ALE - Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions
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CONTENTS
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ALE Nominated for EWM Excellence in Remote Medicine Award

Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions has been nominated for the prestigious new EWM Excellence in Remote Medicine Award for our quality logistical and expedition support in Antarctica. Nominees include the most inspiring personalities and companies associated with the Remote Medicine industry and we are honored to be included. The award will be presented on April 17, 2012 at the inaugural International World Extreme Medicine Conference.

The Excellence in Remote Medicine Award includes two categories: Outstanding healthcare professionals are recognized for their contribution to extreme medicine; and companies are awarded for exceptional contribution to extreme medicine and setting new standards. ALE has been nominated for the EWM Company of the Year 2012 award.

The International World Extreme Medicine Conference will be held at the Royal Society of Medicine, London, from April 15-18, 2012. ALE's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Martin Rhodes, medic Ben Cooper, and Field Operations Manager Steve Jones will join world renowned Physicians and other logistics experts presenting at the conference. The conference is organized and presented by Expedition & Wilderness Medicine (EWM) a leading provider of expedition and wilderness medicine courses for medical professionals. Many of ALE's Physicians and medics have either trained with EWM or, indeed, run some of their extreme environment medicine courses.

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2011 Expeditions

South Pole expedition fever is high! 2011 marks the centenary of Amundsen's and Scott's expeditions to the South Pole. Historic events are top-of-mind and we are proud to support a number of Centenary expeditions.

Many expeditions plan to arrive at the Pole either for Amundsen's or Scott's Centenary celebrations, paying homage to the courage and determination of these great men and their colleagues.

Centenary Expeditions

South Pole Jubilee Expedition 1911-2011
Norwegian polar explorers Christian Eide and Borge Ousland have organized a South Pole Jubilee Expedition. The Jubilee teams will follow Amundsen's 700 km route up the Axel Heiberg Glacier, arriving at the South Pole by December 14. Along the way they plan to climb Mt Nansen, which has only had one previous ascent. In 2010 Christian Eide set the World record for fastest solo unsupported ski to the South Pole in 2011, while Borge Ousland completed the first solo Antarctic crossing in 1996 and was the first person to ski solo, with no re-supply to the North Pole.

Sørpolen 1911-2011
Sørpolen 1911-2011 will follow Amundsen's route from the Bay of Whales to the South Pole, covering the distance in the same number of days as the famous explorer. Led by Jan-Gunnar Winther, head of the Norsk Polarinstitutt, this expedition will showcase Norwegian polar history and spotlight current climatic and environmental challenges. The Expedition is part of the Nansen-Amundsen Year that honors both Amundsen's South Pole conquest and 150 years since the birth of Arctic explorer Fridtjof Nansen.
http://sorpolen2011.npolar.no/no/ (Norwegian)
http://sorpolen2011.npolar.no/en/ (English)

The South Pole - 100 Years After
Asle Johansen crossed Greenland in 1988, one hundred years after Nansen, using period clothing and equipment. Now Johansen will celebrate the Amundsen Centenary in a similar fashion, with teammates Agnar Berg and Gaute Grindhaug. The three Norwegians will follow Amundsen's Axel Heiberg route from the Ross Ice Shelf to the South Pole using replica clothing and equipment to better understand Amundsen's journey. Johansen, a physician and researcher specializing in the body's response to extreme physical and mental stress, emphasizes that this is not just a replica expedition, but a scientific journey.
http://www.nansenamundsen.no/no/events/okt/asle-t-johansen-sorpolekspedisjon.html (Norwegian)

South Pole 1911-2011
Albert Bosch and Carles Gel from Spain will ski unsupported from Hercules Inlet to the South Pole. They plan to arrive by December 14 and thus commemorate Roald Amundsen's historic feat.
http://www.albertbosch.info/en/minisite/29/

Hvitserk Ski South Pole
Norwegian Outfitter Hvitserk will lead an Anniversary South Pole Expedition. The team will follow the 'Messner Route' and ski unsupported to the South Pole, arriving by December 14 to join the Amundsen Centenary celebrations.

