ExWeb Dispatches Series 1 visited Elbrus with ExWeb Ambassador Ryan Waters and his team as they ascended the 5,642m peak via the well-traveled South Route. In Series 2, we head south to Antarctica as Ryan, Jaco Ottink and Paula Strengell embark on a two-month expedition from Hercules Inlet to the South Pole.
Episode 1: Punta Arenas to Hercules Inlet
Episode 2: Hercules Inlet to the South Pole
Hercules Inlet to South Pole Expedition Photos:
Inside the Soviet-era Ilyushin IL-76, which ferries visitors from Punta Arenas, Chile to Union Glacier, Antarctica. For those missing pre-00s air travel, take note of the single drop-down movie screen. Photo: Ryan Waters and Jaco Ottink
The Ilyushin’s spartan, square toilet. Photo: Ryan Waters and Jaco Ottink
A lonely metal Christmas tree stands guard beside one of Union Glacier’s ice roads. Photo: Ryan Waters and Jaco Ottink
Up to 160 people live in Union Glacier Camp, including chefs, mechanics, pilots, engineers, scientists, and more. Above, one of UG’s residents offers some intel on the Hercules-South Pole route. Photo: Ryan Waters and Jaco Ottink
The Ellsworth Mountains between Union Glacier and Hercules Inlet. A 2016 study by the British Antarctic Survey found that only 0.18% of the continent is snow- and ice-free. Photo: Ryan Waters and Jaco Ottink
Hauling a sled over the sastrugi. Photo: Ryan Waters and Jaco Ottink
The Antarctic Treaty System governs Antarctica, and no one officially owns the continent, although seven countries have territorial claims over differently sized slices, and approximately 30 countries have a permanent research station. Photo: Ryan Waters and Jaco Ottink
