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June 20, 2010
Time Cope's expedition documentary film series to screen on ABC
Tim’s horseback odyssey, which began on May 31st 2004, travelling 10,000km on the trail of Ghengis Khan from Mongolia to Hungary, finished 22nd of September with a great celebration. Tim's journey has now become a TV documentary series, due to air on the ABC2 on Wednesday July 28 at 8pm and runs weekly for 6 weeks.
I was privileged to get a sneak preview of this series. It's an astounding film that portrays Tim's three-year expedition across the Eurasian steppe. Beautifully filmed by Tim, with a short stint by acclaimed filmmaker Michael Dillon who travelled with Tim for three weeks, it is an insight into the journey of Ghengis Khan and the life of the nomads who inhabit the steppe. Tim is a gifted storyteller, unassuming yet authoritative on his subject, that of living the life of a nomad aside the colourful people who exist in harmony with the harsh land. Don't miss it!
- Photos: www.timcopejourneys.com
June 2, 2010
Presentation in Adelaide
Eric will give a presentation in Adelaide on June 26 at the Dutch Club in Greenfields. The multimedia show will highlight his expeditions and experiences across 20 years of polar adventuring. Download brochure.
Date: June 26
Time: arrive 1.45pm for 2-4pm show
Venue: Hillsview Function Centre. 21 Greenfileds Dr. Greenfields. Licensed venue.
Cost: $10 Dutch Club members, $12 non-members, $10pp for group bookings of 10 or more, kids half price
Tickets available at the Dutch Club or from Bob on 0408 824 722 or Keith on 8264 5030.
Seats are limited so book now if you don't want to miss this unique event.
Proudly sponsored by Climat Air Control & Energy Centres
- Photos: Eric Philips
May 20, 2010
Icetrek North Pole expeditions complete
We ran two trips this year. Extreme Ski last degree expedition was a tough one with everything tossed into one weird week: -30 at the start, -3 at the end, negative drift, strong winds, blowing snow, deep drifts, poor visibility, open water, you name it we had it (OK, no bears!). Despite this it was a great trip and perversely gratifying to be out there during such times. The second trip, Odyssey Plus, avoided the ash cloud, just, and enjoyed great weather and good surface conditions, arriving at the Pole on April 20. Check out the links and come and join us in 2011.
- Photos: Eric Philips
January 21, 2010
Icetrek back to the North Pole in April
Eric will return to guide two expeditions in April. This will be Eric's eighth season skiing to the North Pole. He will be running two trips: North Pole Extreme Ski - a last degree expedition from April 2 - 10 and North Pole Odyssey Plus - a 5 day expedition covering around 50km. There are still limited places available so act fast if you would like to be on the teams for an adventure of a lifetime.
- Photos: Eric Philips
January 8, 2010
GGS Antarctica completed
Eric has just returned from the GGS Antarctica expedition with the 13 students between age 15 to 18 and 2 staff from Geelong Grammar School, Australia. Here's a summary.
We sailed from Ushuaia, Argentina across Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula in four days, arriving at Port Lockroy on December 11. The crossing was reasonably comfortable though most suffered seasickness to varying degrees, particularly me, the worst ocean traveller on the planet. Both boats - Podorange and Spirit of Sydney - and their crews, were exceptional and we felt very secure at sea. Our protected anchorage at Port Lockroy is surrounded by spearing mountains, icecliffs and islands inhabited by Gentoo penguins and Crabeater and Weddell seals. Port Lockroy is visited daily by cruise ships. The students were universal in their opinion that visiting the Peninsula by sailing boat gives a more intimate, exciting and committing perspective of Antarctica.
At Port Lockroy we paid a quick visit to the English station, then set about planning our ski traverse of Wiencke Island. The following day, with 6 students and one teacher, we were dropped off by Spirit on the northern end of Harbour Glacier. Towing sleds, we laboured up a snow ramp onto the glacier. Here the clouds lifted revealing the jagged peaks of the Wall Range to our east and the equally spectacular Noble and Jabet Peaks to the west. Following a fine line between avalanche terrain and crevasses we skied south, reaching a pass at 4.30pm. Here we built an igloo for 6 people and pitched a tent next to it, diving inside just as a blizzard hit fever pitch. It was too warm however and the igloo dripped all night, drenching the four boys inside. Next day the weather cleared and we skied to Damoy Point on the western tip of the island, where we met the other students and staff who were doing some restoration work on Damoy Hut. We all bunked in the hut for the night then skied back to the boats the following day. Unfortunately poor weather prevented the second group from doing a return journey.
The following day we sailed south through the stunningly beautiful Lemaire Channel to Vernadsky, the Ukrainian base. The men based there thrashed us in a game of soccer on their snowy pitch then pampered us with warm hospitality. Our activities in this area over the next few days included ice climbing, sea kayaking and skiing, together with tours of the neighboring islands by Zodiac. We also visited Wordie House, an old British hut that is being restored by a UK-based historic hut restoration team. On December 21, the southern summer solstice, we left our anchorage and crossed Penola Strait to make landfall on the mainland of Antarctica. This was the icing on the cake for these young adventurers, particularly as Antarctica's mountains and icebergs were glistening under a beautiful southern sun. Shortly after we headed north into the Drake Passage again to do battle with the wind and waves. Four days later South America emerged over the horizon and we anchored just south of Cape Horn in a protected bay. Here we celebrated what is probably our most memorable Christmas ever. The following day we sailed to Puerto Williams on Chilean soil, returning to Ushuaia the following day, and journeys end.
