|
|
Post by mherbert on Dec 5, 2009 21:58:10 GMT
I have just returned back from the most amazing time in Antarctica. Part of a joint Russian/Icelandic expedition driving (modified Toyotas) from Novo base to 83deg 20 Mins South where we set up a fuel dump. Really cold weather down to -54C (our antifreeze froze at -54!) Even the Vodka froze. Cold weather gave rise to many optical effects including mirages. Also saw sun halo's. No NLC's though. However we were in 24/7 daylight for the whole three weeks. I have 1000's of photos plus videos which will take me some time to sort out. Regards Mike More details can be had on the blog www.antarcticachallenge.com/Bloggsome more photos also        |
|
|
|
Post by markt on Dec 7, 2009 7:22:30 GMT
Wow! That's fantastic Mike! I'm off to Iceland for a week in february where we have the self drive defenders booked to have some fun with. I was looking at the Arctic Trucks website just last week and saw this - I didn't realise it was you though. Amazing stuff sir!!!  Any hints or tips for Iceland greatly appreciated!  |
|
|
|
Post by mherbert on Dec 9, 2009 10:33:15 GMT
Iceland has so much to offer in Feb, especially if you have some good vehicles. Who are you renting from is it Isak and are they with 38" tyres. If so Langjokull is the best place to go at that time of year, or Landmannalaugar, but there are 100's of places to visit. Some good web sites www.icelandreview.com/iceland.vefur.is/Weather in English: en.vedur.is// You know Arctic Trucks rent out modified trucks? -if interested contact - gudfinnur@arctictrucks.is What date are you going as we are likely going sometime in Feb or March. Regards Mike |
|
|
|
Post by markt on Dec 9, 2009 18:17:27 GMT
Hi Mike, We're going 14-19th february. Yes, we're hiring an ISAK 110 defender with the 38" wheels. We're staying in the Cabin in Reykjavik... I've been to Iceland a few times now - i'm a geologist by education so there's an obvious attraction there, and the astronomer in me goes for the northern lights. I'm going there on a stag do - i get married next august and are going with my 3 younger brothers and best man. None of these 4 have ever been to Iceland so i'm keen to show them some of the sights i've been priviledged to see previouslly. We have have 2 tours booked - the golden circle www.adventures.is/Iceland/WinterDaytrips/UDriveGoldenWinter/ - i'm hoping we can go over to Pingvellir via the pipeline road from Reykjavik conditions permitting, as this route was much more exciting than the standard road the bus goes! We went up for a drive on Langjokull last year which was very exciting on the way onward from Geysir. 2nd trip is the south shore adventure - www.adventures.is/Iceland/WinterDaytrips/UDriveSouthShore/ - i've spoke to them about customising this - I want to go (conditions permitting!) to the glacial lagoon at Gigjokull after we have visited Seljalandsfoss as that was a pretty exciting drive last time! Plus the glacial lagoon there is fantastic! Any points of interest or exciting routes / recommendations you know that could be done whilst on these trips would be whole heartedly recommended! Arctic Adventures have already said they're more than happy to customise to our needs. To be honest, the 5 of us going are very much into Land Rovers and offroading in general, so are more than happy to sacrifice walking on the glacier for driving on the glacier So, any tweaks or suggestions you know of to make these 2 excellent trips even better would be most definitely welcome! Best wishes, Mark  |
|
|
|
Post by mherbert on Dec 25, 2009 20:05:36 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by markt on Dec 26, 2009 10:27:54 GMT
Hi Mike, Yes we're going with a guide. Didn't now about that DC3, think I may well take a peek at it We return to the UK on the 19th feb - oh well! Would have been good to get together and say hi, nevermind! I'll be sure to post up some of my pickies on my return to the UK. Thanks for all your advice, best wishes, Mark |
|
