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A POST-ECLIPSE ADD-ON EXPEDITION OPTION

A 5-Day expedition, Exploring:

PREAMBLE:

This exciting new add-on expedition package extends the Antarctic component of the Land of the Midnight Eclipse astronomical tour by five days, and provides clients the exclusive opportunity to explore the spectacularly diverse Antarctic wilderness of Dronning Maud Land. This expedition option includes:

• Exploration of the extraordinary Schirmacher Oasis; an unique Antarctic desert oasis situated on the "hinge-zone", where the grounded continental ice-sheet adjoins the Fimbul Ice Shelf some 100km from the Princess Astrid Coast. The Highlights of this area include more than 180 glacial lakes (many of which remain unfrozen in summer!), and the over wintering scientific research stations of Novolazarevskaya (Russia) and Maitri (India);
• A flight over the "barrier" to the shelf-edge of the Princess Astrid Coast where penguins, seals and other Antarctic marine wildlife are often sighted amongst the icebergs and floes of Leningradsky Bay;
• An awe-inspiring over-flight of the dramatic Orvinfjella range en route to our remote mountain camp set deep in the Wohlthat Massif. Here we overnight and spend the following day exploring the spectacular camp surroundings before returning to the ALCI airbase.

DRONNING MAUD LAND
Dronning Maud Land (20°W - 45°E) whose name was given for Queen Maud of Norway when the Norwegian Captain Hjalmar Riiser-Larsen discovered it in 1930, is without doubt one of the Jewels in the Crown of the Antarctic "Far Side". Dominated by an arcuate chain of mountain massifs, which define the abrupt transition from the high-altitude Polar Plateau to the lower-lying northerly coastal plains, Dronning Maud Land offers some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Antarctica. Vigorous glaciers and icefalls forging their way through the ramparts of the Plateau, have sculptured a fantasy world of towering spires and craggy peaks from the one billion year old crystalline basement rocks of the East Antarctic Shield. Once exclusively the domain of scientists, this isolated and remote area has in recent years attracted the attention of private mountaineering expeditions, drawn by the challenge of its spectacular "Big Walls". No less awe-inspiring is Dronning Maud Land's more than 3000 km -long coastline, where the striking unbroken white wall of the "barrier" presented by the seaward edge of immensely-thick, floating ice-shelves, mark the birthplace of enormous tabular icebergs. This oceanic fringe hosts a rich diversity of marine mammals including several species of whales and seals. Penguins are also endemic to this coast and include the naturally comic Adelie and the worlds tallest and most regal penguin, the Emperor. One hundred to two hundred kilometers from the coast, where mountains, rising through the 2 km thick ice cap, provide numerous nesting cliffs, are large breeding colonies inhabited by seabirds including Antarctic Petrels, Snow Petrels and Skuas. Perhaps the largest colony of birds on the entire Antarctic continent is located in Dronning Maud Land. It numbers almost one million Antarctic Petrels and is situated at Svarthamaren in the Mühlig-Hoffmanfjella 200 kilometers from the coast.

COST AND GROUP-SIZE
This expedition is limited to exactly 10 guests. - Expedition cost: $USD 15,900.

Emperor Penguins	Ice Shelf & pack	Adelie Penguins

Satellite image map of Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica. Yellow inset box indicates the area of the detailed map shown below.

The Schirmacher Oasis:

The Schirmacher Oasis (70°46'S; 011°50'E) of central Dronning Maud Land is an Antarctic desert oasis comprising a low lying ~ 50 km² area of undulating ice-free hills interspersed with a number of glacial lakes. Such rocky areas characterized by the development of freshwater and saline lakes are a rarity in Antarctica, occurring only in a few areas such as the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Larsemann Hills, Schirmacher Oasis, Bunger Hills and Vestfold Hills. Glacier melt streams feed the lakes in summer. Numerous small lakes and ponds also occur on the ice adjacent to the rocky hills and are associated with melt water derived from them. Novolazarevskaya station (Russia) and Maitri station (India) are permanent scientific bases situated within walking distance of one another on the eastern part of the Oasis. Both stations host over-wintering scientific personnel conducting meteorological, geomagnetic, biological, geological, glaciological, medical, environmental, and physical research programs. The DROMLAN Airbase is situated approximately 15 km south of Novolazarevskaya station on blue ice. The most striking features of the Oasis are unfrozen lakes that occur on the nunatak (rocky area protruding from ice cap) fed by the summer melt of the blue ice. The area hosts a profusion of lichens and liverworts but the fauna is limited to a few resident Adelie penguins (sometimes with eggs or chicks on the nest) that breed in the area. Occasional South Polar Skuas, Antarctic Petrels and Snow Petrels may be observed although the nearest breeding colony of these birds is well inland. Within exploring distance of the DROMLAN Airbase are a number of nunataks, crevasses and wind scoops which are worth visiting by skidoo and sled.

