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Archive for category: Encourage

Skiing Down a Sea of Clouds

July 9, 2018 - Inspiring Explorers'™ Updates - 2018

After some time for reflection following the completion the mammoth crossing of the Greenland ice cap, we caught up with Bridget Kruger to hear her perspective on the expedition, the biggest challenges she faced, and what she learned about herself through the experience…

Bridget KrugerKeith Parsons
What was your favourite part of the trip?

My most awe-inspiring moment happened in the last 21 hours of the expedition. It was a magical, fantasy-like day. We started to see mountains emerge out of the vast whiteness around us – the first real thing we had seen in 27 days. As the mountains grew into view, we skied closer to the sea and were finally going downhill. It was a lot of fun. We were giggling and having such an amazing time, feeling pumped up on good energy. As the day grew into night, the sun set over four or five hours, blanketing us in this stunning light that sparkled off the snow. The moon was rising, a huge, gorgeous firey orb. The scene looked like we were skiing down on this sea of clouds to meet the moon. It was the most beautiful evening of my life, and the images will be forever imprinted on my memory. There was a moment when we all were trying to make it down a particularly steep part, and everyone had their different methods – walking their sleds like dogs, or riding their sleds. It was pure chaos, like an outdoor circus, one you just couldn’t take your eyes off.

What was the most challenging part?

The most challenging part was the last week leading up to the end, as we were catching up lost time. It was intense for everyone as we were doing long hours and still facing crazy weather and deep snow. I had been quite sick, so my body was already exhausted, and then the long days evoked some old head injury symptoms. I find it hard to balance and to see properly when I am incredibly tired, and my personality completely disappears. I go into in survival mode while my brain just wants to shut my body down and make it sleep to recover. This was a particularly difficult time, because I had to rely so much on the help of others, even when they were tired themselves. I felt like a burden to the team at this point. I am so lucky that they were so supportive during that time, as I wouldn’t have made it through without them.

What went through your mind when you finally completed the expedition?

We had this beautiful moment at the end, where we had arrived at this non-descript point (it had started to fog up again and we could no longer see the mountain in front of us), when Keith let Hollie, Brando and myself know that we were at the end. We didn’t realise we had made it. We had just walked across a country. It was so amazing, there were tears of relief and joy; and we all just hugged each other and congratulated and thanked each other for the journey.

What did you learn or discover about yourself?

I discovered how much the body can endure and just keep going. It is the mind that falters first. What thoughts you feed into your brain completely influence your feelings and energy. Depending on what you were thinking about each hour greatly affected each leg of the day – it almost became an experiment.

In the first few weeks before we started doing huge days, we had so much time to think. It is so interesting where the mind goes, how you fill in that time and what you realise are the most important things to you. It was a gift to have this time and space to reflect on life and work through ideas and process anything that needed it.

What skills did you have that you found most valuable?

I have completed a lot of long-term journey expeditions, I think this really helped with the mindset of being out there for so long and what to expect.

A comment about the team itself?

The team was incredible. I wouldn’t have made it without such strength, support and love from them. The boys helped so much with extra weight when we were sick, and Holly was the most amazing tent mate to share the journey with. She inspired me every day with her empowerment quotes and positivity.

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

The weather was much more intense than I imagined. I had completed a short training trip beforehand, which gave me a good indication of how hard this journey was going to be. I haven’t been just a participant on an expedition in almost a decade, so it was a really amazing opportunity for me to sink into the journey and allow myself to feel some of the struggles, instead of having to constantly look after others. It was a journey that well and truly put me out of my comfort zone, which was a nice thing to reconnect with. Engaging with that process again will benefit my work with others when I facilitate journeys that challenge them.

Reflecting on what you know of Nansen’s crossing – what would you consider some of the similarities and key differences on this trip?

It is unbelievable to me that a 27-year-old man decided to go to a different country and ski across an area with no knowledge of where the crevasses were (we had a GPS marking several of the big ones) and navigate through that minefield. Not only that, thinking of the gear we had to keep us warm and the lightness of the food we carried in comparison to Nansen’s team, it is absolutely mind blowing what they accomplished.

How have you been inspired to go out and share your story?

I am really excited about sharing my story with young people, especially in remote communities. I grew up in a remote area and one day, at my small school, a man came in and showed us pictures and clothing from his journey to Antarctica. It blew my mind that people could explore those places. I want to be able to give that inspiration to others. I especially want to get across the message that anyone from anywhere can go out into the world and create their own magic and explore the depths of their desires, whether it is having a curiosity about far away places or exploring a profession they never thought possible.

What did you miss most when you were away?

