** ANTARCTICA - 2002 **
** Chapter SEVEN **
** Meetings with an ANTARCTIC WALKER **
This is the 22 March 2005 edition
of this page.
12 December 2002
The best-known and respected walker on our trip was, in fact, one of the crew. Like
the majority of the crew, she was born a Norwegian, but this one's name is SUNNIVA SORBY.
Sunniva was born in Tonsberg, Norway but later became a Canadian (growing up there)- but still had the Norwegian urges in her for Polar
explorations. She graduated from Bishop's University with a BA in Economics. Thus, early in her life, she sought out and found a group of women to form the
American Women's Antarctic Expedition. One of the most exciting and inspiring talks on our
trip was to be present at her famous talk of the Expedition. (Made about 11years before our
current voyage!)
Due to my earlier sea-sickness on the DRAKE PASSAGE, I was incapable of attending her
presentation, and having apologised, found out that it would be repeated because of the problems
in the the earlier 'passage'. In the less violent waters of Antarctica, I attended this repeat, and
also got a biographical sheet on her activities.
She had also become the Expedition Leader of the Trans-King George Island and the GREENLAND
Icecap crossings. The South Pole walk - of our talk - showed, for those who didn't already know,
what courage, stamina and strategic risk-management skills she has!
Whether she works as part of a team, or managing a team, her inspirational presence appears
a boon to any organisation. She is also a wonderful speaker with a great command of the
English language with her personality. Her talk to us, on December 8th 2002, was one of the
highlights of my voyage.
Elsewhere, she gives presentations to Corporations, Schools, Universities, Conventions and
Conferences on many topics involving Team Building, Strategic planning, Leadership, Problem
Solving, Goal setting, perseverance and wilderness experiences. Her history-making arrival
on 14th January 1993, at the South Pole (after a gruelling 700 mile across the Antarctic
Continent - pulling 200pound sleds for 67days) gave rise to our presentation "Four to the
Pole: The Antarctic Crossing".
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Having been cat-napping all night - and with the 'doctor's tablets' - I received a pain-free
night of sleep. There were still objects 'flying about the cabin' as we headed North along
GERLACHE STRAIT and BRANSFIELD STRAIT to our post-breakfast arrival at
HALF-MOON ISLAND.
I got my sheet from outside my door at 6.10am and found 'HalfMoon Island' on our map -
and also measured it up on the "Nav Map" on Deck 4 - and found it as 62deg35mins S at
59deg 55minsW.
I also called on SUNNIVA who was on-duty at the reception desk, and we had brief
chats about her web-card and my Western Square Dance shirt which she had commented
on!
Back in my cabin, I wrote out three 'cards' for my EMail, 'snail' and web addresses, getting
the first two delivered shortly afterwards - namely to SUNNIVA SORBY and MARTIN. Then,
I went immediately to the ZODIAC for my trip to HALF MOON ISLAND.
When I reached the island, I found a steep, dodgy, climb up the same slopes that the penguins use to
get to their rockeries! I had a none-too-pleasant time with some dangerous walking - before catching the
ZODIAC back to the NORDNORGE.
I was back in my own cabin and 'changed' by 10.30am., before going onto Deck No5 for
some photography of Icebergs, Zodiacs and Half Moon Island.
Then I needed to get a FANTA ORANGE with my 'Cruise Card' - setting it back another12NKr!!
Although I attended the briefing for the FINAL LANDING, I didn't go on this one, because of the
damage to my legs and the tablets NOT giving me adequate pain relief! I had a very long lunch break
lasting from 1pm until 2pm!!
I then took a relaxing, safer day on my bed in my own cabin, but in the afternoon, I got up to see
PROTECTING ANTARCTICA (in English) - a talk/presentation given by BIRGIT NJASTAD. After
that, I returned to my bed for the rest of the day due to the EXTREME CHOPPINESS as the ship
entered DRAKES PASSAGE heading for CAPE HORN. There were no problems as a flat posture
was maintained by me during the whole time on the bed!!
Still, I had to keep on taking the ship-doctor's pills to retain the comfort in case of any back movements.
EMail (?) to: Roy's Location.
Return to 2002's Index-page
or advance to CAPE HORN page
or return to Antarctic index-page
or return to Roy's home page for full
list of books/travelogues either finished or under preparation.