The Last Degree / Spring 2010 (part 2/2)

24 pictures posted on the 14.05.2010

Typical view of a northern town with the tall chimney that reminds us that the heating for the entire region is cogenerated.

Typical view of a northern town with the tall chimney that reminds us that the heating for the entire region is cogenerated.

© Alain Hubert

  • Because of the cold temperatures, an open lead used to freeze quite rapidly and offered new routes for the way ahead.
  • To cross such a lead with a double bridge on it (2 sledges, it takes no more than six minutes to get eight people on to the other side.
  • We try to stay together and are accustomed to waiting for each other.
  • When I help the other people in difficult terrains such as this one, the progression of course becomes easier for them.
  • Walking on ice such as this is often frustrating. Because difficulties never end. But it's an inescapable part of a polar trek.
  • Every time we cross open water such as this, we always have to keep in mind that we are walking on a deep ocean.
  • Usually, the camp is set up around a pyramidal mess tent in which we have dinner and breakfast together.
  • This is a fresh open lead and we have to follow it until we find a safe crossing.
  • Easy terrain such as this for example is part of the game as well.
  • The Antonov 74 looks like a strange eagle and never turns its engine off because of the cold.
  • More than 12,000 MI-8 helicopters like these have been produced by the Russians in Moscow, with more than 2,800 of them being exported. They are operational with over 50 air forces worldwide.
  • Being well organized is one of the key to the success of such a trip.
  • That’s our helicopter MI-8 returning from the Pole to Barneo.
  • The wind makes it easier to go through ice compression.
  • How strange it is to see rivers such as these in the middle of the Arctic Ocean...
  • Usually we walk not far from each other. For safety reasons, of course.
  • I personally will never tire of the profundity of this white horizon.
  • The low level of the sun transforms the landscape.
  • Even when the ice looks still, we can often find some frozen blocks for continuing our route to the North.
  • Two of my clients: they are happy but tired, at -28°C on 22 April at the North Pole.
  • What a relief! A strange and unique moment everyone feels when getting at last to the North Pole...
  • This tractor is parachuted on to the middle of the ice. It is used for preparing the landing strip at Barneo.
  • This is a basic bulldozer but they are the only ones that can operate in such difficult conditions.
  • Typical view of a northern town with the tall chimney that reminds us that the heating for the entire region is cogenerated.