Steffen Dahl
Norwegian Steffen Dahl is skiing to both North and South Poles in 2011 to honor the achievements of Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen. Dahl reached the North Pole on April 11 and will ski alone and unsupported from Hercules Inlet to the South Pole.
http://polfarer.no/ (Norwegian)

Scott-Amundsen Centenary Race 2011-12
Two teams. Two routes. Skiing unsupported to the South Pole. Six members of the British Army will re-trace Amundsen's and Scott's routes to the South Pole, in a tribute to the courage, determination and pioneering spirit of these great explorers. The Amundsen team, led by Henry Worsley (Shackleton Centenary Expedition 2008) will depart from the Bay of Whales, cross the Ross Ice Shelf and ascend the Axel Heiberg Glacier. Mark Langridge (solo to the Pole 2008) will lead the Scott team from Cape Evans, across the ice shelf and up the Beardmore Glacier. Both teams expect to cover their distance in about 70 days, arriving at the South Pole in early January.
http://scottamundsenrace.org/

One Call Wintercamp
Nine Norwegian skiers will ski and kite-ski from 88° 30'S to the South Pole. The expedition celebrates Roald Amundsen's dream to achieve something many believed was unattainable.
http://www.onecall.no/wintercamp2011/ (Norwegian)

Ski Last Degree Expeditions
A number of Antarctic enthusiasts, including the Norwegian Prime Minister, will ski shorter distances to the South Pole in celebration of the Amundsen and Scott Centenaries. Many of the groups will ani ski last degree, the last 60 nautical miles, taking from 7 to 10 days to complete their journey.

Other Antarctic Crossing and Ski South Pole-Return Expeditions

Kaspersky ONE Transantarctic Expedition
Felicity Aston (2009 Kaspersky Lab Commonwealth Expedition Leader) is heading back to Antarctica - this time solo. Felicity will make a 1700km, 65-day journey, becoming the first woman in the world to cross Antarctica alone. The documentary film about Felicity's 2009 expedition will be screened at the Banff Mountain and Dijon Adventure Film Festivals this November. But don't expect to see Felicity there!
http://www.kasperskyonetransantarcticexpedition.com/

Aleksander Gamme
Aleksander Gamme will ski solo from Hercules Inlet to the South Pole, then turn around and ski solo back to the edge of the Antarctic continent. Inspired by Amundsen. Gamme admits to feeling "humble" when he thinks about the physical and mental challenges of being alone in the icy wilderness for so long.

Mark George
Explorer and motivational speaker Mark George plans to ski solo and unsupported from Hercules Inlet to the South Pole, then return by kite-ski to the coast, for a total of 2,300 kms.
http://www.searchingforsanta.com.au/

Crossing the Ice
Two Australians Justin Jones and James Castrission will trek from the edge of Antarctica to the South Pole and back, without assistance of any kind. Their expedition will raise funds for You Can, a fundraising campaign to build specialized youth cancer centres across Australia.
http://casandjonesy.com.au/expeditions/crossing-the-ice/

South Pole and Back - Ski and Kite
Polar explorer and speed-record holder Richard Weber will lead a 35 day, unsupported trek from the "Messner Start" on the Filchner Ice Shelf to the South Pole. From the South Pole the team will kite-ski back to Hercules Inlet at the edge of the continent.
http://www.weberarctic.com/

Ski South Pole - Messner Start and Hercules Inlet

ANI Ski South Pole Messner
ANI guide Hannah McKeand holds the record for most ski expeditions from the Antarctic coast to the South Pole - and this year she will again cross the icy continent. McKeand and fellow ANI guide Charlie Patton will lead two ANI Ski South Pole - Messner teams to the South Pole.

