With regular coverage in the press and on television, polar exploration seems to be becoming more and more accessible. The number of people travelling to the North or South Pole as "tourists" is rising at a great rate. But it is not something to be done lightly.
Making the most of your time in this life-changing, and sometimes life-threatening, environment requires many months of mental and physical preparation – and a lot of detailed planning. To appreciate the beauty of an Arctic storm or the survival skills of a polar fox, you will need to have everything under control. In this comprehensive handbook, veteran polar explorer and pioneer Dixie Dansercoer tells you all you need to know to select, plan and enjoy the expedition of your lifetime.
- describes both the Arctic and the Antarctic terrain, climate and particular challenges
- includes a chapter on understanding and coping with extreme cold
- packed with practical tips on preparation and planning, from keeping expedition sponsors happy to what to pack
- illustrated with vivid first-hand accounts of many expeditions and evocative photographs
Foreword by Eric Phillips, President of the International Polar Guides Association (IPGA)
About this Guide
1 Introduction
2 Motivations and limitations
3 Understanding the cold
4 Preparations
5 What to take
6 Out there
7 In camp
8 Problems and dangers
A Good Polar Regime
Glossary
Belgian native Dixie Dansercoer is the ultimate polar explorer and outdoor enthusiast. His achievements include a high-altitude mountain biking world record, becoming windsurfing champion of his country and completing several marathons and triathlons, but he is particularly captivated by the Polar landscapes. Dixie has pioneered crossings of both poles on foot and has advised the European Space Agency. His renown has even led to the erection of his statue in his home town of Nieuwpoort.