"My Seventh Continent!" Antarctica by frankcanfly

Antarctica Travel Guide: 1,141 reviews and 2,620 photos

I made it to the South Pole!!

I made it to Antarctica! I spent nearly 3 weeks at McMurdo Scientific Research Station! AND! I finally made it to the South Pole! Quite an exciting time for this geography geek.

I'll continue adding tips and photos to this page even though I'm back home. Please come back often.

McMurdo Station, Antarctica
77.85°S 166.67°E

Brief History

Misplaced Santarcticas

Antarctica was not sighted until 1820. It is believed that no on actually set foot on the continent until 1895.

In 1841, James Clark Ross's ships the Erebus and the Terror were the first to penetrate the Antarctic pack ice.

Robert Scott, Edward Wilson, Ernest Shackleton and their sledge party left McMurdo Sound in early November 1902 and headed south across the Ross Ice Shelf in the first serious attempt to reach the South Pole.

On December 14, 1911, after a 57 day journey, Roald Amundsen and his team of explorers arrived at the South Pole, a month before Robert Scott's party of 1911-12. Scott never made it back home. He perished with his crew before making it back to McMurdo.

http://www.mcmurdo.gov

Pros and Cons

Pros:Untouched, Natural Beauty
Cons:An expensive and far away destination
In a nutshell:Do not pass up ANY opportunity to come here

Last visit to Antarctica: Jan 2005
Intro Updated Dec 13, 2006
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Reviews (57)

Tomato Hotels (5)

As you hike along the groomed and approved paths here, you'll find these emergency shelters every mile or so. They are... more travel advice

Polar Star Ice Breaker Transportation (10)

Every summer, the Coast Guard moves this breaker south to clear out the path to McMurdo. It is critical to the winter... more travel advice

Scuba Diving? Sports & Outdoors (3)

Trust me, if you're Scuba Diving in Antarctica, it's not for pleasurable reasons..... Here is a Coast Guard diver,... more travel advice

Swing Dancing Nightlife (14)

I taught a basic West Coast Swing lesson at Gallighers one night. We had a great turnout.... more travel advice

Things to Do (10)
See All Castle Rock
Local Customs (4)
See All Links
Warnings and Dangers (3)
See All Pressure Ridges

Travelogues (4)

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Comments (71)

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850prc May 10, 2011 at 4:30 AM

amazing and exciting page, Frankster. BTW, they say that salads are healthy. I can see where those tomatos and kiwis could save your life. :)
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tropicalislander5 Dec 21, 2009 at 10:44 AM

Best in Antatrtica! Rooms are $2.00 for living there. Pay rent every 3 months
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ILUVTOTRAVEL Feb 22, 2008 at 8:49 AM

What a great experience...!!! Wish I'd known about bowling when I was there; I'd have bowled...!!! I did in Russia, Japan and other places. I loved reading your Antarctica stories and experiences. Thanks for sharing...Bonnie in Montana "ILUVTOTRAVEL"
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starship Dec 6, 2007 at 6:35 AM

Had no idea there were so many "researchers" in Anartica! Looks like a big fraternity party every night!
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aussirose May 25, 2007 at 9:28 PM

Looks like you had a stack of fun there Frank! I enjoyed a rummage through matey :o) Cheers, Ann.
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Agraichen May 5, 2007 at 9:28 PM

The operative question about your trip is, did you "join the club" by er...streaking between buildings at the base? One of my engineers set up the SAT com to enhance their internet communication at one point.
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Marina_tom Mar 27, 2007 at 2:53 PM

It's funny to see that there's some nightlife in Antarctica! :)))) Awesome!
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Bonobo2005 Nov 11, 2006 at 6:09 AM

"You may also come across a 'Kiwi' version of the Tomato" .... tx for this great tip, I'm sure I'd remember when I do :)....Really Wonderful & Unforgettable page...
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kammeres Oct 30, 2006 at 2:08 AM

Frank, did you know a buddy of mine that was there, he was a weather forecaster. His name is Gary Hall.
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travelfrosch Oct 1, 2006 at 4:34 PM

Wow, Frank! That's really cool! No, really... that's REALLY COOL! (thank you very much, I'll be here all week. Be kind to your servers, and try the veal.)