When ice and Storms are Dealt With

Possibly you are one who likes it when vacationing could be done in an isolated place, right? In their search for somewhere untouched by tourists, most people will go as far as to both ends of the earth to find it. At the south end of the world lies Antarctica where New Zealand and South America sightseers plan to meet up.

It was in 1820 when the continent was found and sealers, explorers, and scientists have been the only ones here. An ice blanket running at about 7,000 feet prevent as much traveling as possible even in a place the size of the United States and Mexico combined. What is necessary to get there is to be on a ship strong enough to handle the impact from ice and sailing through stormy seas. Probably something to look forward to are 24 hours of sunlight and seldom above freezing temperatures.

Part of the expedition for the 14 men and 12 women included the first trip to the south of the Antarctic Circle plus travel to the Mcmurdo Sound area which is 2,000 miles south of and New Zealand. Long ago, British explorers faced unexplainable hardship and death in this area which is now the home of 800 sailors and scientists who are part of a US navy facility. Summer south of the equator means winter in the Northern Hemisphere and vice versa.

A brief landing in 1957 made it possible for two airline stewardesses to be the only women here. It was not an enthusiastic welcome provided by the Navymen at McMurdo Station when the women arrived on the continent. The reason behind this was that the sailors did not want any disruptions in their capacity to not look at women for a very long time.

Arriving in January and February, ships with tourists are not looked forward to by the people at McMurdo. The civilian technicians, scientists, and sailors all agree that what they do here cannot be done by other people and this is why they were the ones chosen to go. When tourists start arriving, the edge and romance of Antarctica will dissipate. From the travel service comes a supply of warm pants, mittens, a red parka, and kodachrome but tips, drinks, seasick pills, and laundry are all extra.

The only people here since 1955 included American scientists and US Navy personnel. The nine other nations involved maintain their scientific stations here and on adjacent islands as well. Could the Navy be affected when the tourists arrive? Considering how a territorial claim is absent, the commander of naval forces in Antarctica said that they cannot control who comes here. This does not mean that they have no control too when it comes to their stations.

Those who are not self supporting are not allowed to enter. When the ship is well equipped this is not a problem. Securing those on board means following some safety precautions. Standards for safety are met based on the travel agency's operational plan.

Aside from the first nuclear power reactor in Antarctica, a visitor can experience some drinks at the enlisted clubs here, visit the ship's store and post exchange, or attend services at the Chapel of the Snows. The group consists of ardent bird watchers, hikers, and conservationists, so from the huts used by the early explorers they may also find themselves searching for seals, skua gulls, and killer whales not to mention visiting penguin rookeries.