We believe this to be the first school expedition to Antarctica. We know that other youth have been to Antarctica on cruise ships, including my own kids, but I think this is the first autonomous school expedition. More importantly though, is the ambassadorship that these students return with. As a result of climate change the Peninsula is warmer than ever, rain is prevalent and some hills are becoming green with moss. As we know, the future of the Earth will become the responsibility of our younger generations, and we encourage these students to take an active hand in turning the tide against climate warming.
Team
Eric Philips (guide). Stephen Pearce (teacher). Justin Robinson (teacher). Bryce, Juan and Tatiana from Podorange and Cath and Darryl from Spirit of Sydney. Students: Nina Frielink, Lachy Robertson, Nathan Dabkowski, Ben Johnston, Angie Halas, Max Cameron, Eilish Costelloe, Jack Macaulay, Camilla More, James Calvert-Jones, Nina Hanni, Namo Vishudipol and Nick Fletcher.
- Photos: Eric Philips
November 26, 2009
Greenland Presentation
Eric will give a public lecture on his recent Greenland expedition on board Greenpeace's Arctic Sunrise icebreaker. Glaciers, icebergs, polar bears and kayaking were all part of this scientific project. Come and find out how Greenland is being impacted by climate change.
Tuesday 1 December 2009
6.30pm – 8.30pm (Talk commences at 7pm)
Dechaineux Theatre - School of Art
Hunter St Hobart TAS 7000
Free
RSVP: By Monday 30 November to Kristen McDonald
kristen.mcdonald@greenpeace.org or (02) 9263 0368&nb
November 13, 2009
First dedicated school Antarctic expedition
On December 5 a team of students and staff from Geelong Grammar School in Australia will depart for Ushuaia in Argentina to embark on the first-ever dedicated school expedition to Antarctica. Together with guide Eric Philips they will sail from Ushuaia across the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula on board two professionally-crewed expedition sailing yachts. Once in Antarctica the team will undertake multi-day ski journeys, sea kayaking trips and environmental and historical projects. Check out the details here.
- Images courtesy of www.spiritofsydney.net
August 18, 2009
Greenland update
After 5 weeks in the Petermann and Humboldt glaciers region of NW
Greenland, we have had to steam south in order to meet our arrival
date at Sermilik Fiord on the east coast. The Petermann was expected
to break up this season but the freeze has begun and may just hold it
in place until next summer. Petermann is the longest floating glacier
in the northern hemisphere and an area over 100sq/km is expected to
break away, if not this year, then next. A relatively recent discovery
of the melting effect of ocean currents on glaciers like Petermann has
forced scientists to rethink their predictions for Greenland and
Antarctica. Ice exposed to warming ocean currents, such as floating
ice tongues and ice shelves, melts at a rate 25 times that of the
surface melt. The consequences of sea level rise coupled with warmer
oceans will have a devastating effect on the Arctic and Antarctic.
Our time in NW Greenland was well spent. We have in place numerous
time lapse cameras to record Petermann's breakup and we have deployed
a series of GPS units on the glacier itself to monitor its movement.
Around 150 CTD (Current, Temperature, Depth) casts into the waters on
and around the Petermann and Humboldt glaciers were completed together
with ADCP (Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler) recordings and
bathymmetry. We are all really pleased with the volume and quality of
the data extracted from this area. But this is not only a scientific
voyage, it also strengthens Greenpeace's message at the Copenhagen
Climate Summit in December.
The wildlife has been spectacular. We have sighted seven polar bears,
one that came right up to our ship, Arctic Sunrise, numerous seals and
walrus, a pod of narwhal, birds aplenty and some whales. A few days
ago we sailed through the spectacular fiords and straits at the
southern tip of Greenland, which rival any fiord system in the world,
a strikingly beautiful place.
We're now in Tassilaq on the east coast where more scientists have
come on board to carry out further glaciology on Helheim glacier and
oceanography in Sermilik Fiord, into which the Helheim drains. It's
been a really enjoyable campaign to date - aside from working with
scientists on the ice, I've been kite skiing, kayaking, abseiling into
a moulin (glacial meltwater drain) and hiking. After Sermilik we
continue north to Seventy Nine glacier for the third leg of the
science program before heading east to Svalbard where I finish. Then I
need to start thinking about my next expedition, sailing to the
Antarctic Peninsula in December with 13 school student.
More information on this expedition:
Weblog
Twitter
Google Map
Campaign website
Photos
- Images: 1. The Arctic Sunrise approaches the Petermann Glacier. 2. Petermann Glacier. 3. View down the melt river on Petermann. 4. Eric on the Petermann River. 5. Polar bear approaching Arctic Sunrise. 6. The 'Donut Berg', an ancient moulin calved and upended.
June 17, 2009
Eric to work with Greenpeace in Greenland
Eric will work as a guide for Greenpeace on board their ice-strengthened ship, Arctic Sunrise. Departing Australia on June 19, Eric will fly to Sisimiut on the west coast of Greenland where he will join the ship and crew. Scientists on board will study and document the effect of climate change on the Greenland icecap and glaciers during the three-month voyage. Visit the Arctic Sunrise site here and view its webcam here. The webcam is updated every 30 minutes.
April 13, 2009
Icetrek North Pole season finished, complete with Arctic wedding ceremony
Eric and New Zealander Michael Archer completed a last degree ski expedition, covering 112km in just over 5 days. Conditions were perfect - cold (between -30 and -42C), and stable ice with little open water. Michael's supreme fitness and skill saw him soak up the 20km per day average with apparent ease. Eric flew back to the North Pole on April 10 with Americans William Browning and Alexis Fredrick. This delightful couple have become the first in history to exchange vows on the ice at the North Pole. With over 20 witnesses, Russian explorer Victor Boyarsky conducted a wedding ceremony for 'Bill and Lex', which included an emotional speech, a dance around the pole and a champagne toast. We wish them a happy life together.
