Alpine Ascents Vinson Expedition Itinerary Overview
For Travel Arrangements call Charles Mulvehill at Scan East West Travel: 1-800-727-2157 or 206-623 2157. charles@scaneastwest.com
Punta Arenas
Commonly considered the most interesting city in Patagonia, this port town hosts handsome turn of the century architecture, financed by the bustling wool industry of a bygone era. Along with being one of the most prominent Antarctic starting points, it is endowed with a large commercial fishing port. Much of the trade was bolstered by the great California Gold Rush. Walking tours of the city lead you past the great mansions which currently house the Club De La Union and the Sociedad Menendez Behety (now Citibank) found around the Plaza Munoz Gamero. Punta is also known for its fine dining and exquisite wines. Time permitting, one should visit the Museo Regional De Magellan’s, the original Punta Arenas mansion, and take a tour of the Penguin rookery to view the colony of Magellan Penguins.
Your Journey South
The flight time from Punta Arenas to the Patriot Hills camp is approximately 4.5 hours, depending on the winds. The initial part of our flight passes over Tierra del Fuego, the southernmost point in South America. The ocean below has been notorious throughout modern history for its wild storms, violent winds and heavy seas. Waves higher than 100 feet have been encountered in the Drake Passage by several ships and many early seamen lost their lives to these waters in the quest to find new lands.
At approximately 60 degrees latitude, we reach the winter limits of frozen seas. This area of ocean is called the Antarctic Convergence and is rich in plankton and other tiny creatures that form the bottom of the food chain for Antarctica’s rich bird and wildlife colonies. We are now entering the area governed by the Antarctic Treaty.
At 66 degrees latitude, we cross the Antarctic Circle. Along this circle the sun never sets at the austral summer solstice and never rises at the austral winter solstice. Further South, these Antarctic days and nights lengthen as you get closer to the South Pole where the sun rises and sets only once a year.
Continuing South, we fly over tabular icebergs and the ice shelves from which they calve. Some of these bergs can be the size of a small country and become a method of transport and a home for penguins and seals.
The icy continent appears at Charcot Island close to Alexander Island at 71 degrees latitude. The ice sheet continues to stretch inland until in the distance appear the spectacular Ellsworth Mountains, the highest range in Antarctica. Passing over the Ellsworth Range, our runway comes into sight. The wheeled aircraft lands on an area of blue ice which is 3,300ft (1,000m) above sea level. The blue ice remains clear of snow due to the Katabatic winds which tunnel down from the mountains with great force.
Patriot Hills
This is a one-of-a-kind private camp, some 1,800 miles from the nearest city. Patriot Hills provides a warm welcome to the frozen landscape. We have access to a heated and insulated Dining Hall where we cook and eat all meals. It is also a great place to hang out, read a book, or talk with other exploreres.
Library: The camp facilities include a Library furnished with books and games for guests to enjoy.
Medical: Patriot Hills employs the services of a doctor and stocks a wide selection of medications and fundamental equipment for the care and treatment of visitors. In the case of serious illness we will repatriate you as soon as possible to Punta Arenas.
Day-to-day Itinerary Actual days may vary due to flight schedules.
Day 1 Depart Country of Origin.
Day 2 Upon your arrival at the airport in Punta Arenas you are met by a staff member who provides you with information on Punta Arenas and the surrounding areas and accompanies you into town where you can settle into your hotel. We schedule a time to check your Antarctic clothing and ensure that nothing has been inadvertently forgotten. We have a thorough discussion about Leave No Trace Principles and preservation of the pristine Antarctic Wilderness.
Day 3 In the morning you are invited to join us for an Antarctic slide show and lecture. The lecture includes information on your flight South, the current weather situation and what to expect on your arrival in Antarctica. There is time for questions and meeting your fellow travellers. After that, you are free to explore the city.
Day 4 As soon as the weather is suitable, you are called at your hotel and advised your departure time. You are given as much time as possible (normally 2 hours) before being picked up from your hotel by bus. Please make sure your bill has been settled and any “city” clothing is left at the hotel. After completing customs and immigration formalities at the airport, we proceed to the aircraft and for a photo session before climbing on board. After a safety briefing by the flight crew, we fly South.
Upon arrival at Patriot Hills you are given an overview of the camp, followed by a tour and orientation of the camp and the surrounding area. If the weather permits, we transfer all our equipment from the Ilyushin 76 aircraft to the Twin Otter and fly to Vinson base camp, a 1 hour and 15 minute flight. The pilot is in constant contact with the base for updates on the current winds and weather. There have been occasions when the weather has deteriorated since our departure from Patriot Hills and we have been forced to return to Patriot Hills and await better flying conditions. Once landed at Vinson base, we review the climbing route and rearrange the loads ready for the journey.
Days 5 - 15 During these days we attempt to reach the summit. Our success rate is excellent, nonetheless, you should be aware that even though Vinson is not considered a technically difficult peak, the mountain is high, temperatures are well below freezing and the area is extremely remote. There may be other groups on the mountain at the same time and we are in contact with base camp, by radio, throughout the duration of the trip. The guide prepares food for the group each day and climbers are asked to assist in setting up camp in the evening. It is our goal to guide you safely to the top of the mountain. Base Camp (7,000ft) is located on the lower part of the Branscomb Glacier (west side of the Ellsworth Mountains).
After dividing our gear between backpacks and sleds, we ascend the Branscomb Glacier for 6 miles to Camp I (9,100ft). From Camp I we ascend 1,000ft (3 miles) to the foot of a large headwall and establish Camp II (10,100ft). We leave sleds and an emergency food cache at Camp II. We climb 2,300ft up the headwall on moderate snow slopes to a broad col between Vinson and Shinn to establish Camp III (12,300ft). From Camp III we have incredible views. We rest at Camp III to acclimatize prior to attempting the summit.
Summit day is a long journey that includes a 12-hour round-trip climb and a 3,000ft gain in elevation. The final summit ridge is a spectabular rock and ice traverse. The views from the top are simply unforgettable!
Day 16 Once back in base camp and a full aircraft load is ready, the guide informs Patriot Hills and an aircraft is dispatched from Patriot Hills to collect you. Please note that we must wait until we have a complete load before flying back to Patriot Hills from Vinson base.
Day 17 Weather permitting, the aircraft from Punta Arenas arrives in Patriot Hills with a new collection of avid explorers and takes off with your group for the final leg of your Antarctic journey.
Day 18 Depart for USA.
Note: Every effort will be made to follow the above itinerary but it is subject to change at the discretion of our staff based on weather and local conditions. Some departures may be slightly longer or shorter based on flight schedules to Antarctica. If you are interested in extending your trip to include the South Pole Ski Tour, your trip will be extended by 15 days. Please contact us for more information.
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