I spent a lot of time thinking about my loved ones but I often spend time cut off from civilization. It is the small things you miss the most – being able to go to the bathroom without risk of getting more frostbite, having the wind blast at you and snow drip down your back as you go about your business, being able to eat just one piece of fresh fruit, not having to defrost everything that has frozen throughout the day or night, or being able to put your shoes on without 15 minutes of struggle as you force your foot into a solid ice-block, which has frozen at an awkward angle.

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

I will be talking about the journey within, facing your darker self, the importance of an amazing team, and realising what you are capable of.

Would you recommend others apply for future expeditions and why?

I believe these expeditions are one of the most valuable things anyone could apply for and be part of. Being connected to so many beautiful unique geniuses, who inspire you every day, is such a pleasure. And the challenges you face motivate you to see your full potential. I think it is so incredibly empowering.

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Outside My Comfort Zone

July 9, 2018 - Inspiring Explorers'™ Updates - 2018

After some time for reflection following the completion the mammoth crossing of the Greenland ice cap, we caught up with Hollie Woodhouse to hear her perspective on the expedition, the biggest challenges she faced, and what she learned about herself through the experience…

Inspiring Explorers GreenlandKeith Parsons

Hollie dragging her 60kg Pulka sled.

What was your favourite part of the trip?

The last day was my favourite – along with being so close to finishing, we also had the most amazing weather and great snow conditions., The mountains popped up from the horizon, and we had such a great vibe in the team. It was an incredible way to end a challenging 29 days.

What was the most challenging part?

Due to my size, I found pulling the sled physically very challenging. In the first couple of weeks I concentrated on trying to keep up and complete the task at hand. In the middle two weeks my mind went into overdrive and I thought about everything, going full circle on my thoughts. About halfway through I finally became comfortable and got into a rhythm. Towards the end I felt a lot calmer and didn’t even listen to music. It was quite odd. The length of the expedition was another big challenge, as 29 days was a long time to be out there, pushing it consistently every day.

What went through your mind when you were finally completed the expedition?

It was incredible to walk onto the rocks beside the sea and say, we’ve made it, we’ve walked across Greenland. I had tears in my eyes and couldn’t believe the relief of finishing this massively consuming experience. For the expedition to have gone to plan with all of us finishing was fantastic, as some other teams had been airlifted off. The final day pushed us to the absolute limit. It was hard physically and the weather pushed us right to the end. Even six hours out we didn’t know if we would make it. There was low cloud hanging around the sea so we weren’t sure if the helicopter would be able to get in to chopper us out. The fact we did cross in spite of all the obstacles made it even more of an achievement.

What did you learn or discover about yourself?

This experience was totally outside my comfort zone, and I’ve come out stronger because of it. I knew it was going to be a challenge, but probably not as much as it was. I’d never been pushed like that before so it was great to discover I could do it and didn’t give up, despite the many times I really wanted to. When you put one foot in front of the other and break it down, you’ll get there. I’m sure in six months I’ll realise more things that I have learned or discovered about myself on the expedition.

What skills did you have that you found most valuable?

Being able to work as part of a team. Everyone had a role without officially having a role. Brando had a lot of energy and strength, Nigel held everyone together, and Keith was great at filming. The boys carried some of Bridget’s and my gear. This ensured we could all stay together as we could only go as fast as the slowest person. If someone was feeling a bit down, there was always someone to encourage them to get back on track and keep going.

A comment about the team itself?

Apart from meeting for a weekend in January, we were a team of strangers who were put into a hostile environment and had to rely on each other. Early on I knew I was with an awesome group of people who I could trust and who would have my back. Sharing this amazing experience means they will forever hold a place in my heart.

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

I had never been in a polar environment before so I wasn’t too sure what to expect. I had competed in endurance races but had never been pushed so consistently, day in and day out for 29 days. It is amazing how the body will just keep going as long as you keep your mind strong. There were times when I was down, but I kept thinking this is an amazing experience and what you signed up for.

Reflecting on what you know of Nansen’s crossing – what would you consider some of the similarities and key differences on this trip?

Each night we would have a meeting with Nigel and Bengt in their tent, and would share facts about Nansen. The differences in the expedition weren’t lost on us. We had access to weather reports, we knew where we were going, and at the touch of a button we could have been picked up. However, when Nansen and his team did the crossing 130 years ago, they went in completely blind with none of the modern equipment we had and no security on their lives. Nansen was an incredible human.

How have you been inspired to go out and share your story?

I’m extremely grateful to have been given this amazing once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by Antarctic Heritage Trust, and am putting a lot of thought into how I can use it to inspire the next generation of explorers. I want to reach out to people who are chasing a dream or want to start doing something they’ve always wanted to do. If I can spark an idea or give them a little push that would be great.

