In December Antarctic residents can enjoy a summer morning that will have a temperature as high as minus 25 degrees.Unfortunately, you also have to factor in the gale-forced winds that blow across this two-mile thick glacier which could easily freeze any exposed skin.There is not other location that has a climate this harsh.

The United States maintains a permanent station at the South Pole, and it is probably the most critical science station in the world and also the most isolated.The Pole at one time was barred to anyone except certified researchers and workers.But all this change when wealthy tourists and adventurers began to charter flights to the frosty region.antarctic cruise

There is likely to be nothing but white to see.From the South Pole, you will not be able to find a penguin for a thousand miles.However, being able to say that one has stood at the South Pole is something that few can claim.

Watching the diesel bulldozers and cranes help build the outpost up into an attraction is not something the scientists and officials are happy about.This is even more true when visitors show up during research season.It can’t really be helped, as no one can prevent them from doing so.

Protection and research of Antarctica was the aim of the treaty signed by 43 nations, although none of them, or any other country, has ownership of this frozen continent the size of Mexico and the U.S. put together.There is not a day that goes by that the three large U.S. stations are not staffed. This include the eight months of winter where the Pole is completely pitch-dark.There is an unwritten pact that demands that the crew provide assistance to all who journey to a latitude of 90 degrees south, whether they are there by invitation or not.best antarctic cruise

Due to the lack of knowledge about this land and the fact that it stands at 10,000 feet above sea level, visitation by untrained people is not promoted.The thrill seekers flock to the icy spot nonetheless, and subsequently need assistance to deal with their dehydration, altitude sickness, and extreme cold.

In 1975, the sleeping facilities of the dome were opened to accommodate thirty-three men.Since that time, that number has grown to two hundred men and women who pack this space and occupy all available beds.There is now a stretch of pre-built bunkhouses made of plywood, canvas, and plastic that make up what is known as Summer Camp.

“summer Camp”, similar to so many other camps, has a supply of fresh water that won’t run out.It costs twelve dollars for each gallon of fuel used to melt enough ice to wash laundry, flush toilets, and take showers, so these activities are considered infrequent luxuries.Researchers and support staff share a bathroom which is located away from their homes. The trek to the bathroom can be an experience in itself.

Military escorts were assigned to Antarctica’s first female researchers.Much has changed since then, as one-third of the workers at The Pole in summer are now women, and the men working with them regard them as equals.The Pole doesn’t give them any quarter either.

Studies that have been conducted have shown that people working in a severely cold environment, will take three times as much time to finish a routine job.The theorize this happens because the human brain has issues trying to produce the right types of chemicals to get even the simplest task done in such extreme cold.The conditions are even worse in the winter.

During the middle of February, the final plane takes off for the north.For the next half year, the station is manned by 28 brave souls.They have to deal with endless night until salvation comes in October.