- Images: 1 & 2. Michael Archer skiing and at the North Pole, 3 & 4, Lex and Bill's North Pole wedding ceremony. All photos, Eric Philips.
February 27, 2009
Icetrek to Return to North Pole
Icetrek is running two North Pole expeditions this year. The first is a ski trek across the Last Degree - from 89N to the Pole. North Pole Extreme Ski is our most popular expedition, giving participants a real sense of Arctic ski adventuring. We still have limited places available on this trip so enquire now.
The second trip is a world first. Icetrek is facilitating the first ever wedding at the North Pole. The couple from America will fly to the Pole by Antonov 74 and Mi-8 helicopter where they will be married, followed by a 'cool reception' at Ice Station Barneo.
- Images: North Pole Extreme Ski 2008 and North POle Adventure 2008. All photos, Eric Philips.
December 1, 2008
AGAP North delayed but moving forward
Weather at Davis station has delayed the deployment of AGAP North on Dome Argus. The delay is not untimely as the camp completion should coincide with the late arrival of BAS scientists due to fly to AGAP N via South Pole. Visit the AGAP N blog, updated every Friday by Eric from either Davis station or the field camp.
- Images: 1. Steaming through pack ice to Davis station. 2. Eric and Aurora Australis. 3. The AGAP N team. 4. AGAP N mechanic and AGSO, Scott Adam and Sharon Labudda. 5. Road testing the new AGAP N toilet. 6. FAZ, the BAS Twin Otter, at Davis. 7. Polar 5, the AWI Basler at Davis. 8. Making sure the quad fits into the Otter. 9. Some of our equipment. 10. BAS field guide, Catrin Thomas, and Sharon testing the Portable Altitude Chamber. All photos, Eric Philips.
October 8, 2008
Eric to manage AGAP North remote camp in Antarctica
Eric has been appointed Field Leader for AGAP North, a deep-field camp located high up (3000m) on the Antarctic plateau. AGAP (Antarctica's Gamburtsev Province) is an international scientific initiative to study the subglacial Gamburtsev Mountains below the summit of the Antarctic plateau, Dome Argus. AGAP North, managed by the Australian Antarctic Division, will be a temporary refuelling station for ice radar-equipped aircraft undertaking a geophysical survey of the enigmatic mountains buried below the ice. A similar station, AGAP South, will be located between the dome and South Pole, and operated by the US Antarctic Program and National Science Foundation.
Eric steams south aboard Australia's ice breaker, Aurora Australis, on Sunday October 12. The camp, deployed via Davis Station and housing a team of 10 scientists, pilots, and technicians, is due to be operational by December 3 and will run for approximately 6 weeks before demobilising back to Davis Station. The Chinese Antarctic Program will retrieve the spent fuel drums from AGAP N.
A total of six nations (Australia, England, USA, Germany, China and Japan) are involved in AGAP, the biggest ever scientific project undertaken in Antarctica.
More info here
- Images: 1. Aurora Australis in pack ice. 2. Davis Station. 3. Twin Otter in Antarctica. 4. Twin Otter flying over the Antarctic plateau. 5. Remote field camp.
August 8, 2008
Victoria Island traverse completed
Chris and Clarke have completed their expedition across Arctic Canada's Victoria Island. After 70 days they and their trusty PAC stood on the western shore of Victoria Island, exhausted but elated.
'We'd done it. We were standing in the water, on the most extreme westerly tip of Victoria Island after 70 days out here (128 days if you count the 58 in 2005, wow, that's more than a third of a year), not only with the PAC, but with all four wheels. We could not believe it....Even the clammy insides of our sleeping bags couldn’t dampen our spirits last night as we sank into an exhausted, thoroughly contented, sleep.'
We congratulate Chris and Clarke on their vision and tenacity, not only in choosing an obscure and logistically difficult objective but in engineering craft suited to such travel. Check out their site at www.1000hourday.com/
- Images courtesy of www.1000hourday.com/
March 23, 2008
Spitsbergen Ski Tour completed
Together with New Zealand photographer, Colin Monteath and Czech adventurers Vaclav Sura and Miroslav Jakes, Eric Philips completed a challenging ski expedition from Ny Alesund to Longyearbyen. Matt McFadyen began the trek but pulled out on the third day due to injury, skiing alone back to Ny Alesund. The 9-day trek was blessed with blue skies every day, but with them came low temperatures, consistently between -25-30C. The route climbed many mountain passes, crossed frozen fiords, traversed glaciers and dodged polar bears (of which numerous tracks were seen), to arrive at Templefiorden on March 21. Here they warmed their cold bones in a small hut perched at the edge of the fiord. The last 25km of 'road' into Longyearbyen, they hitchhiked a ride with a bunch of snowmobilers returning from an outing.
Eric now prepares for a March 27 departure for the first of two guided North Pole expeditions.
