Craig Sampson is a Civil Engineer currently working on resolving the water shortage in SE Queensland at the Gold Coast Desalination Alliance. He is also an avid kayaker, surfski paddler, ironman and one heck of an adventure junkie.
Craig, who I met whilst paddling down at Currumbin Creek Surf Ski series on the Gold Coast, told me about his plans to explore Antartica, and I thought it would be great to follow his escapades down under.
Here in his own words prior to his departure:-
ANTARCTICA TRIP (by Craig Sampson)
"The holiday of a life time is about to begin for me. A year and a half’s planning is set to begin on Tuesday 23rd January 2007. The holiday will run for 27 days and will take me to 2 places that I have always wanted to visit, Antarctica, and Patagonia in the very south of South America. It is summer in Antarctica at the moment thus was the logical time to go, as it is much warmer and you have light most of the day allowing more time to explore the frozen continent. The best way to get to Antarctica is by ship from the southern tip of South America. Having researched the internet for many months I settled for an adventure expedition ship that only takes 48 people. The expedition lasts 11 days and offers Kayaking, Cross Country Skiing, and camping while in Antarctica. The map adjacent shows the ships route in red. (Extract from the “Adventure Associates” Brochure). I jumped at the chance and quickly booked the options which are limited to 10 people only.
Kayaking in Antarctica is going to be at the total opposite end of the spectrum from the surf ski races at Currumbin Creek on the Gold Coast where you only wear your DT’s and a hat. In Antarctica we have to wear thermal underwear, heavy fleece pants and jacket, and then pull a dry suit over the top. And don’t forget the thermal gloves waterproofed by “washing-up” gloves. The odd beanie and balaclava are also an essential must. And don’t forget the water proof high resolution digital camera for those once in a life time shots of ice bergs and penguins. Hopefully I don’t take any underwater shots as the Kayak will be the wrong way up. Below is an example picture from the “Adventure Associates” trip brochure of the kayaking in Antarctica. I will provide my own photos on return.
Another exciting option is a long cross country ski trip to explore inland Antarctica and the mountain ranges. Safety requirements state that we all have to be roped together in case of crevasses, and we have to carry a full backpack of spare clothing, thermals, water and head lamp. This will be a great opportunity to get away from the ship and deep into the Antarctic continent. (Deep probably only means a couple of hrs skiing, but sounds good anyway). Hope to get a great view from the top of a mountain.
One night during the trip we get to camp on the ice in tents and hopefully very warm sleeping bags. In any case, I am planning to wear every piece of clothing I am taking to ensure I stay warm. Hopefully I can still fit in the sleeping bag. I will probably be awake most of the night anyway taking photos, provided there is not a blizzard and the temp is not -50 degrees C!
The trip also includes the normal regular shore landings by zodiac and visits to penguin and seal colonies etc, but in reality I am going for the kayaking, skiing, and scenery.
Upon our return to South America I am spending 10 days in Patagonia trekking through the mountain peaks and exploring at least 4 glaciers through various tours and expedition companies. One of the trips is a full day glacier school where you are trained in the correct techniques for traversing glaciers and how to rescue people who have fallen down a crevasse. I will not be the volunteer!
To end off the trip I will be going to Buenos Aires to explore the Spanish influence in the cities architecture and also visit a Tango Show (Have to do this when in Argentina).
After 27 days of continuous excitement I am sure to be worn out and in need of a rest. I am however not one to stay still long and am already planning the next adventure which is probably going to include swimming with Orca Whales in Norway during winter. One day I might actually go somewhere warm for a holiday!
Watch this space for updates, photos and details upon my return from Antarctica."
Craig Sampson
Project Engineer
Gold Coast Desalination Alliance
Queensland
Australia
Image coutesy: CONHUR PUMP HIRE - Water filtration and dosing unit 