What did you miss most when you were away?

A Bacon Brothers burger! As soon as I arrived back in Christchurch I went to get one. This adventure really does make you appreciate the small things, such as favourite foods, and the warmth and ease of our lives at home. It was much different on the ice. We would walk all day, then get to camp, put the tent up, and it would take an hour to boil our water so we could get dinner. It is quite surreal to be home and to comprehend I just spent 29 days walking across Greenland!

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

Never give up. Five or six years ago when I started doing this adventure stuff I never imagined I’d walk across Greenland, and I didn’t know a lot about the polar region. Then doors started to open and I couldn’t have done this without consciously making the decision to chase my dream. My first dream was to compete in the Coast to Coast and everything has flowed on from there. Having the courage to take that first scary step or do that thing you’ve dreamt of can lead to a whole lot of new adventures.

Would you recommend others apply for future expeditions and why?

Absolutely. The Antarctic Heritage Trust is an incredible organisation that has done so much for the Inspiring Explorers’ community. It is giving young explorers the opportunity to step outside their comfort zone and take part in some amazing expeditions. The experience includes so much more that just the expedition, as we learned about the history of the region we visited and its past explorers, and got to meet some amazing new people. This experience opens the doors to some real self-reflection and learning, and putting yourself into an environment you wouldn’t normally see yourself in.

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Following in Nansen’s Footsteps…

July 9, 2018 - Inspiring Explorers'™ Updates - 2018

After some time for reflection following the completion the mammoth crossing of the Greenland ice cap, we caught up with Keith Parsons to get his perspective on the expedition, the biggest challenges he faced, and what he learned about himself through the experience…

KeithParsons_InspiringExplorersGreenland_LoRes79Keith Parsons
What was your favourite part of the trip?

Just being in Greenland. It was such a unique, incredible place and I hadn’t had a lot of experience in extreme climates or wilderness locations. The opportunity to see that part of the world and particularly the isolated and wild east coast of Greenland were the best things for me.

What was the most challenging part?

I had the job of taking photos and making a film about the trip, which added some technical, as well as physical and mental challenges to my experience. There was continually something to do, keep batteries warm, set up the solar charger. Although I was able to keep the cameras working in the extreme conditions, such as negative 35 degree temperatures, snow storms, and 135km/hr winds, we were supported by Panasonic with a couple of GH5 cameras for the trip, which performed perfectly in the testing conditions. I also used a drone, which is designed to work in positive temperatures but surprisingly worked well in the polar setting. To complete the expedition and also to operate as a content creator in that scenario was pretty rewarding personally.

What went through your mind when you were finally completed the expedition?

It was a bittersweet moment. On the one hand it was very rewarding and I was proud of what we had achieved as a team and come together to do. Seeing the east coast, mountains and land after four weeks of ice and snow was quite surreal. On the other hand, I really didn’t want it to end and it has been quite strange to adjust back to the real world. To fly back to Iceland, walk down the street and see advertising, endless food choices and people fussing over their appearance, was quite a reverse culture shock after spending four weeks with all of that stripped away from you.

What did you learn or discover about yourself?

I had a lot of doubt before I left and was slightly anxious about going into the unknown, being in a cold climate and working with a bunch of people I didn’t know. But once I got out there I found everything was possible, and I was capable, which was an amazing thing to be able to test out and discover.

What skills did you have that you found most valuable?

My physical skills certainly helped, as I’m kinda fit and have decent endurance. This certainly helped trying to get in front of the group to film or catching up after chasing them with the drone. Beyond that, softer skills, such as being able to get along with others was valuable and we all came out the other side as friends, and we will all cherish those relationships and shared experiences for years to come.

A comment about the team itself?

It was interesting to watch the other team members grow as well. Everyone brought something different to the expedition, whether that was a physical strength or a softer skill or experience. However, without all of us together, the experience wouldn’t have come off with the success that it did. 

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

Just getting there [to Greenland] and finding as a person I could adapt to such a hostile environment, operate successfully, and overcome all the mental things that come with the lack of stimulus and day-to-day grind of it all. That is a success in itself.

Reflecting on what you know of Nansen’s crossing – what would you consider some of the similarities and key differences on this trip?

