The ironman of travel Yoshimasa Ikeuchi

Reaching the Antarctic point minus 26 degrees

Patriot Hills

Antarctica

Happening

Antarctic cruise

Antarctic cruise Epilogue

Antarctic Islands

Prologue

King George Island

Pick-up rubber boat

2000 tons of Antarctic cruise ship behind

Board the ship on a rubber boat

Traveling companions around the world

The sea has begun to get rough.
Splashes rise to the top of the boat.
It was in a blink of an eye, I was hit by a big wave and baptized by seawater from my head.
The camera quickly escaped the difficulty of putting it in a plastic bag.
The staff's winter clothes are excellent.
Russian-registered used ships are active in sightseeing in Antarctica.
The boat staff is also Russian.
The maneuvering technique while covering the seawater is excellent.

Finally landing on the Island Gentoo Penguin welcomes us.
The black striped tailcoat looks great in the white snow.
The appearance of walking with a sway is very humorous.
They don't seem to run away when they see humans.
I walked around and fell down.
Just looking at it soothes my heart.
Antarctica is a paradise for animals.
But in the past, there was also an era of overfishing.

"Travel Tetsujin" Although it was a showcase of feeling and courage,
it was a mistake to wear a life jacket in an evacuation drill.
It was Onboard broadcast will land on Adelaide Island from 5 o'clock.
A powerful iceberg with icicles down on the sea.
The snow begins to flicker and I feel the limit of my fingertips when taking pictures with my bare hands.
(-5 degrees)

Finally board the Zodiac boat and move to the ship.
The Island closest to South America is full of observation bases of each country.
After boarding, the cruising lecture did not understand English and Spanish well.
Well, it will be somehow! It was I don't want to lose to the heroes of travel around the world.

25 tourists Spain / Italy / Netherlands / Germany / New Zealand / Greece / Austria / UK / Israel / USA / Russia / Japan It's like a traveling Olympics.
Even though the temperature is 0 degrees, the whole body is sweaty.
I'm wearing winter clothes that I've never worn before when I heard that it was Antarctica.
I'm going to catch a cold as it is.

The charter plane changed the schedule as soon as one hour.
Know that you will leave "40 minutes later" during breakfast.
I can't complain about changing the flight time depending on the weather.
The flight from Punta Arenas also arrived at King George Island smoothly.
It is very difficult to walk on snowy roads.
It can't be helped to be late from the group.
Walking on holidays while holding a heavy camera back.
I can't see our friends.
There is only one person far behind.

Arrived safely on the ship.
The rules for protecting nature are very strict.
Disinfection is common sense for cleaning boots.
Hot whiskey is the best for a cold body.
All BARs on board are free.
I was full with "martini" and snacks that I drank with a pile of snacks.
Russians drink three bottles of wine with their father and son.
Besides, even at lunch time, vodka is squeaky.
The free BAR is scary.

2000 tons of Antarctic cruise ship

A penguin standing in the world of silver.
It's cute. The party goes on and on.
Snowy road adventures are tough for the elderly.
The number of participants decreased day by day, and the number of 3 boats decreased to 2.
The sensible temperature is -7 to 8 ° C due to snow and wind.
With bare hands, the sensation of fingers disappears.
Too much winter clothes I'm not used to.
I have a lot of sweat all over my body.
However, it hurts so much that my hands are cut off.

Feathers are still excellent.
Finally, the temperature can be adjusted.
Adjust with the outside air by opening and closing the chuck.
Enjoy a comfortable walk in the sea.
Landing on the Island several times a day.
Follow the road without a road with the guidance of a guide.
Those who get stuck in the depths.
Those who retire on the way.
Those who give up landing and turn back by boat.
People cannot easily blend into the harsh nature.

The next day, the boat departs at 6 o'clock in the early morning (participation is free) I got in as the last person to come here.
Take a break from Kotetsu.
The destination is still long.
It would be good once.
Take a boat walk through the ice park.
The cold air feels good.
An ice object that changes the calm sea leisurely.
Beautiful enough to sigh.
Down jackets don't make me feel cold.