Orvinfjella:

The Orvinfjella massif comprises several north-trending mountain ranges separated by north-flowing ice-streams. From west to east these include Drygalski Mountains (incl. Fenriskjeften), Holtedahlfjella, Conrad Mountains, and the Dallmann Mountains. At the western extremity of the massif lies the awe-inspiring Fenriskjeften Group of spires:

Rocks spire in Hohltedahlfjella-Fenriskjeften - Drygalski Mountains

Fenriskjeften:

The spectacular Fenriskjeften Group in the Drygalski Mountains is situated between 71° 35' - 72° 00'S and 007° 30' - 008° 30'E. It hosts some of the most dramatic landscape features in Antarctica: towering knife-edged spires and sculptured fins of crystalline basement rock thrust through the Antarctic ice cap, forming a tapering wedge of jagged peaks soaring over 1200m above the featureless white plains and flanking an elongated enclosed ice tongue. The earliest Norwegian survey expedition to explore the region between 1956 and 1960, found this awe-inspiring array of fang- like peaks so evocative that they named the massif Fenriskjeften-"The Jaw of Fenris", after the ravening wolf of Norse mythology. Having been subsequently visited by only a handful of scientific field parties and private mountaineering expeditions, Fenriskjeften remains pristine wilderness and provides a fairytale setting of unparalleled grandeur for the polar over flight experience of a lifetime.

- Fenriskjeften - The Jaws of Fenris - Holtanna - Fenriskjeften

Wohlthatmassivet:

The Wohlthat Masiff discovered from the 1939 - 1938 German Antarctic Expedition under Ritscher, comprises a large group of associated mountain features consisting of the Humboldt Mountains, Petermann Ranges, and the Gruber Mountains. The Massif lies immediately east of the Orvinfjella Mountains in central Queen Maud Land.

The Petermann Range in the heart of the Wohlthat Massif, home to our remote mountain camp

The dramatic Untersee in the Gruber Mountains, NE Wohlthatmassif	Mt Zimmermann in the Gruber Mountains, NE Wohlthat massif

The largest moraine in the world - Wohlthat Massif

Post Eclipse Excursion - Preliminary Schedule

GROUP ONE	GROUP TWO
DAY ONE (24th Nov 2003): We return from the Eclipse view site to the Novo Air Base and spend the day relaxing and recuperating from a sleepless night spent at the Eclipse View site. For the restless, a short trip by vehicle to the nearby Veteheia look-out point, provides a grand view of the Schirmacher Oasis.	DAY ONE (24th Nov 2003): We return from the Eclipse view site to the Novo Air Base and spend the day relaxing and recuperating from a sleepless night spent at the Eclipse View site. For the restless, a short trip by vehicle to the nearby Veteheia look-out point, provides a grand view of the Schirmacher Oasis
DAY TWO (25th Nov 2003): We fly eighty kilometers in a northerly direction to the Lazarev Sea at the edge of the Fimbul ice shelf. Here amongst the ice floes of Leningradsky Bukta, against a grand backdrop of huge tabular icebergs, we will look for the typical marine mammals, penguins and other birds that are endemic to the area. Fauna that may sometimes be observed along the coastal fringe include several species of whales and three species of seals. Penguins commonly sighted, include the short comic Adelie and the taller, more regal Emperor. Snow Petrels, Antarctic Petrels and Wilson’s Strom Petrels are frequently seen, in addition to the ubiquitous Skuas.	DAY TWO (25th Nov 2003): We take an awe-inspiring over-flight along the dramatic Orvinfjella (& Fenriskjeften) en-route to our remote mountain camp situated in the heart of the Wohlthat Mountains. After settling into camp there will still be time to explore the camp surroundings and soak-up the spectacular scenery before settling into our tents for the night.
DAY THREE (26th Nov 2003): We take an awe-inspiring over-flight along the dramatic Orvinfjella (& Fenriskjeften) en-route to our remote mountain camp situated in the heart of the Wohlthat Mountains. After settling into camp there will still be time to explore the camp surroundings and soak-up the spectacular scenery before settling in for the night.	DAY THREE (26th Nov 2003): Today, after breakfast, we spend most of the day exploring the moraines, blue ice fields and towering peaks surrounding the mountain camp, before boarding the ski plane for our return flight to the ALCI Airbase
DAY FOUR (27th Nov 2003): Today, after breakfast, we spend most of the day exploring the moraines, blue ice fields and towering peaks surrounding the mountain camp, before boarding the ski plane for our return flight to the ALCI Airbase.	DAY FOUR (27th Nov 2003): We fly eighty kilometers in a northerly direction to the Lazarev Sea at the edge of the Fimbul ice shelf. Here amongst the ice floes of Leningradsky Bukta, against a grand backdrop of huge tabular icebergs, we will look for the typical marine mammals, penguins and other birds that are endemic to the area. Fauna that may sometimes be observed along the coastal fringe include several species of whales and three species of seals. Penguins commonly sighted, include the short comic Adelie and the taller, more regal Emperor. Snow Petrels, Antarctic Petrels and Wilson's Strom Petrels are frequently seem, in addition to the ubiquitous Skuas.
DAY FIVE (28th Nov 2003): A short trip by vehicle takes the group to the Schirmacher Oasis where we explore the impressive "hinge-zone" area east of Maitri Station where the Continental Ice Sheet meets the floating Ice Shelf. We return to the ALCI Airbase and prepare fro our return flight to Cape Town aboard the IL-76.	DAY FIVE (28th Nov 2003): A short trip by vehicle takes the group to the Schirmacher Oasis where we explore the impressive "hinge-zone" area east of Maitri Station where the Continental Ice Sheet meets the floating Ice Shelf. We return to the ALCI Airbase and prepare fro our return flight to Cape Town aboard the IL-76.

