The Wall Expedition
This expedition was my first encounter with Antarctica. The objective: the first ascent of the Holtanna (2650m) in the Queen Maud Land region of Antarctica.
The team for the first ascent of Holtanna: Alain Hubert (Belgium), Ralph Dujmovits (Germany), André Georges (Switzerland), Fabrizzio Zangrilli (U.S.), and Daniel Mercier and René Robert (France). Also with us was Katelijne Vanheulekom (Belgium), in charge of communications with headquarters, and scientists Alain Bidart (France) and Ronald Ross (U.S.), who were working on different education and research projects.
I will always remember those nights we spent in the portaledge, attached to the mountain. What a first encounter with Antarctica!
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Antarctica
My first encouter with the vastness of Antarctica. Believe me, you feel really small.
- Antarctica
- December 2, 2000
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Holtanna
"the Wall" as seen from a Twin Otter after our first successful ascent. Not a very original name but rather an apt descrition of those 800 meters.
- Antarctica
- January 1, 2001
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Blue Ice
Antarctica hides its dangers and treacherousness behind beauty.
- Antarctica
- February 3, 2001
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Looking at the world
That's whay you call "a mountain with a view"
- Antarctica
- January 20, 2001
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Ferinyunga
Nice view of the Ferinyunga circle.
- Antarctica
- February 5, 2001
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Climbing
A close up of Alain Hubert climbing the Holtanna. People now call this "the Belgian route".
- Antarctica
- December 31, 2000
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Ascent
Another ascent in the Ferinyunga mountains.
- Antarctica
- January 15, 2001
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Portalegde
The infamous portaledge: a hanging tent system designed for rock climbers and our home for the night.
- Antarctica
- December 30, 2000
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Verticality
That's what 800 meters of pure vertical in Antarctica looks like.
- Antarctica
- December 28, 2000