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0:00:31 > 0:00:33- I'm in Chile, and yes, it is!
0:00:34 > 0:00:37- What am I doing here - if I'm on my way to the South Pole?
0:00:38 > 0:00:40- Well, this is the only way to do it.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44- You have to cross over - to Santiago in northern Chile...
0:00:44 > 0:00:48- ..and travel down to here, - Punta Arenas in the south...
0:00:48 > 0:00:52- ..to wait for suitable weather - to travel to the South Pole.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56- Until the weather improves, - I'll stay in Chile...
0:00:56 > 0:00:58- ..and have a wander around - Punta Arenas.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00- It's closed today - it's Sunday!
0:01:01 > 0:01:03- To recap on the journey so far...
0:01:03 > 0:01:08- ..I've travelled from Pembrokeshire, - through Brittany and Spain...
0:01:08 > 0:01:11- ..and then on to Morocco and Mali.
0:01:11 > 0:01:15- To reach the South Pole, I've - veered off the line completely...
0:01:16 > 0:01:18- ..and arrived in Punta Arenas.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21- I'm still quite a distance - from the South Pole.
0:01:22 > 0:01:27- Punta Arenas is a large town and - headquarters of the Chilean navy.
0:01:27 > 0:01:32- A number of famous adventurers - have passed through the town.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35- Isn't that an amazing chimney - for a cafe!
0:01:35 > 0:01:39- It's fine here today but the town - is renowned for being windy.
0:01:40 > 0:01:44- Small boats have been seen - flying through the air.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48- I'm travelling to the South Pole...
0:01:48 > 0:01:51- ..with Adventure - Network International.
0:01:51 > 0:01:55- Neil, a former - Aberystwyth University student...
0:01:55 > 0:01:58- ..contacts the base - in the South Pole every day...
0:01:59 > 0:02:01- ..to check up on flying conditions.
0:02:01 > 0:02:03- Visibility 03 kilometres, over.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11- I copy. Present weather - light falling snow...
0:02:11 > 0:02:15- ..cloud eight oktas - of Sierra Tango at 1,000 feet.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18- There's no hope for us today!
0:02:18 > 0:02:21- No significant change - expected today.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24- Juliet Whiskey, over.
0:02:24 > 0:02:26- I like this technological age.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30- This is how they work out - the forecast for tomorrow.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36- There we go. 'Too cloudy'!
0:02:36 > 0:02:41- That's how much hope we have - of getting good weather.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49- I made the most of the opportunity - to explore Chile....
0:02:50 > 0:02:55- ..but we stayed close to the phone - in case the weather improved.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59- We would only have 45 minutes - to prepare ourselves for the flight.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03- Today, the weather in Antarctica - was so poor...
0:03:04 > 0:03:05- ..we had no hope of flying.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08- There was hope - of seeing some penguins, though.
0:03:08 > 0:03:13- The Magellanic penguins are one - of the area's main attractions.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16- They were pretty creatures, - but didn't move much.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20- We would see more interesting - penguins later.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39- Back in Punta Arenas, - the long wait continued.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43- We hung around for a whole week, - but suddenly...
0:03:45 > 0:03:48- Yeah! - They just phoned to say we can go.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52- I'm wearing my thermals and fleece - - I'm sweating pints!
0:03:52 > 0:03:54- Coat, boots and the bus is here.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00- This was the start of the first half - of the journey to the South Pole.
0:04:00 > 0:04:06- This Aleutian aeroplane would take - us to Patriot Hills in Antarctica.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10- We all sat along the sides - of the aeroplane...
0:04:10 > 0:04:13- ..with the cargo tied up - in the middle.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15- There was no Duty Free!
0:04:16 > 0:04:19- The four-hour journey - to Patriot Hills...
0:04:20 > 0:04:22- ..would still leave us - a long way from the South Pole.
0:04:23 > 0:04:28- During the journey, the plane's heat - was reduced to help us acclimatise.
0:04:39 > 0:04:44- We landed in Antartica - for the first time, without brakes!
0:04:44 > 0:04:46- They're pointless on ice...
0:04:47 > 0:04:51- ..so a reverse thrust on - the propellers slows the plane down.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54- It created an unbelievable noise.
0:05:05 > 0:05:07- Wow!
0:05:19 > 0:05:20- And another wow!
0:05:21 > 0:05:25- The landscape around Patriot Hills - is incredible.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28- Ice and mountains - as far as the eye can see.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32- This ice under our feet - is five kilometres thick.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38- The first thing that strikes you - is the brightness and the colour.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41- Everything is so white and so blue.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45- I knew it would be, - but there's so much of it.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49- It's like this all day - and all night.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51- Wow!
0:05:51 > 0:05:53- It's fantastically beautiful.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57- Just look at those mountains! - I can't believe where I am!
