GGS Antarctica 2009

Thirteen students and two staff from Geelong Grammar School, Australia, will sail from Ushuaia, Argentina, across the Drake Passage to to the Antarctic Peninsula on board two expedition sailing yachts. Once in Antarctica the team will undertake multi-day ski journeys, sea kayaking trips and environmental and historical projects. Eric Philips is the ski and kayak guide, and expedition co-ordinator. We'll be underway from December 5, 2009.

Back In Longyearbyen, Norway

After camping for two nights at the North Pole, Mike and I were collected by Mi8 helcipoter on April 9 and flown to Barneo. Here we enjoyed the luxurious warmth of this Russian haven on the drifting ice before I flew back to the Pole with Alexis Fredrick and Billy Browning for a wedding ceremony. This is the first ever wedding ceremony at the North Pole and the Arctic turned on one of its most glorious days. In the -35 temperature, and under a sparkling sun, celebrant Victor Boyarsky performed a simple ceremony at 90 North, followed by a dance arond the pole, champagne and photographs. It was truly an amazing experience.

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After another glorious day on the Arctic ice, skiing 19km in 6 hours, Mike & I arrived at the North Pole. We're on top of the world!

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-35 again today, but no wind makes it tolerable. Some freshly frozen leads that we crossed easily. 19km to Pole - tomorrow!

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We are having a dream run. Another 18km today under a still blue sky, -30. Only one lead and found an easy crossing. 39km to the Pole

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What a run we are having. Blue sky, almost no wind, and we have been drifting north at 4km per day. Very cold again. 57km to go.

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A biting cold today, 40 below. Michael is doing great, a real natural and very practical. A great surface had us cover 22km in 6 hrs.

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Flew north to Barneo today then south in the chopper to 89N. Skied 5.6km in 1.5 hours then camped. Cold, 32 below. 106km to the Pole.

Ski and prep in Longyearbyen

Our food is prepared, gear is packed, sleds are ready to be weighed and loaded onto the Antonov 74 for the flight to Barneo. Today we skied a couple of hours under the cold blue sky and enjoyed the spectacular views across the fiord to the mountains of Svalbard. Michael is in top shape, freshly prepared from his training course in northern Canada and we are set to have a great time out on the ice.

In Longyearbyen

I arrived in Longyearbyen very early this morning after a hell 30 hours over seven flights. Michael arrived at 2pm so we are now both in this lovely snow-laden Arctic town ready to begin assembling our gear and food. Staff at Barneo report cold temperatures, little wind and almost no drift - we hope these conditions will persist but one can never predict anything on the Arctic Ocean.

North Pole 2009

New Zealander Michael Archer and I will be on the Arctic ice from April 2, skiing 100km+ to the North Pole. Check back soon for updates. Also visit www.icetrek.com.