Want To Join The Scott Centenary Expedition?

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By: Kraig Becker
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With the 2011 Antarctic season barely underway, there are already plans afoot for next year. In 2012, an expedition will head out to the ice to visit the final resting spot of Robert Falcon Scott and his loyal crew, and if you’re up for the challenge, you might just get to go along for the adventure.

As most of you know, back in 1911 Scott was locked in a race with his Norwegian rival, Roald Amundsen to see who would become the first person to reach the South Pole. Many explorers had tried to achieve that feat, but all were turned back by the inhospitable conditions in Antarctica. On December 14, 1911, Amundsen arrived at 90ºS, winning the heated competition. A month later, Scott would also arrive at that point, only to find the Norwegian flag already in place. Dejected and defeated, he and his men turned for home. Along the way they were caught in a storm that lasted for more than ten days, and Scott, along with two of his men, perished in their tent, just 11 miles from a life saving supply cache.

The legacy of Robert Falcon Scott has lived on in the U.K., where he is still held amongst their most revered explorers. With that in mind, the 2012 International Scott Centenary Expedition will return to his final resting spot, a place that hasn’t been visited in nearly 100 years, to pay final respects and to hold a memorial service. The team will consist of five members who will make the journey overland, and once on site, they’ll be joined by five family members of the men who died on Scott’s expedition. Additionally, the U.K. newspaper the Telegraph is looking to send another young Brit along the journey, and if you have an adventurous spirit, you might just get to go along on this historic adventure.

You can read about all the details for yourself, and learn how to apply, by clicking here. Entrants are open to residents of the U.K. between the ages of 18-30. (which drops me out of the running on both accounts.)

I would absolutely love to be a part of this expedition. What an amazing adventure and I’ll definitely be following their progress next year, which will mark the 100 anniversary of the discovery of Scott’s final camp.

Kraig Becker
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