- 1. Colin Monteath with the bust of Amundsen at Ny Alesund. 2. Matt McFadyen on the first day of skiing 3. Skiing past some of the breathtaking mountains 4. From left, Miroslav, Vaclav, Colin and Eric
January 20, 2008
Team Candu reaches South Pole after 38-days
The Messner Route South Pole Expedition, dubbed Team CANDU after the five representative nations (Canadian, George Szwender, Australian Eric Philips (guide), Norwegian Merete Gjertsen, Dutch Bernice Notenboom and from the USA, Alison Levine), reached the South Pole on January 12 after 38 days of skiing. The 923km route began from the edge of the Ronne Ice Shelf and followed the edge of the Foundation Ice Stream to gain access to the Antarctic plateau. Plateau temperatures of -30C with 25 knots of wind could do little to sway the team from their goal and they reached the bottom of the world in top condition - happy, healthy and as a truly bonded team. Eric's job as guide was made easy by the commitment and adaptability of this wonderful group. More details later but check out the blogs here:
- 1. Team Candu head south 2. Eric on Christmas day. 3. At the South Pole, January 12, 2008.
November 12, 2007
Ski, ski and more ski...
Eric has a busy five months coming up. On November 24 he leaves for Punta Arenas in Chile where he will spend a week making final preparations for a South Pole expedition. He will guide an international team almost 900km from the edge of the Ronne Ice Shelf, arriving at the Pole around January 9.
Hot on the heels of the pole he flies north with his family on January 17 to the small town of Furano in Hokkaido for 2 weeks of telemark skiing. Known for its powder snow, northern Japan should offer up some amazing skiing and a good wind-down from the regimentation of a long polar expedition.
In mid-March Eric will head north again, with friend Matt McFadyen, to the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen. Together with a couple of Czech adventurers they will ski 180km from Longyearbyen to Ny Alesund. The expedition is a celebration of the 80th anniversary of General Umberto Nobile's embattled Italia airship expedition which began from Ny Alesund.
Finally, Eric will guide two North Pole ski expeditions in April. The first a last degree with friend and Al Gore Climate Change campaign representative Ben Wheaton, and Matt McFadyen. The second will be a short ski trek with an amazingly energetic American couple in their 70s.
Come May, Eric will be happy to hang up the skis and head for the sun but damn, by then it's winter in Hobart!
- 1. Eric at the South Pole with Jon Muir and Peter Hillary, January 24, 1999. 2. Eric and family in Antarctica, December 2006. 3. Longyearbyen and Spitsbergen mountains. 4. Eric and team at the North Pole this year.
October 19, 2007
Icetrek welcomes Smith Optics as official supplier of Icetrek eyewear.
Icetrek is proud to announce Smith Optics as supplier of sunglasses and goggles. For over 35 years Smith has become as known and respected for its diverse line of fashion and performance sunglasses as it is for its goggles. Eric looks forward to protecting his eyes with Smith's great range of eyewear during his upcoming North and South Pole expeditions.
October 17, 2007
Eric to guide 'Messner Route' to South Pole
Eric Philips will guide a 900km/40-day South Pole ski expedition this summer for ANI. Beginning from the edge of the Ronne Ice Shelf at the edge of the geographical coastline, the team of five from Norway, USA, Canada, Holland and Australia will follow a route pioneered by Reinhold Messner in 1989-90. Following the edge of the Foundation Ice Stream the team will climb past the Pensacola and Thiel Mountains to the Antarctic plateau and the South Pole beyond. Stay tuned for sites to follow the team's progress.
This is Eric's second South Pole expedition. In 1998-99 Eric skied/kited 1425km from Ross Island to the South Pole, pioneering a new route up the Shackleton Glacier. See Iridium Icetrek.
- Image 1: oblique perspective of the route. Image 2: vertical perspective. IMage 3: Eric at the South Pole in 1999.
October 3, 2007
Steger and Philips back from New Zealand
Eric and Will completed their 10-day tour of New Zealand, arriving home on September 30. Eric presented his North Pole lecture to a full-house at the University of Canterbury, hosted by Gateway Antarctica and Will's keynote address at New Zealand's Antarctic Foundation 50th anniversary dinner was both engaging and illuminating as it straddled the topics of polar exploration and climate change. His Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1989-90 used dogs from New Zealand's Antarctic program and he paid tribute to their ability. He also paid tribute to the polar pioneers such as Scott and Sir Ed Hillary, who was in attendance.
Travelling with Will and Eric were Linda Nervick, Will's PR and media manager, and her friend Sheila Sutton, all from Minnesota. The fab four toured the South Island staying in Queenstown, Wanaka and Lake Tekapo. Thanks to all the Kiwis involved in the tour for your help and generosity.
Will's dedication to educating the world about the consequences of global warming is highly visionary and inspiring and some of his work can be seen at www.globalwarming101.com His future is full of expedition plans including Ellesmere Island dogsledding in March-April and kiting in Greenland and west Antarctica over which he and Eric are also discussing some collaboration.
- Image 1: from left , Sheila Sutton, Linda Nervick, Will Steger, Eric Philips. Image 2: Sir Edmund Hillary at the unveiling of a 50th anniversary commemorative plaque below the statue of Captain Robert Falcon Scott in Christchurch. Image 3: Will Steger below ther statue of Scott.
September 18, 2007
Will Steger and Eric Philips giving presentations in New Zealand.
Following his presentation in Hobart, American adventurer and climate-change campaigner Will Steger and Eric Philips will travel to New Zealand together on September 19 to tour the South Island and give presentations.
Eric is presenting a public lecture - To the Top of the World. The North Pole and other High Latitude Adventures - hosted by Gateway Antarctica, University of Canterbury, as part of the Christchurch Antarctic Festival www.antarcticfestival.co.nz
Will is the keynote speaker at Antarctica New Zealand's 50th anniversary celebrations.
