Antarctica Bonds

15th June 2012

Sharing Father and Son Antarctica Adventures

Celebrating Father's Day this Sunday we thought we'd share our very own Ben Roseveare's Antartica adventure (which he so happened to enjoy with his own father). A touching account of dreams fulfilled whilst scaling incredible Antarctic peaks, Ben and his father relive their own views of this memorable travelling tale.

From Ben...

My Dad and I were catapulted out of our comfort zone into a wonderful shared space…

Dad left the family home and moved away when I was at junior school. My memories have always therefore included feelings of separation. But also vivid recollections of an outdoors man who introduced me to the mountains and of an individual who instilled ‘wanderlust’ and the idea of possibility.

Dad grew up on childhood tales of past Polar explorers. He can recall how Scott’s race for the Pole left an indelible desire to one day visit this visceral wilderness to gain for himself a real sense of the discovery and bravery.

It really was a little too good to be true, but a few years ago my Dad and I joined an Antarctic Explorer expedition. The prospect of six days of zodiac landings and expert guided walks in the peninsula were exciting enough, but once we had collected our ice boots, crampons, harness and ice axe, expectations were running at fever pitch!

Nothing (and I mean nothing) prepared us for the startling beauty of the next few days. As a small climbing party of 10, we were privileged to find ourselves standing on top of two small Antarctic mountains - Spigot and Bananarama Peaks. The elevated panoramic views of what is already an ethereal landscape I find impossible to put into words. I’m not going to try.

Bonded? Would we do it again? I’d do it tomorrow! Where do I sign up?

From Ben's Dad...

A rare chance for Ben and I to share this as father and son…

My Father, Ben’s Grandad, took his inspiration from Edward Wilson who died with Scott on that heroic but tragic polar journey, and he named me Robert Edward in tribute. So I was brought up with a special regard for the polar explorers and Antarctica. It was an opportunity not to be missed when Ben invited me to travel with him to the Seventh Continent.

Nothing had prepared me for the sheer scale, immensity and outstanding beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula. I was struck by the subtle ever-changing ice and seascapes, the quality of the light, the dark black water and monochrome landscape of the Le Maire channel, the awesome sight of leopard seals or pods of orca approaching the boat and the solitude.

It was also a rare chance for Ben and I to share this as father and son. Not only have we seldom had time together alone, but as Ben says, we have spent most of our years at a distance. So to share this ultimate experience together was very special; whether camping on ice, taking the polar plunge, scaling our first ice cliff, quietly sketching penguins on their nests, or reflecting on the critical issues of global warming… together.

Ben and his Dad travelled on the Antarctic Explorer itinerary (Trip Code: PSX)
On special departures we can offer Mountaineering and other Adventure Options – please call one of our Polar Experts for more details on 0845 330 6013.

Feeling Inspired?

If you're celebrating Father's Day today perhaps you'd like to share your favourite travel moments with your dad? We'd love you to share them with us on Facebook here...

Or perhaps you'd like to take another adventure with your dad? If so click here to enter our 'Win a Trip for Two' competition!