In 2005, I sailed on an icebreaker from Anadyr, Russia, to Wrangel Island in the Arctic Ocean, about 10 degrees from the North Pole. I’ve been passionate about the polar regions ever since. I explored the Antarctic Peninsula on a small expedition ship in February 2006, leaving my heart forever on Petermann Island. In 2008, I had the privilege of sailing on the maiden voyage to the North Pole of 50 Years of Victory, the largest nuclear-powered icebreaker on the planet. In November 2009, I sailed aboard Kapitan Khlebnikov from Ushuaia to Stanley in the Falklands (Malvinas). I tramped the ice of the Weddell Sea. Sailed the Southern Ocean and marveled at the icebergs in Antarctica Sound.
Every adventure was enriched by the presence of Expedition Team members with decades of experience in the polar regions – biologists, historians, ornithologists, film makers, photographers, and artists. Hospitality professionals ensured I was comfortable and well-fed – exceedingly well-fed! Many of the highlights - playing with a pod of whales – watching a polar bear devour a seal under the midnight sun – a Force Nine Gale in the Drake Passage – wouldn’t have been possible without the skill of the Captains, officers and crew of the ships on which I sailed. Thank you one and all!
My other passions – Theatre and Film
In the early ’80′s I was a film critic for a small radio station on Vancouver Island. Now I write reviews for pleasure. My love of theatre began when I saw a traveling company perform South Pacific in Toronto, when I was 11 years old. Then my high school made a day trip to Stratford, Ontario, where I saw Douglas Rain as Henry V. I’ve been traveling the world and attending live theatrical performances ever since: Peter Brook‘s Midsummer Night’s Dream; Chinese opera in Beijing, Chopin in castle in Warsaw, Madame Butterfly – the ballet version – in Edinburgh are just some of the highlights.
Polar Professionals
I manage a group on LinkedIn called Polar Professionals. More than 940 (April 2013) people from around the world who work in or are passionate about the Arctic and Antarctica share information, trade stories and network.
Prisca,
I enjoy your postings very much! Thank you.
I am also happy to say that I was with you aboard Kapitan Khlebnikov to Wrangel Island–never forget our Champagne Toast at 1am on the bow while the sun was shining! Alaska to our right and Russia’s Far East to our left! Then we were both apart of the maiden voyage of 50 Years of Victory to the North Pole ! What a special program with terrific passengers from around the world—beautiful ice and amazing wildlife , not to mention 3 days at Franz Josef Land.
What memories!
I was also fortunate to make the maiden voyage of Sarpik Ittuk to Antarctica , now called Ocean Nova. I was in a cabin on the bow and boy was it rough! But worth it to see the icebergs and penguins.
Now I am dealing with warmer climates, just returned from Turkey / Greece having sailed Callisto , a very special 34-passenger Yacht like vessel. There were only 17 passengers in total. Highlight: Entering the Caldera of Santorini at sunrise, and docking alongside the pier (since the ship was so small, we could- no tenders on this stop!).
Best to you,
Dale
Welcome home! Sailing to Santorini…I envy you.
P
If I remember correctly, we were both on that 2005 voyage to Wrangel Island. My second trip with Quark and first (and only) aboard Kapitan Khlebnikov. I’ll never forget the sound of the 3m thick ice sheet cracking under the hull.
You bet! Midnight sun…no bears on Wrangel…lovely people showing us their athletic and hunting skills….my fondest memory? Visiting the reindeer herders!
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While I haven’t set foot on the north pole or seen penguins I have sailed extensively in the Barents sea and the Arctic. Boy do I miss it.
You’re exceptionally lucky to be able to go back as often as you have, and to such exotic locations.
I have been lucky. You are absolutely right. I dream of South Georgia. There is always another destination, isn’t there?
just stubbled across your blog – i’m jealous of your life! also, i LOVE polar bears!
Thanks for stumbling by and posting of your love of polar bears. Isn’t it odd how something so dangerous and primal brings out the warm and fuzzies in all of us?
Did you take a dip in the north pole waters?? Saw that on a video documentary…totally mind over matter!
Nope…one look at the harness and the doctor standing by with a defib was enough to convince me not to plunge. LOL
Brilliant, I love reading about your adventures, and your passion for the polar regions. Thanks for sharing.
Thak you, Joanne. I hope to see aboard one day!