A white world that changes every day.
The ice block moves greatly and can be transformed freely.
Pick up the icicles hanging from the iceberg and check the taste.
I am satisfied with the salty taste because it is covered with seawater.
Penguins welcome us no matter where we go.
The walking gesture seems to be looking at my grandchildren, and my facial muscles loosen involuntarily.
I think on the snow, "I want to show my grandchildren the South Pole while I'm fine."

The guide came to call me big news.
When I found an emperor penguin.
When I went there, there was a line of shooting teams, and then they moved to the next place.
When this happens, it's my monopoly.
10 minutes to wait, the penguins haven't moved, but they have spread their wings and started to move.
My monopoly, place.

It feels like I've seen all of them even though I've only seen some of them.
Penguin colonies are everywhere, even on unnamed Islands.
Eat abundant food without worrying about being persecuted by humans.
Penguins live freely in the wilderness every day.
What they do would be child-rearing and parenting.
It was I always act away from the group.
That has more chances of shuttering.

On the second day, I was surprised at the magnificence of Antarctica.
Boats carefully advance between the size and number of icebergs and floating icebergs of hundreds of millions of years.
I found a seal on an iceberg 100m away, but it was blocked by an ice wall.
I have seen icebergs, drift ice, and glaciers, but their sizes are incomparable.

I don't know what it is, but I have no choice but to arrive.
If you do not land, you will not encounter new discoveries, so even if you force yourself to participate.
My wife's Kotetsu flew only once, but she did her best to follow.
Antarctica is big.
A fascinating world that you can't even imagine.
If I could only travel once more, I would be the only one in Antarctica.

Me dancing with a Russian man at a shipboard party

A traveling companion who dances until midnight in the bar.

Italians and Kotetsu.

Due to the rough weather, I spend half a day on the bed.

Return to the ship due to strong winds.

Hugging and dancing with a Russian brother.
The whirlpool of laughter spreads.
Next is a slightly larger Greek Mariana.
It's like a cicada on a big tree.
The whirlpool of laughter is getting bigger and bigger.
Even though I'm not getting the best food, my stomach and chest are full of happiness.
An endless party.

Nice parents and children from Israel.
Russian parents and sons.
A reticent German couple.
Large people from Italy and Greece.
Each has a rich life.
“Travel Masters” Local tour to / from South America (Punta Arenas).
Once you meet, your family is no different.

The last day of a strong wind.
The big wave has a momentum that goes beyond the bow.
Passengers sleep in bed for half a day.
During that time, I was the only one who took a picture of the rough seas from the captain’s room.
Early dinner when the waves are a little quieter.
Greetings from the Dutch Joy to the staff.
The encounter of the trip leaves an irreplaceable memory.
Thank you for a wonderful encounter.

Although it is confused in each country, there are masters of travel.
By the time the sun finally set around 11 o'clock, the number of people on the deck had decreased.
The next morning, the words of each country will fly around as soon as possible.

Inside the Korean base

Inside the Korean base

Drink, sing and disco dance at the bar

A moment of the century, the sunset in Antarctica

The shining bow of the setting sun

Have omelet at a Korean base

Korean base

Korean base, Mr. Yang who can speak Japanese

The sunset in the world of silver is impressive.
Forget the cold in the beautiful sight to start.
I'm alone on the deck.
Hot whiskey is the best for a cold body.

The outside is still strong wind and snow.
My intuition works, "I don't think I can go home yet today."
In such a case, be ready to leave and get some sleep.
I sneaked into the bed early.
When I went to the bathroom after 10 o'clock, the outside of the window was dyed pink.
In a hurry, put on a hoodie and jump out to the deck.
The "cold" sky is burning more and more.

Mr. Yang who understands Japanese in the base of 18 people.
Explain in detail that South Korea is the 22nd base.
The same oriental people have a sense of intimacy.
In such an environment, I could overwinter. Thank you.
Some people went down due to bad weather last night, and everyone's faces were all together for dinner.

Suddenly announcing a visit to South Korea's Antarctic base.
About half gather in the deck.
Our couple of the same Asian are treated specially.
The earthquake and bio laboratory newly built a year ago.
The kitchen is also a hotel-like facility.
I was very impressed with the omelet that I love for Korean seaweed and Korean pancakes.

All activities have been canceled due to strong winds and snow from last night.
It was the scheduled photo contest will be held the next morning.
Unusable because the airfield is frozen.
In such a case, it doesn't start even if it flutters.
Rest slowly in the room.
The staff is busy changing reservations.
But in Antarctica, this kind of thing has already been inserted.

