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Yesterday’s Arctic Expeditions Captured the Imagination of Today
By Elena Grace Flores
As early as 1881 to 1884, when arctic exploration was as unthinkable as going to the moon, historians recorded the miseries of the 25 explorers during the Aldolphus Greely expedition where only 6 of them survived to tell their stories. Starvation, hypothermia and death manipulated the flow of their recounts. However, the gruesome experience did not discourage Otto Sverdrup’s team of adventurers in 1898 to 1902. In contrast to the Greely expedition, Sverdrup’s review contain the excitement of discovering unknown territories and distinctive culture where the only discomfort mentioned were limited to frost bites and the already expected freezing cold weather. The usual polar activities of the inhabitants of this coldest part of the earth suddenly made headlines in New York Times – the thrill of navigating on dog sledges, the breath-taking sight of polar oxen being slaughtered and the extra-ordinary hunting experience for the gigantic walrus and seal were big news on May 24, 1904. The Norwegian expedition of the arctic was even instrumental for the independence of Norway from Sweden. It has touched many people’s lives - giving credit to the Norwegian explorers’ intelligence and resourcefulness in planning out successful means to carry out the task – boosting their nationalistic spirit. The impact of the Sverdrup’s documentary report was so powerful that even to this date, books, films and arranged travels inspired by the expedition are still in demand in the international market. North Pole’s tourism organizers absolutely found a perfect niche among travelers who are fascinated with eccentric circumstances. Take the case of camping in the Barneo ice base in the Russian Arctic - existing only for just 40 days from March to May yearly for more than 10 years already. Quantifying the resources needed to monitor, manage and develop this “now you see them, now you don’t base site” you’ll understand that despite the extremities, this can remain a highly-patronized expensive tourist destination for the privileged. It must be very special spending few days of your life in a place that does not exist during most parts of the year! Take note that the Barneo base camp is not the highlight of the event though it’s the only possible refuge for polar explorers to make pre or post stop for the major itinerary. Tour operators already eliminated dangerous setups. Thanks to the advanced maritime and aviation technologies. A small plane will take tourists from the mainland to Barneo base camp - landing to the nearest airport in the northernmost part of the Pole. You have the choice to ski, dogsled or helicopter parachute to make it to the base itself. You may pay the price of a luxurious get-away package but in the arctic, do not expect to have your meals cooked to your liking. Frozen fresh fish with vodka, fresh beef cutlets, sour cream and yoghurt comprise most of the main meals of the day plus pasta and of course, Ukrainian Russian beet hot soup. It might be in the middle of endless ice but there’s a lounge in the camp to enjoy coffee and tea with cookies. Champagne may be served in some occasions but most guests don’t have the luxury of time because there are many things to prepare in so little time such as bunk assignments, putting on warmer gears and going for an helicopter ride to the Pole before making a stop at 89th degree northern latitude to drop people who wants to ski or dogsled their way to the Pole. Reaching your ultimate destination can make you do things you always wanted to – but this time in one of the oddest places in the world. You can see people playing golf, taking pictures, proposing for marriage as well as business and even divorcing the spouse back home through satellite phone. If your intention is to see polar bears prey stalking, rare seabirds nurturing their offspring and if you want to know more about the myths of the Viking conquest, opt for the cruise instead. If you are motivated to go for this once in a lifetime trip, March to May is the best time for arctic travel. Resolute Bay is the starting point from the Canadian side and Severnaya Zemlya, Siberia from Russia. Get the necessary training if you plan to dog-sled or ski to the North Pole. There’s also an option to get a ride back to the drop-off point which is normally the case for most people. Who would think that this horrific expedition in the past would lead to one of the most costly but fulfilling adventure trip at present? This is no doubt a brilliant crises management effort - turning around the continent’s desolations into mere advantages.
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