Following in Nansen’s footsteps was an incredible aspect of the trip, as his legacy had special meaning for me, as my partner is a proud Norwegian. I was already very familiar with his story before the trip and found a lot of similarities between our stories and outlook on the world. The team has even made jokes that I look a bit like Nansen. Equally as impressive as his explorations for me, is his work as a humanitarian, a space in which I also work. It was special for me to have Nansen’s story as the backbone for the trip. The sheer audacity of what he did 130 years ago, to get a bunch of capable people together, put two dots on the map and say ‘we’re going between them’ without proper regard for his or others’ lives, was astonishing. During the expedition I often reflected on what it would have been like for Nansen’s team, which hunted fresh food across the ice cap and slept in reindeer skins. In contrast, we ate our freeze-dried food while wearing the best gear money could buy, charged our gear by fancy solar equipment and will share the story not just on the printed page but across a myriad of platforms. In many ways our trip was a whole new thing in comparison with Nansen.

After the trip I was fortunate to visit Nansen’s estate called Polhøgda (The Polar Heights), on the outskirts of Oslo. It was an incredible experience to stand in his study, which has been preserved basically as it was when he passed away in 1930, adorned with a polar bear rug on the floor, Inuit glasses he’d adapted, first editions of his books, and the rifle he took on the trip, standing in the corner. It was an incredible bookend to the journey. 

How have you been inspired to go out and share your story?

I took around 3000 photos and over the next few months will be making a film about the expedition, so I will be sharing my story through the visual medium. I’m excited about sharing what we were able to capture and really hope that it resonates with others, inspiring them to explore, adventure and just get out there.

What did you miss most when you were away?

Not a lot to be honest. I just adapted, embraced the complete simplicity of life on the ice, and loved it. There was nothing to worry about out there and I enjoyed the set routine that involved skiing, eating, filming and taking photographs, and then sleeping before doing it all over again. It couldn’t have been simpler or more enjoyable.

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

The key message is to show people how possible this was. I hope our experience inspires other people to go exploring in their own way. It doesn’t have to be Greenland. It’s about getting out there and realising there aren’t many barriers once you’re on that start line.

Would you recommend others apply for future expeditions and why?

Absolutely. An opportunity like this only comes along every now and again. Unfortunately there is also a significant cost attached to these sorts of expeditions, and other barriers such as access to guides and specific knowledge, which would be difficult to do without the key support that we were offered by the Trust. I’m so grateful that the Antarctic Heritage Trust selected me for this amazing experience and encourage others to go for it.

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Thank You!

June 7, 2018 - Inspiring Explorers'™ Updates - 2018

The Inspiring Explorers team has safely made it home and are now taking some time to reflect on the massive achievement of completing the epic 560km crossing of the Greenland ice cap.

Taking a breatherKeith Parsons

Taking a breather

We want to take a moment to acknowledge everyone who contributed to the success of this expedition. A huge thank you to our expedition partners Kathmandu, for their support in keeping us safe and warm in the state-of-the-art XT Series. To Ousland Polar Exploration, and particularly master polar guide Bengt, who ensured that we had a smooth crossing (or at least as smooth as crossing an ice cap can be!), and ‘the weatherman’ Lars, who provided us with fantastic logistical support along the way.

We would also like to thank Lumix and GoPro for providing us with camera equipment that was able to withstand the cold and capture the incredible sights along the way, and to Røde for their support with audio equipment.

We’ve been blown away by the media coverage of the expedition, including features in The Herald, RNZ, Newshub, TVNZ and many more.

Thank you once again to everyone who has followed the expedition, and shown your support for the team as they pushed themselves to reach their goal. We can’t wait to share their experiences with you all over the coming months, and we hope that they have inspired you to do some exploring of your own, however that might look.

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They’ve Done It!

June 2, 2018 - Inspiring Explorers'™ Updates - 2018

They’ve battled hurricane conditions, heavy snowfalls and illness, but the 6-person Antarctic Heritage Trust Inspiring Explorers’ Expedition has reached the finish line of their 560-kilometre crossing of the Greenland ice cap.

They made the journey on skis while pulling 60-kilogram supply sleds behind them.

The New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust selected four young explorers for the expedition from a pool of nearly 200 applicants. Two Kiwis; Brando Yelavich (24) and Hollie Woodhouse (33) and two Australians; Bridget Kruger (30) and Keith Parsons (28). They were joined by AHT Executive Director Nigel Watson and Ousland Polar Exploration master polar guide Bengt Rotmo. 

The team left the west coast of Greenland on May 4 and arrived in the small village of Tasiilaq (on Greendland’s east coast) on Saturday, 2 June. Hollie, Brando and Nigel are now en route to New Zealand.

The crossing is the Trust’s third Inspiring Explorers’ Expedition and proved to be the most challenging one yet. 

Antarctic Heritage Trust

The team upon reaching the east coast

Nigel Watson says the team’s final day saw them ski for 21 hours.