Making sushi in Antarctica

Japanese staff Keizo Funatsu (based in Alaska)

Explore Patriot Hills by snowcat

Refrigerator is minus 22 degrees in the basement

My tent name is Harley

Wife sleeping in a tent

The marathon winner is a 29-year-old American

Marathon organizer (Irish)

Participants in the Antarctic Marathon

3 participants in the 100k marathon

Our tent

Patriot Hills Base Staff Tent

Cockpit

In-flight of Russian-made Ilusin.

From Punta Arenas to Patriot Hills.

The sun doesn't set all day in summer Antarctica has no day or night.
It was the most worrisome food store is the freezer in the ice basement.
(-22 ° C) It was Antarctica with everything.
It's too smooth. I have no time to interact with Antarctic lectures and people from all over the world by playing games.
No permission to go to Antarctica has been issued in 3 days.
Everything depends on the weather.

Fly to Antarctica on a sunny day in a week.
It was I have no idea when to leave.
The equipment of airplanes has improved year by year, and new toilets have been installed from this year.
I'm relieved unlike the worst information I've heard.
Antarctica where everything can live comfortably.
Spend time in a sub-zero tent with your clothes on.
It was the body is not so dirty in arid areas.
It's my first time to sleep in a sleeping bag, but I can sleep well.

Ice Marathon (100km) (3 people) I'm here to participate in a full marathon below freezing (20 participants).
Information on the base before departure is -28 degrees.
Arrived at the runway of the large ice field.
Just wear it and get off the ramp.
The world of white snow that is too dazzling without sunglasses.
Wow! I came to a great place.
At the moment when the dream becomes a reality, the heartbeat beats and stands on the spot.
Eventually, step by step to the base. At your feet is Ice burn.
This is just a relay point to go to the South Pole.
The temperature is -2 ° C.
The air in the clear blue sky is also delicious.

Take off at 12:49 pm on December 11, 2009 Russian-made Ilushin 76-combi aircraft (36 people).
A 4-hour flight from latitude 53 ° C to 80 ° C, where the roaring noise of the engine is not heard in the cabin.
There are 6 Japanese participants.
We are expecting a fun trip with unique travel companions.
Participation from the United States, Australia, New Zealand, France and 12 countries (25 people) A base for going to the South Pole,
although the country is different, but the purpose is the same.
Surprising activities are waiting there.

Heading from Punta Arenas (Chile) to Patriot Base.
Tents are lined up in a well-behaved manner on red, white, yellow, black and white snow.
50 people can stay at the base.
About 30 staff members are resident.
Canceled due to bad weather for 2 hours waiting at the airport on the first day, returning to the hotel.

Travel companions departing to Antarctica

Patriot Hills tent from the sky

Departure from Patriot Hills to Antarctica

American Antarctic base

American Antarctic base

American Antarctic base

Reaching the South Pole

pilot

accompanying doctor

Antarctica flight staff

Midori Kawase and Me

December 16, 2009 Reaching the South Pole Yoshimasa Ikeuchi (70), Midori Ikeuchi (62)

Midori Kawase

Antarctica Ceremony / Ceremony Pole

Inside the Antarctic base

Author at the South Pole

Patriot Hills, Midori and Mr. Funatsu

Staff

Patriot Hills Owner

Chief Cock

Keizo Funatsu, who lifts the earth (based in Alaska)

A day trip to Antarctica with crutches
Mr. Arihiro Takagaki

Douglas' DC3 Bazra (40-seater) operates non-stop from Patriot Hill to the South Pole from this year.
There is no inconvenience with a simple toilet on board.
No simple toilet or paper diapers to bring.
unnecessary.

It seems that the idea that the park should be a common park for all humankind in the future is being talked about at the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Conference.
Each person has a different way of life, but his curiosity and adventure to the unknown are the same regardless of age.
The nature of Antarctica is harsh, but on the other hand, there is nothing better than its beauty.
When I witnessed the shining light of the large ice and snow field, I was grateful that I was glad I came here.

