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:
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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
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The Ilyushin’s spartan, square toilet. Photo: Ryan Waters and Jaco Ottink
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A lonely metal Christmas tree stands guard beside one of Union Glacier’s ice roads. Photo: Ryan Waters and Jaco Ottink
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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
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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
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Hauling a sled over the sastrugi. Photo: Ryan Waters and Jaco Ottink
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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