“We set off at 10am. A possible polar bear sighting had us on edge, but it turned out to be an illusion! We continued to ski and eventually saw mountains – there was great excitement after seeing nothing but a flat, white horizon for weeks. We stopped for a hot meal at 1am before reaching the end of our journey at 7am – there were hugs and tears of relief.”

A helicopter then picked up the team and took them to Tasiilaq.

Hollie says arriving into the village was unbelievable.

“The relief in finishing is immense and to finally walk on solid ground after 4 weeks of skiing was a strange feeling. We stayed in a great hotel, dinner was nothing fancy but it was the best. Being warm, showered and seeing each other’s faces properly for the first time in 4 weeks was an odd experience.”

Keith says finishing the journey is bittersweet.

“On the one hand we have accomplished something rather special and momentous, but at the same time it means the end of the experience and everything that went with it: the ice, the struggle and mostly the time together with friends.”

Brando, who completed the first solo circumnavigation of New Zealand’s coastline, says the expedition has been tough.

Antarctic Heritage Trust

Into the great white expanse…

“Physically my biggest challenge was my joints and my feet adjusting to the repetition and the pulling of the sled for 29 consecutive days. Mentally I was consumed by the repetition… the walking and the white were mind numbing at times. It was a great mental challenge”. 

Bridget, who has worked for years as an outdoor instructor and adventure therapist all over the world, says this journey was bigger than anything she has done before.

“It was a huge journey that I was really able to delve into because I wasn’t a guide, just a client with the space to really be me and deal with the massive mental and physical challenges we faced. I’ve never done a winter expedition of this length before with this extent of conditions so it was an incredible opportunity to grow through that.”

The Expedition honoured Fridtjof Nansen, the renowned polar explorer and humanitarian, who completed the first crossing of Greenland 130 years ago in 1888.

New Zealand outdoors company Kathmandu are an expedition sponsor, with the team road testing their new XT Series, designed for extreme environments.

Once home, they will begin tailored outreach programmes supported by the Trust, with the aim of sharing their experiences, and encouraging others to get out and explore.

Trust Executive Director Nigel Watson says that will be the most important part of the expedition.

“The whole reason the Trust undertakes these expeditions is to encourage people to get out and explore the amazing world we live in. By sharing their story, the team has the opportunity to inspire someone else to do something they never have before – an experience that could be life changing.”

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Hugs and Tears

June 1, 2018 - Inspiring Explorers'™ Updates - 2018
From Nigel: Woke up after a short sleep. 60km or so to go to the end. Fine weather greeted us. We started at 10am. A possible polar bear sighting had us on edge but it thankfully turned out to be an illusion. We skied on with the British team we had met earlier. We continued to ski on and the conditions improved.
The teamKeith Parsons

The team upon reaching the east coast

When we saw mountains there was great excitement after just a flat horizon for so many weeks. On and on we skied. After a late lunch break we were back on the skis as the mountains came closer. At 1am we stopped and had a hot meal. Warmed up we were back on the skis. Then a series of downhill slopes had us skiing with pulkas. Not many points for style. Then the sun rose and warmed us up. The end was in sight. At 7am after 21 hours we reached the end. Hugs and tears of relief. We had done it!!
An hour of sleep and then we skied the few hundred meters to the rocky coastal hill before heading back to tents and packing up. The sound of the helicopter approaching meant big smiles all round. Before we knew it we were up and heading to the village of Tasiilaq and civilisation.
A huge thanks to our supporters and everyone for following the expedition. We will be in touch after we have a good sleep!
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Between Cleanliness and Survival

May 31, 2018 - Inspiring Explorers'™ Updates - 2018

After nearly a month on the ice, we can safely say the Inspiring Explorers are going to be looking forward to a hot shower.

In his account of the first crossing of Greenland, Nansen described the sight of the men, as they fought their way across the interior of the ice cap.

The First Greenland CrossingPublic domain

“We were a remarkable sight by daylight next morning. Our complexions, hitherto comparatively fair, and washed moderately clean by wind and weather, had undergone a complete transformation. In places the incrustations of soot were so thick that they could be scraped off with a knife. All wrinkles and depressions were full of this foreign substance…The only parts still clean were the eyeballs and teeth, and these now shone out quite uncomfortably white in contrast.”

Nansen’s expedition did not wash between departing from the Jason, to reaching the west coast of Greenland (78 days in total). Water had to be melted every morning and evening over their cooker and was scarce, leading to a constant, unquenchable thirst. As a result, they could not spare a drop for bathing. Furthermore, Nansen stated that the risk of wetting the face in the harsh glare of the sun reflecting off the ice could lead to the skin peeling off and blistering into sores.

