Aloha Antarctica – Never again?

It has been almost 8 months since we had to abort our Aloha Antarctica Expedition. Having made it all the way up onto the ice cap, to an elevation of 2700 meters above sea level, we had to abandon our dream of reaching the South Pole due to lack of wind. As far as this goal was concerned, we had to capitulate and concede defeat.

Since our return back to civilisation, we weren’t very enthusiastic about anything to do with the expedition, sports and training. While we both managed, more or less successfully, to reintegrate into daily life - a bitter taste and sense of defeat was still lingering within us.

As time passes it is becoming clear how deeply this project has moved and changed us. That it wasn’t just a holiday trip born out of vanity but a milestone in our personal development and evolution. And – that it is not yet complete, within as without.

This is why we have decided that we will continue our Aloha Antarctica Expedition. To proceed from where we had to abort. Not to abandon our Vision but to infuse it with new life, dedication and passion.

Admittedly, just the thought about the many implications of this decision has parts of us running for the hills… To once again open ourselves to utter uncertainty and total vulnerability. Nagging doubts and concerns once again begging us to reconsider and stay safe: “What if there is still no wind?”; “What if we can’t find our depot on the 81st parallel south?”; “What if the depot is damaged or blown over by the relentless Antarctic storms?”; “What if we were to fail again to make our way to the South Pole?”, etc., etc.

No matter – as it feels by far worse not to allow ourselves to once again immerse ourselves in this unique and precious opportunity. To deny that to come forth which wants to give rise and expression through Aloha? While we cannot say what ‘that’ is exactly, we can say that we will head down to Antarctica again in 2011. To once again put our lives, our hopes, dreams and fears on the line and face not only countless demons but the very heart and joy of who and what we truly are.

So, over the next two years of preparation we will give all of you who are interested in partaking and joining our journey once again, a monthly Ice Blog update to keep you in the loop on our progress. There remains a lot to do – learning from our past experience and optimising logistics, equipment, mental and physical training, etc. The clock is ticking already….

Aloha and stay tuned,

Armin and Dieter

Dispatch library

Aloha Antarctica – Never again?

That was a close shave!

Back in Germany
Saturday, 06.12.2008 - 20:35

Capetown
3 Dec, 08 - 12:20

Day 26
1 Dec, 08 - 15:37

Day 25
30 Nov, 08 - 19:56

Day 24
29 Nov, 08 - 20:48

Day 23
28 Nov, 08 - 20:39

Day 22
27 Nov, 08 - 20:21

Day 21
26 Nov, 08 - 19:23

Press 4 ende

Day 20
25 Nov, 08 - 20:41