Sundowner: Autumn/Winter 2019

SOUTH POLE
are facing an existential threat. Emperor penguin numbers
have declined by up to half in some places and the number
of breeding pairs may fall by 80 per cent by 2100. One of the
greatest, yet least seen, wildlife spectacles on the planet, the
colony of 6,000 breeding pairs at Atka Bay is extraordinary. Two
and a half hours by aeroplane away from basecamp, thousands
of adolescents are finding their feet and snow bathing to cool off
in strong sun, while their parents fish. Though unused to seeing
humans up-close, these animals are under threat from human
action from thousands of kilometres away.
We reach the Pole two days and 107 years after Roald
Amundsen, the Norwegian explorer who won the race to the
South Pole, just ahead of Scott. Amundsen had gained renown
five years previously for being the first to sail the Arctic’s fabled
Northwest Passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Standing at
the designated marker at the most southerly point on Earth, you
are able to walk around the world in a few steps. Surrounding
the marker are flags from the 12 signatories of the Antarctic
Treaty that sets aside the continent as a scientific preserve. It’s
a good place to wonder about what’s going to become of this
white desert, to reflect on the adventure of a lifetime getting
here, and to remember the vivid colours of Kiamweri.
clockwise from top left: Exploring an ice cave; emperor penguin nursery;
fine dining amid the ice and snow; a delicious meal; Geoffrey Kent at the
geographical South Pole; the white desert
CONTACT ABERCROMBIE & KENT
To join our next expedition to the South Pole, which will
take place in December 2020, call 01242 546 699 to discuss.
Alternatively, if you’re interested in visiting Antarctica (or the
Arctic) on a Luxury Expedition Cruise, order our new brochure
at abercrombiekent.co.uk/brochure
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