On July 7, 2012, I had the privilege of being a part of the
Expedition Team taking a group of 126 adventure seekers from Murmansk, Russia
to the Geographic North Pole. My time was spent contributing to helicopter
operations, zodiac operations and assisting the logistics team with various
behind the scenes duties. I also spent a good deal of time looking out for
wildlife such as polar bears, walrus, whales and birds, mingling with
passengers on the bridge and around the ship, and attending presentations delivered
by the incredibly experienced and knowledgeable lecturers. We also kept busy
with fun events such as cocktails with the captain, ship tours, ping pong
tournaments, BBQs, karaoke night, painting seminars, and celebrations,
including the largest celebration - arriving at the top of the world - 90°
North! Pictures and words
truly cannot capture the degree of excitement of being on board. Just watching
the ship - the most powerful nuclear icebreaker in the world - break through
over 2 meters of ice at 12 knots was a spectacle on its own. The time flew by on this 11-day journey, and everyone on board helped to make it the voyage of a lifetime!
Crushing through the ice with 75,000 horsepower
The Russian Nuclear-Powered Icebreaker 50 Let Pobedy (50 Years of Victory) as observed breaking through the ice from the onboard helicopter
Pretty cool place to go on my first ever helicopter flight!
Throwing massive chunks out of the water like it's nothing
This particular pressure ridge took 13 rams to get through
(slamming into it at full speed, backing up, and doing it again)
Eventually I had to get out and help pull the ship the last couple meters to the North Pole!
Rubini Rock, Hooker Island, Franz Joseph Land
The skilled Captain brought the bow of the ship remarkably close
The remains of a windmill at an old meteorology station
Russian Base, Hooker Island, Franz Joseph Land
Looking back as we depart Franz Joseph Land
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