- Images 1, 2, 3 courtesy of www.willsteger.com, images 4, 5, 6 Eric Philips
September 3, 2007
Will Steger Hobart presentation
American adventurer and climate-change campaigner Will Steger is best known for his legendary polar explorations. He has travelled tens of thousands of kilometres by kayak and dog-sled over 40 years, leading teams on some of the most significant polar expeditions in history.
Will led the first confirmed dogsled journey to the North Pole without re-supply, in Greenland made the longest unsupported dogsled expedition in history, led the first dogsled traverse of Antarctica and the first dogsled traverse of the Arctic Ocean in a single season.
Join Will Steger as he recounts stories of adventure and discovery, including his connection with the former huskies of Australia’s Mawson Station.
Date: Monday September 17, 2007
Time: 1 - 3pm
Venue: Law Lecture Theatre 2, UTAS, Churchill St, Sandy Bay (Campus Map)
Entry: free
- All images courtesy of www.willsteger.com
May 28, 2007
Bendigo Bank Greenland Expedition complete
The Australian Bendigo Bank Greenland Expedition of Roger Chao, Linda Beilharz and Rob Rigato complete a rare sea-to-sea crossing of Greenland. The team took 33 days to make the traverse from east to west. Congratulations!
- All images courtesy of the Bendio Bank Greenland Expedition website.
May 8, 2007
Extreme Ski team reaches the North Pole
On April 28, after skiing over 120km in 8 days, the Extreme Ski team of Peter Gregg, Paul Bonney, Sara Kameswaran, Rob Knight and guide Eric Philips, reached the North Pole. The season was one of the most difficult on record with massive pressure zones, constant southerly drift and poor light hampering progress. So much so, despite covering the intended distance of 100km the team drifted south so swiftly they were forced to call in a helicopter to lift them 20km closer to the Pole.
Check out the gallery, article and webpage
April 2, 2007
Icebreaker to the North Pole
Innovative merino wool clothing company, Icebreaker, has provided Eric Philips with a range of Bodyfit 260 clothing for use during his upcoming North Pole expedition. Thanks to Icebreaker and to Snowgum's Hobart store for facilitating the provision.
- 1. Eric craves for some Icebreaker during his 2002 trek from North Pole to Siberia.
March 12, 2007
Icetrek's North Pole Extreme Ski expedition set for April
Icetrek will guide it's fifth North Pole expedition this April. The team will follow the usual access via Longyearbyen and Borneo and ski the last degree of approximately 100km to the North Pole. Expedition dates are April 20 - 29. The expedition is an official event of the International Polar Year.
January 20, 2007
Aussie Greenland expedition
In early April three Australians will head to Greenland to complete a 540km ski crossing of the icecap. Roger Chao (Australian Geographic Young Adventurer of the Year), Linda Beilarz (South Pole skier) and Roger Rigato ( experienced outdoor educator) will ski the standard route (roughly following the Arctic circle, from east to west without the use of kites or resupplies. They will begin and end at sea level, a feat rarely completed with most expeditions opting to be transported onto and from the icecap edge. If completed, Roger claims he will be the youngest person to complete a sea-to-sea unsupported crossing. The team aim to increase awareness of effects of climate change on local Greenlandic communities and and their livelihood. More info here.
- Images courtesy of Roger Chao
January 7, 2007
Sarsen returns from Antarctic voyage
Eric and his family have returned from their voyage to Antarctica. An incredible experience for all, Eric felt priveleged to have had the opportunity to introduce his family to the polar environment he loves. Monster icebergs, pack ice, a white Christmas, a visit to historic Mawson' Hut at Cape Denison and a quick dip in the Antarctic Sea were highlights of the voyage. A report and swag of images will be posted soon.
- 1. Mardi Philips at Sandy Bay King penguin rookery, Macquarie Island. 2. Juvenile Elephant seal. 3. Antarctic petrel against a monster berg, C-19A. 4. Mawson's Hut and Boat Harbour at Cape Denison. 5. Sarsen at Commonwealth Bay. 6. Susy Blair, Eric Philips, Kip and Mardi Philips. All photos: Eric Philips/Icetrek Expeditions
December 14, 2006
Another Aussie Patagonia expedition!
Tasmanian veteran adventurer Grant Dixon has returned from a ski expedition to the South Patagonian Icecap, followed by a climbing foray to Cerro Mercedario (6770m) in the Central Andes. His Patagonia report follows.
'From early days I planned to access the icecap from the Chalten area, via Paso Marconi at the head of the Rio Electrico valley, and had hoped to have enough time and supplies to spend up to 4 weeks up there, time to attempt the circuit west of the Mariano Moreno Range, and perhaps attempt ascents of Mariano Moreno and/or Lautaro. However, in the end we had less time than that (due to leave from work issues with my companion, Paul, and a last minute day change by the Estancia Cristina boat that was our transport out). We had 23 days in the end, and had lots of poor weather early on (2 day storm on Marconi Glacier, 5 day storm on Paso Mariano Moreno, the latter damaging our tents and necessitating a one-day retreat to shelter for repairs), then sat out another 3 days waiting for a "summit day" that didn't eventuate near Cerro Murallon, so the side trips didn't eventuate. But we did traverse from Paso Marconi to Estancia Cristina on Lago Argentino, crossing the reaches of the Viedma Glacier and descending the Upsala Glacier. The landscape was as awe inspiring as expected, of course, and we did have some clear, still days, including one evening camped below the west side of Cerro Torre with sunset colours painting the crags.'
- All photos courtesy of Grant Dixon.