 

 EXPEDITION MANAGERS

The expedition groups will comprise up to 10 clients and two experienced expedition managers will accompany each group with a qualified expedition doctor on standby.

NOTE ON PHYSICAL CONDITIONS

Antarctica is the highest, driest, coldest and windiest continent on the planet. It is also the most remote. Prospective Antarctic adventurers must acknowledge these fundamentals at the outset and realise that the climate is both extreme and unpredictable. Logistical obstacles are ever present and setbacks are inevitable in even the best-planned Antarctic expedition. In such an inhospitable environment, objective hazards abound and risk can only be minimised and not eliminated. The safety and comfort of our clients paramount, and this concern is manifest in every aspect of the expedition planning and execution. Notwithstanding this, we believe that it is only fair to forewarn all potential clients that elements of personal risk and physical discomfort are inherent in an expedition of this nature, and that attributes of self-sufficiency, personal accountability and tolerance will go a long way towards improving your expedition experience. Regardless of this, we pledge to maintain the highest standards of operational safety and your well being remains our primary concern for the duration of the expedition. In view of this commitment to your safety, we must insist on asserting the right to cancel, or alter the course, scheduling and duration of the expedition, at any stage, if compelled to by unanticipated security concerns.

NOTE ON PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

Essential technical expedition camping equipment will be provided by terra incognita, however clients are requested to purchase their own clothing and personal equipment (including sleeping bags: -30°C min), as garment and boot sizes (and styles!) are very individual. A comprehensive recommended list of personal equipment is included in this expedition brochure, and terra incognita will provide additional technical assistance to individuals perplexed by the bewildering array of specialised garb on the market.

RECOMMENDED LIST OF MINIMUM EQUIPMENT

1 pair mukluk style boots e.g. Baffin Impacts

1 double pair gauntlet-style expedition quality mittens with removable fleece inner

1 or pairs fingered inner gloves (polypro / polartec)

1 fleece beanie / balaclava

1 facemask (neoprene or equivalent) - optional

1 fleece neck gaiter or scarf

1 set thermal top and leggings

1 double fleece / polarguard jacket

1 pair double fleece / polarguard pants

1 pair expedition quality windpants

1 expedition quality windproof shell jacket

1 expedition quality down duvet jacket with hood

2 pairs thermal or woollen socks (1 pair vapour barrier socks optional)

1 pair glacier glasses with side flaps

1 tube sun screen (SPF 25 minimum)

1 Swiss army knife

1 insulated water bottle 1 litre

1 pee bottle (wide-necked 1 litre plastic bottle with screw cap)

ENVIRONMENTAL NOTE
Recognising the unique character and extreme fragility of the Antarctic ecosystem all terra incognita expeditions operate in an environmentally responsible manner, complying with the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) guidelines for private sector tourism in Antarctica, and within the parameters of the Antarctic Treaty and the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. All waste (material and human) generated by the expedition group will be removed from the field, and every possible effort will be made to minimise our impact on the physical and natural environment.

We place great importance on being able to leave Antarctica as we found it.