Howya !

Just when you thought you were mad, out of the mudcat jumps another madman !

I've been to Antarctica, oh near 10 years ago now, and yes it is cold and no there are no polar bears !!!

Actually the rhetorical answers above are a flashback to when on returning home people used to ask the most obvious of questions - Is it cold ? Etc

I'm not a scientist - a mechanic in fact, the thread posted above for B.A.S. is who I travelled down with and I have ot admit it was a fabulous experience and something I would possibly consider again but definitely recommend.

Of the 15 people we had on base only one could be regarded as scientist, one other almost a scientist and 3 others with pretensions to be... the rest of us lowlife were trades of one description or other ( mechanics, electrician, carpenter, cook, plumber, hanndyman and outdoor specialist(mountaineer etc )). There was no divide of trade/profession in fact it worked out great for everybody on our trip. The folk side of things went brilliant - at least 3 good folkies and a lot of wannabes.

It definitely is worth the experience but some caution first, beware that mail and fresh food comes but once a year, mixed gender for the winter is not allowed - in other words once there you see not the opposite sex 'till you get back (no I'm not gay ) which brings me nicely to when you get back... I was lucky in that my contract was one winter, I therefore stayed in Antartica for 15 months, some of my friends who I travelled down there with were contracted for 2 winters - I left behind on my return - they compoleted a 27 month tour. It is a long time away with no possibility of return eary for emergency or family etc. That said and known in advance though helps with acceptance. Once back in the real world the challenge is to accept crowds again - therein lies the greater challenge - some opt to go back again almost immediately.

Contact the people at BAS in Cambridge - they're very helpful and also by the way take people for shorter 6 month contracts - you get to go there - but staying the winter is better !

rgds

Diesel