November 29, 2006
Sarsen Antarctic Voyage
Eric and his family will sail to Antarctica on board the Australian ship, Sarsen. Sarsen will depart from Adelaide on December 11, 2006 for the remote coastline of east Antarctica. The invitation-only exploratory voyage, Sarsen's first in Antarctica, will include Hobart, Commonwealth Bay and Mawson's Hut, Cape Adare, the Balleny Islands and Macquarie Island. Click here for more information and to follow the voyage live.
November 9, 2006
Maxim South Patagonian Icecap Expedition
Australian Defence Force's Major Adrian McCallum and Air Force Squadron-Leader Mathew Sibree (ret.) have recently returned from a month-long ski expedition to the South Patagonian Icecap. The pair entered the icecap via the Marconi Glacier, headed south and exited down the Upsala Glacier. They were plagued by bad weather and hampered by their involvement in a rescue of another Australian (from a different team) on the Marconi.
- All photos courtesy of Adrian McCallum.
Click below for more information on the Patagonia Expedition
September 27, 2006
North Pole 2007 expeditions
Icetrek's 2007 North Pole expedition dates have been finalised. Choose from our usual Extreme Ski and Odyssey Plus ski expeditions, as well as flights to and tours of the Pole and Ice Station Borneo. Prices are yet to be finalised but trips will vary in price from around 8,800 to 19,900 Euro. Click here to view trips and dates.
August 1, 2006
Eric to give public presentation in Hobart
Eric will give a presentation in Hobart which will include a talk and images from his various polar expeditions, followed by Icetrek North Pole, the film of his 2002 North Pole expedition with Jon Muir. The presentation is hosted by the Hobart PCYC Judo Club.
Venue: Old Wooldstore Theatrette, I Macquarie St, Hobart
Date: Friday, August 4
Time: 7-9pm
Cost: HPCYC Judo Club members - $10 or $25 family
non-members - $12.50 or $30 family
Tickets available from Debbie Cameron 0407 879 611 or Sharren Willing (03) 6272 8541
June 29, 2006
SCAR / COMNAP Conference.
Hobart will host the 2nd interdisciplinary SCAR (Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research) Open Science Conference in conjunction with the biennial meeting of SCAR's scientific groups (XXIX SCAR) and the annual meeting of the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP XVIII). It will be held from Wednesday 12th to Friday 14th July 2006.
June 16, 2006
Antarctic Midwinter Festival begins.
The Antarctic Midwinter Festival celebrates the winter solstice (June 21 - 22) - the shortest day and longest night of the Antarctic year and each year you're invited to join the fun!
It is traditionally a time of celebration across the whole Antarctic community with friends, social events and the big midwinter dinner - or even taking a plunge into freezing water for a midwinter swim.
May 4, 2006
Icetrek's North Pole season complete
Australian Polar Extreme
The 2006 North Pole season proved to be a tough and challenging one. Australian Polar Extreme (Carl Le Souef, Kingsley Brown, Louise Allard, Wayne Eatond and Dave and Greg Mathew), led by senior guide, Eric Philips and assisted by Matt McFadyen, had a hard time making headway in the first few days, with negative drift taking the team south (away from the pole) at up to 10km per day. Compounding the problems were strong northerly winds and unseasonally warm temperatures, between -5 and -15C, which caused large expanses of open water that both hindered progress and made for exciting travel. Eric and Matt both towed kayaks as sleds and these were employed on a number of occasions to cross open leads from 2 to 10 metres wide. One lead of 10m width was crossed using an ice floe and ferry system, taking the team across in 2 shuttles. After days of what seemed like futile effort, the wind and drift stopped, the sun came out and the temperatures began to drop, eventually reaching the expected -30's. Progress sped up accordingly and the tight-knit and motivated team reached the North Pole on April 18, a day ahead of schedule. In so doing, Lou (dubbed Ig-Lou)became the first Aussie woman to ski to the North Pole. Celebrations began immediately and lasted until around the 21st!
Australian Polar Extreme website
Eric retruned to to the North Pole for a shorter trip with American, Richard Laronde. New to polar trekking but somewhat of a polar historian, Richard navigated much of the way to the top of the world, covering a challenging 20km in a day and a bit. Richard and Eric reached the North Pole at 6.30pm on April 24 and were rewarded by meeting a Norwegian team of 3 who had just completed an unsupported ski expedition from Canada. The 5 adventurers dined together in Eric's tent, the most northerly dinner party in the world, celebrating with Scotch and Cognac.
Read Richard's article here.
Check out the gallery
- 1. The chopper at Borneo. 2. APE head north. 3. Crossing a narrow lead using kayaks. 4. Crossing a lead using a floe. 5. Team at the North Pole. 6. Richard Laronde skiing to the Pole. 7. Richard at the Pole.
February 2, 2006
Matt McFadyen returns to the North Pole
Australian Young Citizen of the Year, Matt McFadyen, will return to the North Pole as an assistant guide in April this year. Matt completed Icetrek's Last Degree North Pole expedition last year and, having taken to the ice like a polar bear to, well, ice, was invited to return to the high Arctic. Matt is also a southern polar traveller having sailed to Antarctica on board Solo Globe Challenger in 2004. Recognised as an inspirational young Australian, Matt was voted a Young Citizen of the Year and most recently took part in the Commonwealth Games Queens Baton Relay. We look forward to having Matt on the team.
- 1. Matt McFadyen. 2. Matt and Eric Philips. 3. Matt (right) and team member, Rob Porcaro, at the North Pole in 2005. 4. Matt passes the Commonwealth Games Baton to former Australian cricket captain, Steve Waugh. 5. Matt at Commonwealth Bay, Antarctica.