Pole to Pole Run
When endurance runner Pat Farmer starts his Antarctic expedition, he will already have run two marathons every day, no days off, for almost a year and clocked nearly 13,000 miles through 14 countries. This is the last leg on an incredible trek from the North Pole to the South Pole to raise $100 million for the International Red Cross.
http://www.poletopolerun.com/

Mark Wood
"The North South Solo expedition has been classed as the toughest expedition on the planet." But this is exactly what polar explorer Mark Wood plans to undertake. He will ski from Hercules Inlet to the South Pole. Then next spring, head to the Canadian Arctic to ski solo to the North Pole.

PolarExplorers Ski South Pole - Hercules
This guided expedition will traverse from Hercules Inlet at the edge of the Antarctic continent, to the South Pole.

Overland Vehicle Expeditions

Thompson Reuters Eikon South Pole Expedition
It's about challenge and proving greener technologies for Polar exploration, says their website. This expedition will attempt to beat the overland record to the Pole in a specially-built, efficient, bio-fuelled vehicle. They will use solar panels to further reduce their carbon footprint and real-time GPS Satellite communications and tracking.
http://thomsonreuterseikon.com/south-pole-expedition/

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ALE's Experiences of Inland Traverses in Antarctica

ALE presented a Poster Paper and attended a workshop on Inland Traverses in Antarctica, hosted by the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP) in Stockholm on July 31, 2011. Antarctic traverses are undertaken by many nations and there is a growing interest by other countries who wish to develop their capability in this area. The workshop provided an opportunity to share experiences with others and learn practical techniques to ensure traverses are successful.

Mike Sharp, ALE owner and Manager of Antarctic Operations, presented ALE's poster paper highlighting our unique ability to provide deep-field scientific support in West Antarctica and the safe, efficient traverse systems we have developed over the past 7 years.

ALE has extensive experience with overland traverses ranging from local ground truthing to large-scale multi-year projects such as the Subglacial Lake Ellsworth Project. Our ability to airlift large volume and heavy cargo is key to our logistic capability and allows ALE to offer practical and cost-effective support for traverses.

Link to pdf poster [pdf 1162KB]

Link to COMNAP workshop program [pdf 69KB]

http://www.adventure-network.com/non-commercial-and-government-support

http://www.adventure-network.com/aircraft-vehicles-and-equipment

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ALE opens new runway and camp

ALE is pleased to announce the inauguration of our new blue-ice runway and re-furbished camp at Union Glacier (79° 45'S 083° 14'W), 70km north-west of Patriot Hills.

More than 20 years ago Adventure Network International (ANI) made history by establishing a blue-ice runway at Patriot Hills and flying tourists into the interior of Antarctica. ALE purchased ANI in 2003 and continued to develop and improve operations in that same pioneering spirit. ALE has now completed a four year process to assess and certify a new runway that will improve flight reliability and open up new frontiers for exploration.

Union Glacier Blue-Ice Runway (SCGC) has been inspected and is a fully certified runway that can take intercontinental jets from South America. Proving flights were successfully undertaken by ALE's Ilyushin in December 2009 and January 2010. ALE's first passenger flight from Punta Arenas, Chile to SCGC will take place mid-November 2010 at the start of our 2010 Antarctic season.

After much research, ALE identified Union Glacier as a potential landing site in 2006. Two seasons of weather data was gathered and detailed surveys carried out on the blue-ice runway to determine its suitability for landing heavy aircraft, before certification by the Chilean Civil Aviation Authorities in November 2008.

ALE's new, into-wind runway will allow us to offer a more predictable flight schedule; less likelihood of delays to our programs; and enhanced logistic support in Antarctica. Henceforth, intercontinental flights will operate into SCGC. Patriot Hills will remain as our secondary runway in Antarctica.

Union Glacier Camp

The camp setting is spectacular. Scenic peaks rise in all directions providing many opportunities for technical climbing, scenic hikes, and ski touring. Surpisingly for Antarctica, there is often little wind at camp, providing a comfortable environment to relax and take it all in.

Our new Union Glacier camp is located at the base of Mount Rossman, 8km from the runway. On landing, guests will be directed to a new heated passenger terminal, where they will pick up a shuttle service to the camp. Two new, specially-adapted 4x4 passenger vans will be used for passenger shuttles.