Meet Midori Kawase (Kanagawa), 90 years old, among 6 Japanese participants.
She thinks of a commemorative photo, but she is oxygen deficient at an ice height of 2983m,
and two people receive oxygen inhalation in the rest room.
Isn't it the Antarctic that humanity wants to go to last?

Antarctica is worth leaving in the future as a common property of humankind.
Fortunately, the blue sky was wide and there was no wind,
and I was impressed that the Japanese flag was part of it while the flags of 12 countries around the world were fluttering around the ceremony ball.
Photographing is near the limit, and there is no sense of the finger pressing the shutter.
The goggles are frozen and I can't see in front of me.

I heard that it took two months for the Japanese to fly to Antarctica for the first time due to bad weather.
When can I fly and return? It all depends on the weather.
The sun in Antarctica does not set for 24 hours at this time.
The sensible temperature drops further when the wind blows.
Staying at the base is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
"Take everything you bring back" to protect Antarctica from pollution garbage classified into 19 types will be brought back from the Ross Sea to the home country.

The modern building in front of us has a base built in 2008.
It looks like a disproportionate shopping center or Ginza in Antarctica.
Everything is installed inside and the progress of modernization is tremendous.

It was The Amundsen-Scott Base, built by the United States near the South Pole in 1956, is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
At the moment of landing at the Antarctic point, below freezing point -26 ° C.
Sweat gushes from all over the body by wearing too much warm clothing.

The Antarctic point that, adventurers aimed for their lives nearly 100 years ago.

December 14, 1911 Roald Amundsen, a Norwegian explorer who reached the South Pole for the first time in humankind.

"Midori Kawase" who enjoys life and is still curious even at the age of 90.
I was shocked by my future life.
It's not a big deal if you only come to Antarctica once.
A transit point for the journey to the unknown.
Humans have to live long and healthy.

Click here for the Antarctic slide show

Antarctica (90 degrees south latitude)

Patriot base

Camping in the dormitory

Kotetsu heading to Patriot Base

Ilyushin cockpit

Ilyushin Il-76 type cargo-customer mixed loading machine (Made in Russia)

Magellan statue of Punta Arenas

Flight to Navarino Island

Cruising (Russian ship, 2000 tons)

Author at King George Island

Arrive at King George Island for cruising

Gentoo Penguin on Adelaide Island

The end is Punta Arenas.
Flight from Chile to Patriot Base in Antarctica (800m above sea level).
The Antarctic point (90 degrees south latitude) where you may be able to depart depending on the weather.
There is a risk that you will not know when you will be able to return.
Camping on ice for the first time sleeping in a sleeping bag.

In 2002, I thought of visiting the Islands of the earth,
and traveled 800,000 km from the North Pole to the South Pole.
The 70th Island has started as the dream world becomes a reality.
I am grateful that the world is peaceful and I can easily travel around the world.
I'm 70 years old, and my wife (Kotetsu) has passed the 60th birthday, and the 62-year-old trip to Antarctica may be too adventurous, but not suitable for curiosity.

I went to Naparino Island, the southernmost Island of Chile, because it was a good chance.
TV show "The Great Journey of Mankind's 50,000 Kilometers" I saw in Alaska the starting point where the adventurer "Yoshiharu Sekino" took 10 years.
I wanted to see what kind of place it was with my feet,
and although there was nothing for sightseeing, I wanted to stand in that place and feel it with my own body.

A tour to and from the local area that is different from the trip to the Arctic.
There is no information about who will participate.
However, my dream is to meet animals living in Antarctica with the harsh nature.
Colonies of penguins and seabird seals walking on the snow, visits to Antarctic bases in each country.
Just thinking about it makes me excited and ponders the unknown Islands.

An expedition to the Antarctic Islands suitable for the finale of the Earth's Island tour.
The ultimate trip to this land after 7 years.
I am full of gratitude that Kotetsu (my wife) also followed me well.
The world's most rugged Drake Passage "Antarctic cruise trip" in a Cessna.

Antarctica Cruise Prologue

The moment you reach the South Pole at an altitude of 2900m.
35-day document of Journey Tetsujin, the world's most expensive trip left to nature.
Much more expensive than a luxury liner around the world.
It's still a little too early for "Souvenirs of the Meadows" A once-in-a-lifetime luxury trip is a reward for me for 70 years and cheap for me.

prologue