He stated, “between this and uncleanliness, the defenders of cleanliness will be found few and far between.”

https://nzaht.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Ye2ORwGZxHzXnh41zKg93AjwCAGHBYQpqEgq7UvqrSYA.jpg 565 1000 Comms https://nzaht.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo-dark.png Comms2018-05-31 05:11:142019-04-29 12:47:46Between Cleanliness and Survival

A Long Night’s Sleep Ahead

May 31, 2018 - Inspiring Explorers'™ Updates - 2018

From Bengt: Another long day. From deep snow to good surface during the day. Total whiteout the last 4 legs. We did 33.4 km in 11 and some hours. Look forward to a new long day tomorrow. Plan is to ski down (perhaps with a long break in the middle of the day). All weather and temperature depended. Also look forward to a long night sleep, quite tired now 😉

Nigel and BengtAntarctic Heritage Trust
https://nzaht.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/image21.jpg 268 400 Comms https://nzaht.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo-dark.png Comms2018-05-31 05:02:412019-04-29 12:49:31A Long Night’s Sleep Ahead

The Mountains are Almost in Sight

May 30, 2018 - Inspiring Explorers'™ Updates - 2018

From Bengt:

This morning we met up with the English team, and decided we ski down together to join forces in the heavy snow we are having at the moment. We had snow and whiteout conditions throughout the day. It’s hard going in the front, but nice at the back. Now we have 29km left to the magic point on top of the icefall. Spirit is high and we are looking forward to seeing the first mountains!

BrandoAntarctic Heritage Trust
https://nzaht.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/image20.jpg 400 400 Comms https://nzaht.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo-dark.png Comms2018-05-30 21:53:212019-04-29 12:53:03The Mountains are Almost in Sight

Snowblindness

May 29, 2018 - Inspiring Explorers'™ Updates - 2018

Snowblindness is just one of the things the team want to avoid in Greenland. Snowblindness is a temporary loss of vision caused by the sun’s rays – think of it like sunburn of the eyeballs!

Of course the Inspiring Explorers have sunglasses and protective goggles to protect their eyes, but things were different for Nansen’s expedition. The use of sunglasses have been documented as early as the 18th century, however they were not widely popular until the 1920s. While the explorers had primitive spectacles, they mostly utilised Inuit snow goggles. Made from wood or walrus ivory, the goggles had thin horizontal slots cut into them that limited the amount of sun exposure.

Inuit snow gogglesJared Zimmerman (WMF)

The goggles did not provide protection though, and Nansen documented having to apply cocaine drops to Samuel Balto’s eyes when he was struck with snowblindness. This is an early documented use of the drug. It would later be used by Shackleton’s Nimrod Expedition, and Scott’s Terra Nova Expedition for the same purpose.

https://nzaht.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Inuit_Snow_goggles_from_Alaska__Made_from_carved_wood_1880-1890CE_top_and_Caribou_antler_1000-1800_CE_bottom.jpg 1419 1362 Comms https://nzaht.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo-dark.png Comms2018-05-29 03:12:222019-04-29 12:57:37Snowblindness
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Antarctic Heritage Trust staff and alumni were pro Antarctic Heritage Trust staff and alumni were proud to host 100 year twelve students from eleven different South Auckland schools at the Trust's Explorer Conference held last week.

Ministry for Culture and Heritage Chief Executive Laulu Mac Leauanae opened the Conference, encouraging students to step out of their comfort zone and embrace an explorer mindset. Trust alumni Georgie Archibald, William Pike, Laura Andrews, Emily Wilson, Owain John and Brando Yelavich enthusiastically engaged the students in a range of workshops and inspirational talks about their own experiences as Inspiring Explorers, and how exploration can change lives in a meaningful way.

Students also heard from keynote speaker Faumuina Felolini Maria Tafuna’i.
She educated students on the art of wayfinding – a model that draws on the wisdom from Pacific star navigators and ocean voyagers who navigated and settled the Pacific to create a safe space for rangatahi to discuss the many challenges they face.

In the afternoon, students put what they learnt at the workshops into action with a session at Wero Whitewater Park where they built their own rafts and raced them.

#inspire #explore #discover #antarctica #conserve

📸 Inspiring Explorer William Pike gets a selfie with a student. Students work together in Laura Andrew’s workshop. Keynote speaker Faumuina Felonini Maria Tafuna’i. Inspiring Explorer Brando Yelavich awes students with stories of his incredible expeditions. Inspiring Explorer Georgie Archibald running a workshop. © AHT
#OnThisDay in 1868, Robert Falcon Scott was born i #OnThisDay in 1868, Robert Falcon Scott was born in Devon, England. At the age of 13 he began his naval career and by 1897 had become a first lieutenant.