The completely refurbished base camp now offers the height of Antarctic field comforts for up to 80 guests. ALE has made a significant investment in infrastructure and at each stage of the planning process has considered how to improve environmental standards; enhance our guests' experience; and improve operational efficiency.

Complimentary meal service is now provided in the Guide Complex at our Union Glacier Camp for Guide Companies, expeditions, and non-guided groups.

Union Glacier is an active glacier with a number of crevassed areas, so we have groomed and marked a snow road network around the camp and blue-ice runway, and to the main areas for guest activities. The whole area will be zoned to indicate safe and unsafe areas to work and travel.

Flight times from Union Glacier to onward program destinations will be very similar to flight times from Patriot Hills to those destinations.

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Check the web pages below for information about 2010-11 expeditions supported by ALE.

Mt. Sidley - The Volcanic Seven Summits
ALE has developed a new program to climb Mt. Sidley, Antarctica's highest volcano. Sidley is the highest and most imposing of five extinct volcanoes that comprise the Executive Committee Range in Marie Byrd Land. The mostly-snow-covered peak features a 5km wide caldera, creating a spectacular amphitheater on its south side. Mt. Sidley has only seen one ascent due to its extremely remote location, however we predict that its popularity will grow, due to its spectacular setting and its status as one of the Volcanic Seven Summits.

Moon-Regan Transantarctic Expedition
Andrew Moon and Andrew Regan return to Antarctica, this time crossing the continent in a bio-inspired ice vehicle. They hope to demonstrate that wheel-based land vehicles are the best option for long distance over-snow traverses and will assess the viability of biofuels for Antarctic use. The expedition will start on the west coast of Antarctica, travel to the South Pole, then north to McMurdo, before re-tracing their route back to the main ALE Camp. The expedition offers a rare opportunity to take scientific measurements along a 3,600 mile route across the continent. Researchers from the Imperial College of London will accompany the team, studying atmosphere, topography, meteorite and cosmic dust, and snow surface chemistry.
http://www.transantarcticexpedition.com/

Fuchs Foundation Antarctic Expedition 2010
Four teachers will carry out science projects, sponsored by the Fuchs Foundation, which aims to inspire teachers and encourage students to study science and geography, by supporting real-life science in Antarctica. Lyndsay Hilton will look for nanoparticles of iron oxide in Antarctic glaciers and study their impact on global warming. Lisa Wood accompanies "Ricky" the puppet, who will test what kinds of clothing will keep him the warmest in Antarctica. Tim Miall challenged students to create Mars-themed science projects during the 2009-10 school year. He will take the best of these projects to Antarctica, an ideal testing ground for technology that will be used on future Mars missions. Roussel de Carvalho will raise awareness about the dangers of UV radiation and skin cancer by testing sunscreens and will study the impact of UV radiation and its impact on Antarctic life.
www.fuchsfoundation.org/page/31/antarctic-expedition-2010.htm
Follow their blogs:
Lyndsay Hilton: lhilton1.edublogs.org
Lisa Wood: www.freezingteachers.com
Tim Miall: www.sir-in-antarctica.com
Russel de Carvalho: antarcticadventure.wordpress.com

ALE Ski South Pole - Hercules Inlet
Experienced Polar Guide Hannah McKeand (UK) will lead ANI's Ski South Pole Hercules Inlet expedition, with teammate William ter Horst. The two will ski the classic route from Hercules Inlet to the South Pole.
www.adventure-network.com

University of Exeter - Holocene Stability of West Antarctic Ice Sheet
Researchers from the University of Exeter have applied to undertake a research project in the Union Glacier area. The team will look at changes in ice sheet dynamics, using mountains protruding through the ice sheet as dipsticks of past changes in thickness and volume. The results will help contextualize recent glacial changes of the WAIS as a result of climate change.
http://www.christurney.com/Home/Antarctica.html

Centro de Estudios Cientificos
Scientists from the Centro de Estudios Cientificos in Valdivia, Chile will continue their glacier flow rate and bedrock studies in the Ellsworth Mountains, using ground penetrating radar.

