and in 1898, Oates joined a militia regiment, the 3rd Battalion of the West Yorkshire Regiment. In 1900, he was given an attachment to the British Army's 6th Inniskilling Dragoons and fought during the Second Boer War in South Africa. During the war Oates suffered a bullet injury to his thigh, leaving him with a limp and one leg shorter than the other. This injury caused him further pain, when the chill of the Antarctic intensified the effect of his injuries.

Oates' body was never found, however near where it is presumed that he died the search party erected a cairn and cross with the inscription;

'Hereabouts died a very gallant gentleman, Captain L. E. G. Oates, of the Inniskilling Dragoons. In March 1912, returning from the Pole, he walked willingly to his death in a blizzard, to try and save his comrades, beset by hardships.'

📸 Lawrence Oates, Alexander Turnbull Library

#OTD #inspire #explore #discover #conserve #Antarctica
LAST CHANCE TO APPLY – applications close at mid LAST CHANCE TO APPLY – applications close at midnight NZDT Sunday 19 March 2023.

Are you ready to follow in Shackleton’s footsteps? Challenge yourself? Grow as a person? Connect with fellow explorers? Be inspired by epic tales of polar exploration? Are you willing to share your experience and inspire your community to embrace the spirit of exploration?

Reach into the unknown – apply now for the upcoming Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ South Georgia! Head to inspiringexplorers.co.nz.

Applications close at midnight NZDT Sunday 19 March 2023. Eligibility criteria apply.

���This incredible two-week ship-based expedition is presented by @antarctica_21 and supported by our Inspiring Explorers™ Programme Partners @metservicenz and @royalsocietynz. 

📸 Sir Ernest Shackleton, Public Domain

#inspire #explore #discover #conserve #SouthGeorgia #inspiringexplorers #polar #adventure #Shackleton
Load More Photos Follow Me

Facebook

Stay in touch

Subscribe to our newsletter

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Youtube
    • Vimeo
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    About AHT Our People Latest News Contact Us Shop
    QUICK LINKS
    About AHT Our People Latest News Contact Us Shop Conserve Share Encourage Sustain
    Conserve Share Encourage Sustain

    Make a donation

    Donate

    Become a member

    Join

    Antarctic Heritage Trust

    Antarctic Heritage Trust
    Administration Building, International Antarctic Centre
    38 Orchard Road, Christchurch 8053, New Zealand

    Antarctic Heritage Trust

    Antarctic Heritage Trust
    Administration Building, International Antarctic Centre
    38 Orchard Road, Christchurch 8053, New Zealand

    © Copyright 2022, Antarctic Heritage Trust – Registered Charity: CC24071
    Terms and Conditions – Privacy Policy

    © Copyright 2022, Antarctic Heritage Trust
    Registered Charity: CC24071
    Terms and Conditions – Privacy Policy

    Scroll to top
    NZAHT ExteriorSledging team outside Terra Nova hut, Herbert Ponting
    NZAHT Exterior
    NZAHT Exterior
    NZAHT Exterior
    NZAHT Exterior
    NZAHT Exterior
    NZAHT Exterior
    NZAHT Exterior
    NZAHT Exterior

    Adding gallery of images through Add Media

    NZAHT ExteriorAntarctic Heritage Trust

    knsdvknd

    NZAHT ExteriorAntarctic Heritage Trust

    asdvjbdjbv

    NZAHT ExteriorAntarctic Heritage Trust

    dsvdv

    NZAHT ExteriorAntarctic Heritage Trust
    NZAHT ExteriorAlasdair Turner