A chance meeting with Sir Clements Markham in 1899 led to him being offered the command of the National Antarctic 'Discovery' Expedition 1901-04. Despite having no polar experience, the expedition was deemed a great success in exploration and scientific research, and he proved to be a competent leader and was promoted to Captain.

Scott's second expedition, the British Antarctic 'Terra Nova' Expedition of 1910-13 set off with the aims of studying the Ross Sea area and to reach the South Pole. At the time Scott's party weren't to realise that it would turn into a race against Roald Amundsen and upon reaching the Pole, were bitterly disappointed to find that they had come second to the Norwegian party. Sadly, Scott and his party all perished on their return from the Pole, but despite this Scott was regarded as a national hero for his courage and patriotism.

Scott's legacy lives on today with many famous landmarks and stories kept alive by those inspired by Scott's scientific endeavors and explorative nature. Antarctic Heritage Trust is proud to care for both of Scott's Antarctic bases, which are located at Hut Point and Cape Evans. The huts have been conserved over many years - including the thousands of items left behind by the men.

📸 Captain Robert Falcon Scott

#OTD #inspire #explore #discover #conserve #Antarctica #robertfalconscott
#OnThisDay in 1872, Royal Navy Lieutenant and Chie #OnThisDay in 1872, Royal Navy Lieutenant and Chief Engineer and photographer for Scott's British National 'Discovery' Expedition, Reginald Skelton was born.

Skelton was born in Lincolnshire, and educated at Bromsgrove School, Worcestershire before joining the Royal Navy in 1887. During his time on the 'HMS Majestic' from 1899 to 1900, Skelton had risen to the position of senior engineer and served with Robert Falcon Scott. This meeting led to Skeleton's appointment to supervise the building of Scott's expedition ship 'Discovery' as ship's engineer. Once in Antarctica and particularly in the winter, Skelton assumed other duties for the good of the expedition. He became "photographer-in-chief" to the expedition and produced some of the best pictures of Antarctica obtained up to that date!

Following his time in the Antarctic, Skelton returned and served in World War 1 and rose through the service becoming Engineer Rear-Admiral in 1923, Engineer Vice-Admiral in 1928 and Engineer-in-Chief of the Fleet, Admiralty. In 1931 he was knighted and retired the following year. He died in 1956, aged 84, at his home in Aldingbourne.

#inspire #explore #discover #conserve #Antarctica #OTD

📸 Officers of the `Discovery' on the 1901-1904 British Antarctic Expedition. Reginald Skelton six from left. Alexander Turnbull Library.
#OnThisDay in 1921, the decision to go South as pa #OnThisDay in 1921, the decision to go South as part of the Shackleton-Rowett 'Quest' Expedition 1921-22 is confirmed!

Shackleton met with several men who joined him on the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition 1914-17, both 'Endurance' and 'Aurora' party members; Frank Worsley, Frank Wild, Leonard Hussey, Lewis Rickinson and Joseph Stenhouse, as well as his partner John Quiller Rowett, Lee Keedick, Northrup McMillan, Percy Wallace and Laurence Legge. The men dined at the Savoy Restaurant in London, and all signed the menu, complete with drawings of penguins.

📸 Signed menu at Savoy Resturant. Copyright unknown. Sourced from @QuestChronicle

#inspire #explore #discover #conserve #Antarctica #OTD
#OnThisDay in 1956 British Antarctic explorer, nav #OnThisDay in 1956 British Antarctic explorer, naval surgeon and founder of the Public Schools Exploring Society (now British Exploring Society), George Murray Levick, died.

Levick was born in Newcastle in 1876. He studied medicine at St Bartholomew's Hospital and in 1902 was commissioned in the Royal Navy. Several years later Levick was granted leave of absence to accompany Robert Falcon Scott on the British Antarctic 'Terra Nova' Expedition 1910-13 as surgeon and zoologist.

During this expedition, Levick was one of the six members of the Northern Party who built a hut and wintered at Cape Adare in 1911. The 'Terra Nova' then took the Northern Party south to complete geological work and surveys and they were dropped at Evans Cove 8 January 1912. They were supposed to be picked up a month later however because of the ice conditions the ship couldn't get to them and they spent the winter in a snow cave at Inexpressible Island, Terra Nova Bay. In the spring of 1912, the men travelled some 200 miles on meagre rations, finally reaching the safety of the hut at Cape Evans on 7 November 1912.

