It is the continent which, more
than any other, demands respect – and a hardy sort of traveller who is
prepared to put up with the worst the weather can throw at them. Not
Europe (although the winds at Brighton on a rain-swept morning can be
more than fierce) but Antarctica, that frozen tip of the planet – where
anything goes, as long as it’s snowy.
This week marks the 20th anniversary of the first unassisted solo
crossing of the land at the end of it all. But then, Antarctica is a
place where firsts and challenges are an unavoidable part of the
experience. Here are 10 of the milestone moments in the history of the
continent – plus a few suggestions as to how you can pay a visit
yourself.
First unassisted solo crossing
Norwegian explorer Borge Ousland was the mould-breaker here. His
expedition into the Antarctic “summer” – between November 15 1996 and
January 17 1997 – was a speedy endeavour, zipping across the South Pole
on skis, with kite assistance, in just 34 days. Ice off a duck’s-
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