December 23, 2005
Sir Wally Herbert's Comment on the Sport of Pole Seeking
Legendary polar explorer Sir Wally Herbert has released an article to icetrek.com outlining his views on the tendency for modern polar adventurers, mostly dog-sledders, to use their expeditions in an attempt to 'vindicate' Robert Peary of his apparently false claim of reaching the North Pole in 1909. Herbert, since researching Peary's records and writing the resultant book, 'Noose of Laurels', has always maintained that Peary faked his arrival at the Pole. This controversial article, supported by renowned Arctic travellers, Richard Webber, Misha Malakhov and Sir Ranulph Fiennes, challenges the pro-Peary claims made by many contemporary Arctic adventurers. Read the article here.
- Sir Wally Herbert, self portrait.
October 17, 2005
Lecture tour complete.
Eric has returned from his successful international lecture tour, enriched, educated and enlivened by the wondeful people he met along the way. Beginning on August 30, his tour of Sri Lanka and India was an adventure to a part of the world he had not previously visited - the food, the culture, the beautiful temples and the colourful people are distinct attractions of these unique countries. Eric delivered a total of 5 adult's and 4 children's presentations across Colombo, Chennai, Bangalore, Pune and Mumba. See images of the kids events. Following his final event in MUmbai Eric flew to Jaipur and drove to the Taj Mahal, in his experience the most breathtaking monument he has witnessed. Continuing to New Delhi for a final night Eric flew to Nepal where he relaxed for 4 nights. A long mountain bike ride took him out of the pollution and bustle of Kathmandu and into the clean, clear air of the mountains. Eric continued on to Los Angeles in the USA for a series of talks for the San Fernando and Inland Empire chapters. While in India Eric was invited by friend Stuart Walker to give a talk at the Lester B. Pearson College near Victoria on Canada's Vancouver Island. Stuart is director of the college. See www.pearsoncollege.ca for details of this amazing school. Spending over a week at the college Eric borrowed a sea kayak and some camping gear from the staff and paddled round the southern tip of the island for 3 days. A wonderful wilderness experience. From Canada Eric returned to LA briefly before continuing to Honolulu for the final event, returning to Australia on October 6.
Eric would like to thank YPO and all it's contributing members, day chairs and education chairs for making the tour a great success. In particular to Kal Denzel for coordinating the project with skill and patience.
- 1&2. Indian kids in the polar harness. 3. Temples adorned with Hindu gods. Chennai, India. 4. Father and boy in traditional dress, Jaipur, India. 5. Taj Mahal, India. 6. Mother and son in Durbar Square, Kathmandu, Nepal. 7. Mountain biking in the mountains outside Kathmandu. 8. Sea kayaking, Vancouver Island, Canada. 9. View from hotel room overlooking Waikeke Beach, Hawaii. 10. Eric and view from Kualoa Ranch, Hawaii.
September 11, 2005
Lecture tour of a polar antipode - India.
Eric is currently in Mumbai where wild weather has lashed the city causing wide-spread flooding. Beginning in Colombo, Sri Lanka on September 1, and continuing across the strait to Chennai, Bangalore and Pune, Eric has been delivering presentations to Young Presidents' Organization (YPO). With little knowledge among Indians about the polar regions, the talks have been well received and have sparked an interest in visiting the ends of the earth - quite a contrast from the heat and humidity of the tropics. From Mumbai Eric travels to historic Jaipur and Agra before flying to Nepal for some trekking. Eric will also deliver lectures to YPO in Los Angeles and Hawaii.
August 20, 2005
Eric on speaking tour for YPO
Eric will be touring Sri Lanka, India and the USA on a lecture tour for YPO (Young Presidents' Organization). A children's program will run concurrently with the chapter presentations, totalling 14 events. Departing August, Eric will be speaking to 5 chapters in Colombo, Chennai, Bangalore, Pune and Mumbai before spending a week trekking in Nepal. Two presentations in California are followed by some climbing in the Sierra's before a final lecture in Honolulu, returning to Australia on October 6.
August 9, 2005
Chris and Clark on their way across Victoria Island in the Canadian Arctic.
After delays due to a truckers strike in Canada that left their PAC's (kayak/sleds) high and dry on a wharf, the Ocean Fronteirs 1000 Hour Day expedition was finally flown with all their equipment to the coast of Victoria Island. Progress was very slow in the first few days as they streamlined their systems but, despite their PAC's bogging in the mushy tundra, they're now starting to pick up the pace. Though the PAC's require constant repair they've successfully paddled some sections with no leaks and look forward to more lake crossings.
All credit goes to this team for choosing a destination that's virtually untouched and for their innovation in developing craft to suit the terrain.
- Photos: Chris Bray and Clark Carter
June 27, 2005
Antarctic Midwinter Festival.
Hobart celebrated the winter solstice with its annual Antarctic Midwinter Festival. A tourism award winner in 2004, the event has grown exponentially during the 5 years it has been running. Events included a midwinter dinner, photographic displays, exhibitions, school programs, the Great Debate, ice carving by world-famous ice sculptor Kenji Ogawa and the Huskies Picnic at the Royal Botanical Gardens. Running concurrently with the festival is the Longest Night Film Festival which celebrates films with a snow and ice theme. Eric has been involved with the festival for three years, participating in the debate and giving talks at the Huskies picnic.
- Photos: Mardi Philips and Eric Philips
June 7, 2005
Tim Cope at halfway point.
Tim Cope has reached the halway mark on his long horse ride from Mongolia to Hungary - On the Trail of Ghengis Khan. The 10,000km journey is expected to take at least 18 months and may extend to 2 years.