Earlier this year, Antarctic Heritage Trust repatriated several items to Scott's 'Terra Nova' hut at Cape Evans, including an improvised sledge distance meter which was used during their surveying work, and kept by George Levick. 

To read more about the story behind this, go to our website under Share, Latest news, Conservation: Link in bio

📸 George Murray Levick, self portrait. SPRI.

#inspire #explore #discover #conserve #Antarctica
#On this Day in 1879, polar explorer Edward Stewar #On this Day in 1879, polar explorer Edward Stewart Marshall was born in Hampstead, London. He read medicine at Emmanuel College, Cambridge and continued his studies at St Bartholomew's Hospital in London, qualifying as a surgeon in 1906.

Marshall was the surgeon on Shackleton's British Antarctic 'Nimrod' Expedition 1907-1909 and also the cartographer with the shore party. He was a member of the Southern Party, which led by Shackelton, achieved the Farthest South record of latitude 88° 23' South, longitude 162° East in January 1909, in their attempt to reach the South Pole. During this journey, Marshall was instrumental in saving the lives of the party by struggling to a food depot when the rest of the party was exhausted.

After his expedition to Antarctica, Marshall went on to research nutritional deficiency diseases and had a successful military career.

He was awarded the Polar Medal and a Military Cross and is commemorated in Antarctica by the naming of the Marshall Mountains 84°37' S 164°30' E.

📸 Wild, Shackleton, Marshall and Adams upon their return from the Southern Journey (Canterbury Museum).

#explore #discover #antarctica #OTD #shackleton #endurance
The Trust welcomes several new members to our Boar The Trust welcomes several new members to our Board in 2023. Brent Clothier joins as the Royal Society Te Apārangi representative, Rex Hendry as the New Zealand Antarctic Society representative, and Aliesha Staples is appointed as a new Independent Trustee.

We are delighted that Governance Interns Mike Dawson and Georgina Archibald have joined the Board as full Independent Trustees, and we welcome two new Governance Interns, Laura Andrews and Tasman Gillies.

To find out more about our new Board members go to our website, Link in Bio under SHARE, LATEST NEWS

📸 Clockwise from top left: Aliesha Staples, Dr Brent Clothier, Mike Dawson, Tasman Gillies, Laura Andrews, Georgina Archibald, Rex Hendry © AHT

#discover #inspire #explore #conserve #antarctica
📣REMINDER: GIVEAWAY ALERT!📣 To win a copy o 📣REMINDER: GIVEAWAY ALERT!📣

To win a copy of Volume 1 of the graphic novel adaptation of 'The Worst Journey in the World' by Apsley Cherry-Garrard, worth $NZD45.00, adapted by Disney animator Sarah Airriess, simply comment that you would like to enter by midnight Sunday 28 May. The winner will be chosen at random and announced on Monday 29 May. If you receive a reply asking you to click a link – this is not genuine. These messages are not posted by Antarctic Heritage Trust.

We are celebrating the Trust becoming the New Zealand distributor for this fantastic book. Originally published in 1922, Cherry-Garrard’s classic of travel literature chronicles the epic tragedy of Captain Scott's British Antarctic Expedition of 1910-1913. Now, a century later, Sarah Airriess has adapted this classic into a graphic novel series, spanning four books, spending over a decade researching the expedition to tell the story completely and faithfully. The book is not just about the exploration, but also about the personalities of the men involved and the science they undertook.

Purchase the graphic novel from the Antarctic Heritage Trust website: Link in bio

#inspire #discover #explore #conserve #antarctica #TravelLiterature #TerraNovaExpedition #GraphicNovel #TheWorstJourneyInTheWorld #Giveaway #Competition

@twirlynoodle @WorstJourneyGN @indienovella
Over the summer season, our On-Ice Conservation te Over the summer season, our On-Ice Conservation team repatriated several artefacts to Scott’s Terra Nova hut at Cape Evans, including an improvised sledge distance meter wheel once owned by George Murray Levick. Levick was the surgeon, zoologist and a photographer on Scott’s British Antarctic Expedition 1910 – 1913. He was part of the Northern Party who built a hut and wintered at Cape Adare in 1911.

To learn more about the history of this fascinating artefact, go to our website Link in bio; SHARE, LATEST NEWS, CONSERVATION

📸 A sledge distance meter wheel placed with other sledging equipment in Scott's 'Terra Nova' hut © AHT-Lizzie Meek

#discover #explore #inspire #antarctica #terranova #nimrod
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    NZAHT ExteriorSledging team outside Terra Nova hut, Herbert Ponting
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