Camping: Expectations and Realities

Camping on the frozen landscape of Antarctica is not for the faint-hearted, but for those seeking an unparalleled connection with nature, it is an opportunity to spend a night beneath the endless polar sky. Small expedition ships, equipped with expert guides and sturdy gear, allow intrepid travelers to venture ashore and set up camp on the ice-covered terrain. I have had the wonderful opportunity to participate in a camping experience on the Antarctic Continent, so this time around my husband and I were mere observers of the preparation, before heading back to our cozy cabins on ship. 

I will say, having done this, camping is an experience I always recommend when working with a traveler who is up for a challenge and who is truly looking to connect with the experience of the explorers of this wild continent. There is nothing quite like snuggling down into your bivouac as the sun sets, watching your ship moored offshore. The reality that you are without a safety net on a frozen continent is a surreal experience. Of course in practice, this experience is highly regulated and you are well chaperoned  and supported with expedition staff throughout the entire night. There are some unique challenges that come with this experience though, and February presents many of these challenging conditions for those hoping to camp.

Antarctica's icy surface presents a challenge for campers – digging a snowhole to set up a bivouac sac, sheltered from the wind. The frozen ground, often covered by a layer of snow, demands physical effort and determination. Expedition participants, armed with shovels and sheer grit, engage in the formidable task of excavating the thin layer of snow down to the ice to create a sheltered spot for their mats. In February, with dropping temps and the oncoming end of summer, the process is both a test of endurance and a humbling reminder of the harsh conditions that define this polar wilderness. We watched our new friends stripping down to their long underwear layers, working hard to excavate their sleeping spots, before the sun began to set and the snow began to freeze up for the night. The expedition team members running from location to location to help as many people as possible.

The Sea Spirit expedition team had already briefed all participants on the strict regulations surrounding bringing food or liquids to shore, where and how to relieve themselves should that be necessary (Yes, the did build a toilet shelter with a portable bucket toilet.), and how to properly layer and set up their polar weight sleeping systems inside their bivy sac in order to stay toasty warm throughout the night. However, even the best laid plans can stray. Most campers on our trip, did very little sleeping due to the persistent chilly wind or the excitement of camping out in the elements of the continent. Despite the lack of sleep there was a consensus of enthusiasm and a deep bond forged by those who participated in the experience. They had shared a very cold and unique experience that few others have the opportunity for. Despite the challenges, camping in Antarctica offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the elements and explore your own strength and fortitude. Far removed from the comforts of your cabin and the ship, campers find themselves surrounded by an inky black sky punctured with the lights of starts and surrounded by the groans of seals settling in for the evening on the land around them, a truly surreal experience.