Institute Ice Stream Aerial Survey
ALE is jointly supporting, with the British Antarctic Survey/NERC, a University of Edinburgh project to study the glaciology, geology, and flow history of the Institute and Möller ice streams in West Antarctica. An airborne geophysical campaign will collect radar information on ice-sheet thickness and basal conditions, and magnetic and gravity data relating to the underlying geology. The project results will help to understand the ice streams' sensitivity to climate change and ocean warming.

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2009 Season Highlights

As our 2009 season draws to a close it's rewarding to reflect on the success of our guests and what we've accomplished over the past three months. With the exception of a severe windstorm at the start of the season, we enjoyed exceptionally good Antarctic weather, including a record high temperature at Base Camp. The good conditions meant our flights to Antarctica left with very few delays. Expeditions got off to a good start with the first groups heading into the field on November 12.

On January 15, 2010, Meagan McGrath became the first Canadian to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole. She completed her trip from Patriot Hills in 40 days. Meagan had a rough start to her expedition, falling in a crevasse on day two. Fortunately she suffered only minor injuries and after a few days rest, began again. Meagan reported from the South Pole that the mental challenges of the trip were far harder than she expected.

Seven women on the Kaspersky Commonwealth Antarctic Expedition claimed more than a handful of firsts as they arrived at South Pole on December 29, 2009 after 40 days of travel. They are the first citizens of Brunei and Cyprus and the first women from India, Singapore, and New Zealand to ski to the Pole. Expedition leader Felicity Aston and her team want to send the message to everyone that: "If we can do this then you can do anything that you like." The team was met at the South Pole by their main sponsor.

Cecilie Skog and Ryan Waters completed the most challenging expedition of the season, a traverse of the continent from Berkner Island to the South Pole then on to the Ross Ice Shelf by skiing down the Axel Heiberg Glacier. Skog and Waters made steady progress, throughout their ambitious expedition navigating hazards with care and competence. Temperatures plummeted as they ascended to 3200m on the Titan Dome, just beyond the South Pole. And they backtracked to safer ground when they found themselves on "The Devil's Dance Floor", a heavily crevassed area that also troubled Amundsen nearly 100 years ago. They waited for good visibility to tackle the final obstacle, the descent down the Axel Heiberg Glacier to the Ross Sea, reporting afterward that they were tired but satisfied to see the finish just below them. The team completed their trip without any re-supplies and without the aid of kites.

The two Danes Morten Grundsoe and Jens Erik Neilsen arrived at the South Pole on December 29, 2009 after a speedy 30 days of skiing. Their expedition from the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf to the South Pole aims to draw attention to the impacts of climate change in polar regions.

Brazilian Julio Fiadi was less fortunate in his third attempt at the Pole. Fiadi had to give up his expedition after equipment difficulties hampered his progress.

ALE guide Eric Larsen and his two teammates, Canadian Liu Dong Sheng and Irish/Canadian William Hanlon found humor during their 48 day Ski South Pole Expedition. In one podcast Eric explained how each time Dong Sheng went out of the tent and returned he would say, "It's me!" as if there might be someone else dropping by in the middle of Antarctica! Eric hopes the expedition "will tell the story of these remote places so we can better understand how our actions affect the poles and ultimately the planet".

ALE Guide Hannah McKeand and her Canadian teammate Armold Witzig overcame blisters and binding problems to complete their Ski South Pole (Messner Start) Expedition in 39 days.

A number of Ski Last Degree groups also completed expeditions, skiing the last 60 nautical miles to the South Pole. 44 less hardy, but no less adventurous guests flew to the South Pole, a remarkable experience in itself. On Vinson 121 climbers scaled the highest peak in Antarctica. Mt. Shinn and several sub-peaks of Vinson Massif also saw ascents.