"My GPS now tells me that I am closer to Budapest in Hungary, than I am to Ulaan Baatar in Mongolia! Somehow it’s a big psychological lift. I have actually made it somewhere. Tomorrow will also be the anniversary of my departure from Australia. One year down! Maybe another whole year to go?"
April 28, 2005
North Pole Last Degree completed.
Eric and his two Australian clients, Matt McFadyen and Rob Porcaro arrived safely at the North Pole after a week of skiing across the ever-changing Arctic pack ice. The season proved to be challenging with difficult weather and some teams reported much open water.
March 21, 2005
Eric Philips has refreshed his long-term relationship with Australian outdoor retailer, Snowgum. Snowgum has supported Eric's expeditions since his Greenland traverse in 1995, providing quality outdoor gear and an abundance of friendship. Thanks go to Ross Elliot, Sian Johnson, Jason Bowley and all of the people at Snowgum head office and stores, in particular Hobart. And thanks to the manufacturers of quality gear - Teva, Perception, Eagle Creek, Wilderness Equipment, Princeton Tec and Ice Breaker.
March 5, 2005
Icetrek North Pole Last Degree
Polar guide Eric Philips is due to arrive in Longyearbyen on April 6 to make final preparations for Icetrek's North Pole Last Degree expedition. Eric will guide two Australians who are using the expedition as training for a full South Pole expedition at the end of 2005.
Click here to follow the team.
Click here for a summary of Icetrek's previous North Pole expeditions.
January 19, 2005
YPO Tour
Eric Philips has been invited to visit a host of countries during a YPO speaking tour in August/September 2005. Cities to be visited include Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo, Colombo, Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune, Bombay and Honolulu.
Tour dates and venues will be finalised by end of February so if you would like to book Eric for a function, conference or public presentation during August/September 2005 please register your interest at icetrek(at)icetrek.com.
Click here for more details on Eric's presentations.
December 1, 2004
The Argus Expedition
Eric Philips has announced plans to lead a pioneering expedition to Dome Argus in East Antarctica. Dome Argus is the largest of Antarctica's ice domes and, at 4100m, also the highest point on the plateau. It is recognised as the coldest place on earth and its vicinity has only been visited once - when it was discovered in the late 1950's by the Russians during a tractor traverse of East Antarctica. Nobody has stood on Dome A's highest point.
This world-first expedition will take place next Austral summer and cover almost 3000km in 3 months. Beginning from the South Pole, the team will ski and kite to the Pole of Inaccessibility, Dome Argus, the Lambert Glacier and complete the journey at the edge of the Amery Ice Shelf.
A public meeting will be held in Melbourne on December 13 at 6pm. Register your interest by downloading the meeting details below. For a sponsorship proposal click here.
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November 27, 2004
The Ice Maidens have unfortunately been unable to reach the South Pole as planned, posting this message on their website.
After almost a week of strong hauling we had passed the end of the Independence Mountain Range to reach approx 80deg 35 S 81deg 15W. Our clothing and equipment all performed well, as expected, our diet, navigation and camping routines were on track.
Unfortunately our bodies did not cope with the cold as well as we had hoped and at a point where we felt the situation could become dangerous we were pulled out. ALE medical staff have assured us that this was the correct decision.
We are now all well, and while very disappointed, feel richer for the experience and satisfied that we did everything we could towards our goal.
We would still like to encourage other people to pursue their own dreams.
Icetrek congratulates the Ice Maidens on dreaming big dreams and taking on the challenge. It's easy to live life in a secure and familiar environment, as most of us do, but difficult to break the mold and plunge into deep and unfamiliar waters. May their efforts be enough to entice others to look beyond the horizon.
November 17, 2004
Disqualification!!!
Polar adventurers are under increasing pressure to conform to unwritten and contrived 'rules' about what is an accepted expedition and what is not. thepoles.com reported today that...
"The unsupported teams originally planned to start from the correct starting point of Hercules Inlet, but have rescheduled for Patriot Hills, due to financial and timing reasons. This disqualifies them as complete expeditions..."
That thepoles.com, a popular portal for polar adventuring news, can place itself as the arbitrator of what constitutes a complete expedition, and what is the correct starting point, is both arrogant and irresponsible. Last year we saw the death of a Frenchwoman en route the the North Pole who was under similar pressure to conform to dubious parameters. In a few short years I have seen a distinct change in the focus of polar adventuring and, like Everest, some of it is not pretty. For more, read this. Eric
October 4, 2004
Tim Cope on the Trail of Ghengis Khan
Young Australian adventurer Tim Cope set off in June 2004 to travel 10,000km from Mongolia to Hungary by horse, foot and camel. Follow this epic 18 month journey on 'the trail of Ghengis Khan' live at www.timcopejourneys.com
Tim is currently in Ulaan Baatar after a 2-month solo journey across Mongolia and called Eric on his Iridium phone. He was in high spirits though feeling a little out-of-place after being alone for so long. Tim departs in a few days on the next leg into Kazakhstan.
Sept 7, 2004.
Australian Ice Maidens to ski to the South Pole.
All-Australian women's team, the Ice Maidens, are planning to ski to the South Pole, beginning November this year. Sandra Floate, Michele Bloomcamp and Noelene Weightman, all mothers from Melbourne, have been training hard in Australia and New Zealand for their 1100km trek from Hercules Inlet to the South Pole. Eric has been employed by the Maidens as Technical Adviser, helping them with their preparations and logistics. Follow their expedition at www.sthpoleicemaidens.com.au