It wasn’t that many years ago that a trip to Antarctica would be unthinkable for mere mortals, like myself. Times have changed and access to these once only dreamt of places has become almost commonplace. I say almost, as a trip on to the Antarctic continent itself is still reserved for those that have a slightly more adventurous bent than most.
There are a number of projects that are in hand at present. One that particularly springs to mind is the BMC’s Mend Our Mountains, which wants to raise £1 million to repair some of the badly worn footpaths in our National Parks. There is also a lobby that thinks we ought to move over to the American system of charging an entrance fee. I’d have to say that’s a little controversial, especially as I’ve witnessed the American system first hand and their Park rules and regulations are strict, to say the least. If you’ve ever tried to get a permit for some of the long distance footpaths in the USA, you’ll understand how frustrating it can be. My point is, should access to these wilderness areas be restricted? And should it be so easy to get access to the few remaining pristine environments left on this planet? Or Should we restrict the enjoyment of our National Parks to a lottery system, such as the Americans have or should all wilderness areas be open for everyone to enjoy? I’m not sure I know the answer. There is, however, greater and greater pressure put on the ecosystems as our wilderness areas become more popular. But do we really want to return to an elitists attitude where only scientific exploration is allowed or only those that have the money are able to enjoy some of nature’s great wildernesses!
There are many places that I’d still like to visit, both in the UK and abroad, but there’s a price to be paid both environmentally and with time. The cliche ‘I don’t know how I found time to work’ once retired, appears to be true. I’ve never kept a diary in the whole of my working life…but I need to now. The environmental issue, well, most of you will know that I have been in the carbon burning industry all my working life, so environmentally I’ve got a lot of catching up to do. Travelling around the world comes at an environmental cost and I’m wondering how I can travel ‘carbon neutral. Don’t worry I haven’t become a raving environmentalist, but as I’ve got older my conscience has been starting to prick. I’ve always believed that there ought to be a balance of renewable and conventional energy for our ever increasing consumption, whilst we slowly move over to a more renewable source.
What I’m really trying to say is I’ve just booked my flight to Santiago and then on to Punta Atenas. For those that have never heard of Punta Arenas, it’s the gateway to Union Glacier on Antarctica and the base for climbing Mount Vinson.
Just to make it clear I believe in access for all and not just the elitist few and for that to work then we all have to be responsible for the environment that more and more of us are taking great pleasure in visiting.
So I now have to work out how to pass all bodily waste through thermals, hardshell trousers and down salopettes, with exposing just the minimal of flesh for the minimal amount of time at minus 25 degrees, into a bag that can be transported back to Chile!!