The 5th Antarctic Ice Marathon saw 19 competitors from 11 countries test themselves against the elements and each other on a scenic and challenging course. Richard Donovan (Ireland) won the 100km Ultramarathon event. First place in the Men's Marathon was an exciting duel between Jason Wolfe (USA) and ALE's own Marc de Keyser (Belgium). Wolfe pulled ahead over the last 15km to claim the title. Richelle Turner (Austalia) won the Women's Marathon. Complete results can be found at www.icemarathon.com

A real highlight of the season was our Ellsworth Safari program. Four pristine peaks were climbed during the 12 day tour of the spectacular Henderson Glacier and Horseshoe Valley areas. Our guides enthuse that it's one of our best programs: A custom-tailored itinerary offering unparelled climbing and skiing, through untracked terrain, with unlimited views. What's not to like?

ALE was pleased to continue our support for Antarctic research. We provided flight and landing support for Twin Otter and C-130 Hercules aircraft as well as meals and accommodation for flight crews and field staff involved with the United States Antarctic Program's Polenet project. http://antarcticsun.usap.gov/science/contenthandler.cfm?id=1453

We also supported Argentine research by flying station personnel to and from Belgrano II station. The station is usually supplied by ship but the Argentine icebreaker is temporarily out of service and personnel exchange was accomplished via ALE aircraft for the first time. This allowed staff rotation to occur in November, well before the icebreaker would normally reach the station.

We have been very pleased with our new Base Camp facilities. This year saw the installation of a new snow melter, a men's urinal and heavy lifting equipment to make loading and unloading aircraft easier. The new snow melter produces ample hot water for camp, with minimum environmental effects. The new urinal provides a more comfortable toilet space and facilitates human waste removal from Antarctica.

Now camp is packed away for the winter and we're planning for 2010 and the new adventures it will bring. We hope to see you down on the ice.

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2008 Season Highlights

It's been a busy and exciting season at Patriot Hills camp. Twelve expeditions skied successfully from the Antarctic coast to the South Pole, including several solo unsupported expeditions. Todd Carmichael set a speed record from Hercules Inlet to the pole in 39 days, 7 hours and 49 minutes - walking most of the way after his ski bindings broke early in the expedition. This speed record was broken in January when the i2p South Pole Quest team of Richard Weber, Ray Zahab, and Kevin Vallely, raced to the pole in just 33 days, 23 hours and 30 minutes.

Our ANI Ski South Pole groups successfully completed their expeditions in 53 days from Hercules Inlet and 42 days from the Messner start. One team member from each group opted to kite-ski back to Patriot Hills. Cancer survivor Tom Davenport and ANI guide Sarah McNair-Landry completed their return journey in 12 days. While Jeremy Rogers and ANI guide Ronny Finsas covered the distance in just 10 days.

The Matrix Shackleton Centenary Expedition released the following statement on arrival at the Pole, "After 100 years, five descendants of Shackleton's Nimrod expedition have stood at the Pole, and in so doing, completed 'unfinished family business'." The Ice Team followed Shackleton's Nimrod Expedition route, from the Ross Sea, up the Beardmore Glacier, and across the plateau to the pole in 66 days. A second team began their expedition 97 miles from the pole, where Shackleton was forced to turn back 100 years ago.

More records were broken during the 4th Antarctic Ice Marathon race. Clear, sunny skies and firm snow underfoot provided ideal conditions for the race. Miles Cudmore (UK) led the pack to win the Men's marathon and set a new event record, 4.36.53 hrs. Kirsi Montonen (FIN) led the women's race, also setting a new event record, 05.03.48

Marc de Keyser (BEL) and Pushpa Chandra (CAN) took top honors in the Men's and Women's 100km Ultra-marathon, setting a new Men's event record 12.49.51 hrs; and Women's event record 18.33.08 hrs.

ALE was pleased to continue our support for government science and logistic projects.

We were honoured by a visit from Prince Albert II of Monaco as part of a major expedition to more than 20 research centres in Antarctica to learn about the impact of climate change and to celebrate Monaco's accession to the Antarctic Treaty in 2008. The Prince is the only Head of State to have travelled to both North and South poles in a quest to raise awareness of the importance of environmental protection.

