Antarctic Peninsula – Cruise Expedition Opportunity Nov/Dec 2008

Martin Myers-Allen writes: “The College has built up quite a tradition for Journeys of Self-Discovery over the last decade. Every two years over a fifth of the sixth form join as expeditioners on one of “Martin Myers-Allen’s adventures”. Expeditions have taken place in Bolivia, Namibia, Nepal, Venezuela, Peru and, more recently, Tibet and the North Face of Everest.

This summer, 36 sixth formers and four members of staff are going to Chile to climb a snow-capped volcano, Mt Licancabur (5916m), in the Atacama Desert. In 2009 the College will be going back to Nepal to climb Mt. Kala Patar (5454m) and trek to the Everest Base Camp by the southern route before undertaking an elephant trek in Chitwan National Park.

The expedition company that I use, Far Frontiers Expeditions Ltd, are now the official providers of society tours for the Royal Geographical Society with IBG. The company has an enviable reputation for tailor-made expeditions and are integral to the success of each of our ventures.

Far Frontiers Expeditions Ltd has taken a private charter of one of the best small expedition ships to operate in Antarctica. I have been offered 16 berths to join this prestigious tour in the company of Fellows of the Royal Geographical Society; members of the James Caird Society and the South Georgia Association on an adventure voyage from 17th November – 8th December 2008. The party will visit the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Orkneys and the Antarctic Peninsula.

I would like to put together a party of Old Framlinghamians and can offer places to OFs, their friends and families. As you can imagine this is going to be extremely popular so it is very important to register your interest early. I am very confident that these 16 places will fill rapidly, so I would urge you to contact me to provisionally hold a place. I would hope to have formed a party by 15th August. I am away in Chile in July and in the Maldives in August therefore Jan at Far Frontiers Expeditions Ltd will act as my coordinator. So, if you cannot get hold me you can contact her straight away on jan@farfrontiers.org or by calling 0844 8009029. She knows all of the cabins and everything about flights so will be able to answer any of your queries.

The first 16 who book are assured of a place and there isn’t a minimum number required to make the expedition viable. I have attached the expedition details as a pdf (see below). You can also click a link below to see an application form, which you can print off, complete and send back to Jan. I would encourage you to talk to Jan if you have the slightest interest. She will be able to allocate you the berth of your choice and tailor any of your personal requirements for flights for example.

I know that this will be a trip of a lifetime and Antarctica is one the last untouched places on earth. Throughout my time at the College I have endeavoured to promote a spirit of adventure and this is an opportunity for those who have been to the College to come together on a shared adventure in the company of like-minded OFs.

I have organised a private presentation in the Headmaster Porter Theatre at 4.45pm on the 22nd September (conveniently, just before the Suffolk Supper) when our party can come together and meet the Managing Director, Chris Short, who is passionate about Antarctica. At some stage there will be a private visit to the Scott Polar Institute in Cambridge. Having read this I hope I have fired your spirit. Why not drop me an email at mmyers-allen@framcollege.co.uk or call me at home on 01728 727236. “

To see an itinerary and details of cabin arrangements and costs, click Itinerary etc.

To see a booking form, which you can print for completion and posting to Jan at Far Frontiers, click Booking Form