A group of scientists from Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, part of the Brazilian Antarctic Program, were flown to Mt. St Johns where they drilled a 75 m ice core that will complete one of the gaps in the International Trans-Antarctic Scientific Expedition (ITASE) snow sampling net over Antarctica. A second group undertook atmospheric and geological studies in the Independence Hills.

A team from the Korean Polar Research Institute, KORDI, continued their multi-year meteorite study near the Moulton Escarpment with logistic support provided by ALE.

Researchers from the Centro de Estudios Cientificos (Center for Scientific Studies, Valdivia, Chile) conducted glacier flow rate and bedrock studies at the Union Glacier.

Field groups and flights from British Antarctic Survey called in at our camp at Patriot Hills on several occasions to refuel and enjoy a short break during their lengthy research programs.

Now the 2008 season has drawn to a close. ALE personnel have disassembled camp ready for the winter. Waste and equipment for repair have been returned to Punta Arenas, while supplies for next season have been carefully cached, ready for the advance team who will arrive in October to start the 2009 season. We'd like to thank all of our ANI guests for travelling with us, and congratulate all of the successful expeditions. We look forward to seeing you on the ice in 2009!

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Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions supports Exploration of Lake Ellsworth

Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions (ALE), has provided logistic support for several visits to Lake Ellsworth, northwest of Mt. Vinson. We sent our tractor train there in January 2006 with Chilean glaciologists from the Centro de Estudios Cientificos to undertake a short survey of Lake Ellsworth to help to determine the size and extent of the lake.

A four-person team were deployed by BAS, with ALE support, between November 2007 and February 2008 and reported on UK ITN News. Using seismic and radar surveys, they were able to map the outline of the lake, measure its depth and evaluate whether sediments, which could contain a record of ice sheet history, are present on the lake floor.

ALE took part in meetings with the Ellsworth group in early 2008 and formed part of a full proposal to explore the lake made in July 2008 to the UK Natural Environment Research Council by the Lake Ellsworth Consortium. This project aims to drill through the overlying ice sheet into the lake water, before deploying a probe (to test for life in the lake) and a sediment corer (to recover sediment from the lake-floor).

View project details at www.geos.ed.ac.uk/research/ellsworth/ and www.geos.ed.ac.uk/research/ellsworth/chilean_expedition.html

The proposed exploration of Lake Ellsworth is a component of a plan to explore Antarctic Subglacial Lake Environments (a SCAR research programme). Subglacial Antarctic Lake Exploration

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ALE celebrates 20 years of private travel to Antarctica

In 2005 ALE joins Adventure Network International (ANI) to celebrate 20 years of private travel to the interior of Antarctica. ALE purchased ANI in November 2003. Building on a solid infrastructure, and proven safety and environmental record, over the past two years ALE has consolidated its reputation as the only operator providing reliable expedition support and private travel to the interior of Antarctica.

2005 is a milestone year. By the end of the season, the combined companies will have helped more than 1000 adventurers climb Vinson Massif, more than 500 private travelers stand at the Geographic South Pole, and more than 70 expeditions realize their dreams.

Mike Sharp our Operations manager says, "The logistics of operating in the Antarctic are enormous and while we may leave the ice for a number of months each year, the planning and organization never really stops."

As we celebrate 20 years of innovation and operation we look forward to new initiatives and new cooperative ventures, including

  • Our guided 2005 Ski South Pole All the Way expedition - an extreme journey guaranteed to challenge even the most intrepid adventurer.
  • Expeditions that celebrate Antarctic history through the use of traditional techniques and equipment; and others that embrace "new" techniques such as kiting in their quest to break Transantarctic records.
  • Support for every explorer's dream from youth expeditions to partially able adventurers.
  • The first Antarctic Ice Marathon at Patriot Hills. This new Experience is offered in conjunction with Polar Running Adventures, who organize a North Pole Marathon.
  • We're deeply involved in planning for the International Polar Year in 2007 when scientists from round the world will come together to pool resources to crack polar "problems". Such international polar collaboration has led to the discovery of the Ozone Hole, Climate Change and other world changing science.

Extra information:

ALE is a full member of IAATO, the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators, and we are dedicated to promoting sustainable and environmentally sound tourism in Antarctica.

Safety in Antarctica and for all our operations is a key ALE priority. Every client completes detailed questionnaires to make sure they are fit for the journey. Every expedition has its kit checked before we fly them to Antarctica.

Each year we offer an exciting range of Experiences through our subsidiary company, ANI, that reflect our roots - Vinson Massif climbs, South Pole Flights and guided expeditions to the South Pole.

Expeditions are flown from Punta Arenas to our summer base camp at Patriot Hills, Antarctica, a 4½ hour flight by large transport jet aircraft.

ALE is a US company with an office in Salt Lake City. Support in Punta Arenas Chile is provided by Adventure Network Antártida Ltda.

The managers and staff of ALE have between them the collective experience of over 100 years working in Antarctica.

Please contact us if you have any further questions about our expedition logistics or Experience offerings.

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Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions purchases Adventure Network International

On the eve of the first commercial polar flight of the 2003/04 season, Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions (ALE) is delighted to announce that it has completed the acquisition of the pioneering commercial Antarctic tour operator, Adventure Network International (ANI). ANI postponed its Antarctic flight operations earlier this year after 18 successful seasons. Under the terms of the agreement with the company's previous owners, ANI will continue to trade as a provider of Antarctic tourism.

The purchase of ANI has further strengthened ALE's operational capability in Antarctica. ALE is now the only organisation offering expedition support and tours to the interior of Antarctica, including Mount Vinson (the continent's highest mountain and one of the Seven Summits) and the South Pole.

David Rootes, one of ALE's directors and a veteran Antarctic hand, said of the purchase: "Over two decades ANI built a global reputation for safe flight operations in Antarctica, coupled with an unblemished environmental record. We intend to build on this solid foundation by delivering an unparalleled level of client safety, as well as working hard in every aspect of our business to preserve the Antarctic environment."

The purchase of ANI's assets in Antarctica allows ALE to utilise the existing summer camp facilities at Patriot Hills, the centre for Antarctic flight operations. This will enable ALE to deliver a higher level of comfort to its clients in its first season than had previously been calculated. Furthermore, all this can be offered to expeditions without any environmental penalty since there is now no need to fly in additional base camp equipment from South America.

Grand Expeditions, Inc., the previous owners of ANI, will continue to promote the ALE/ANI product in the USA.

For more information on ANI, visit www.adventure-network.com

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Antarctic Logistic Support for the 2003/2004 Season

A group of us, including Mike Sharp, David Rootes, Nick Lewis, Peter McDowell and Mike McDowell, have joined together to form a new company, Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions LLC, to provide logistic support for expeditions to Antarctica. We will operate from Patriot Hills, Antarctica, for the 2003/2004 season.

Each person in this group has extensive Antarctic experience, including experience with Patriot Hills operations and logistics. The aim of the group will be to offer support logistics and operations for Mt Vinson climbing groups as well as private expeditions along the general route to the South Pole.

The season will start around mid-November and finish around the end of January. Transportation between Punta Arenas, Chile, and the Patriot Hills camp will be facilitated using a large Ilyushin 76 transport aircraft while “on ice” transportation will be completed with a Twin Otter and a second support aircraft (still to be chosen). Contracts for these aircraft are being negotiated.

A basic camp, run by experienced personnel, will be set up at Patriot Hills. All necessary equipment will be purchased and transported to Patriot Hills on the first Ilyushin 76 flight.

A strong environmental ethic will underlay Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions LLC operations. Authority to operate in Antarctica is being sought from the relevant agencies and environmental documentation is being prepared. Application will be made to join the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO).

Many of the expeditions cancelled by Adventure Network International have been in contact with members of our consortium. We are actively discussing the possibilities for their expedition with them. Contact with further groups is welcome.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.

Best regards,

Mike McDowell, Peter McDowell, Mike Sharp, David Rootes and Nick Lewis

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