0:05:57 > 0:06:00- Wow! I'm on the bottom of the world!
0:06:03 > 0:06:05- Patriot Hills is a temporary camp.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08- It's built every autumn - when it's light...
0:06:08 > 0:06:11- ..and taken down in February - when it's dark again.
0:06:12 > 0:06:17- This is my tent. My tent had a name, - but I would have preferred Amundsen.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20- He returned home alive, didn't he?!
0:06:21 > 0:06:23- It's quite cosy here.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25- A real bed - it's spongy!
0:06:26 > 0:06:28- A sleeping bag - which is toasty warm.
0:06:28 > 0:06:32- I slept like a baby last night.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34- Camera equipment!
0:06:35 > 0:06:37- These are here, too.
0:06:38 > 0:06:42- A water bottle and a weeing bottle!
0:06:42 > 0:06:44- They've got labels on them!
0:06:45 > 0:06:47- No, I haven't been yet!
0:06:48 > 0:06:52- In the meeting tent, a lovely lady - named Fran explained to us...
0:06:52 > 0:06:55- ..everything we needed to know.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58- People are here - for different reasons.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02- To climb Mount Vincent, to ski - or walk to the South Pole...
0:07:02 > 0:07:06- ..or to enjoy the experience - of being here.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13- This place is like Glan-llyn - on ice...
0:07:13 > 0:07:16- ..but with a limited choice - of activities.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20- You can wash your clothes here - and there's no need to bring starch!
0:07:21 > 0:07:24- Time means nothing here. - It's light all the time...
0:07:24 > 0:07:28- ..which is handy if you need - the toilet during the night.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30- A toilet in Antarctica.
0:07:31 > 0:07:36- Here it is. - Only solids are passed into there...
0:07:36 > 0:07:38- ..because they're in a bag.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41- It's taken away from here - in an aeroplane!
0:07:41 > 0:07:44- Weeing is easy for men.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46- An urinal - here it is.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48- I won't show you!
0:07:48 > 0:07:51- This is what you use - if you're a woman.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53- A bucket!
0:07:53 > 0:07:58- We get one of these and you - place the bucket underneath it...
0:07:58 > 0:08:00- ..to improve your aim!
0:08:00 > 0:08:02- Then, you pour it in there.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05- If you leave it in the bucket, - it freezes.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09- I don't know where that wee goes!
0:08:09 > 0:08:11- And then...
0:08:12 > 0:08:17- Someone's put water in there - to wash their hands and it's frozen.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21- I use the gel that surgeons - and hospital staff use.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24- There it is - the toilet.
0:08:25 > 0:08:26- Excuse me.
0:08:33 > 0:08:38- This is the tent where everyone - comes to eat and keep warm.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40- Water is very precious here.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44- It's produced by melting snow.
0:08:44 > 0:08:49- You take the snow, place it in here - and it melts slowly.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53- This is the water we use - to wash and brush our teeth.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58- This is the drinking water.
0:08:58 > 0:09:04- This is clean water we use to - fill our water bottles and kettle.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10- This is the stove - which keeps the place warm.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13- Some people - are warming their boots here.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20- This is where we keep coffee, - chocolate and sugar.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23- These are the kettles.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26- This is the hot water - for your cuppa.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29- This is where we boil the water.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33- This is on the go all the time.
0:09:33 > 0:09:38- You fill the kettles, boil the water - and transfer the water to there.
0:09:38 > 0:09:44- You refill them and put them back - on the oven continuously.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46- This is the cooking area.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50- This is Gavin. Hello, Gavin.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54- You've got a girlfriend, - haven't you? Where does she live?
0:09:54 > 0:09:57- She lives in - Dinbych-y-pysgod (Tenby)!
0:09:57 > 0:10:01- It's a small world! - Why isn't she here?
0:10:01 > 0:10:05- She's enjoying the summer in Sydney. - We spent the summer in Wales.
0:10:05 > 0:10:06- Were you there all summer?
0:10:06 > 0:10:08- Were you there all summer?- - Yeah, all summer.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11- In Pembrokeshire? - It's nice, isn't it?
0:10:12 > 0:10:13- It's a great place.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15- It's a great place.- - Now you're here. What's for supper?
0:10:16 > 0:10:19- We're having carrots tonight - - carrots and salmon.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23- Carrots and salmon? Lovely.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25- The food was lovely.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30- There was no need for a freezer - - they keep everything underground.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33- But the weather can change - in an instant.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44- Sometimes, you have to wait - for days for a storm to pass.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47- It's an opportunity for me - to win some money!
0:10:48 > 0:10:53- This man's a millionaire, and after - playing rummy with him, I know why.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56- To be honest, - everyone here is wealthy.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00- Reaching the South Pole - isn't cheap...
0:11:00 > 0:11:03- ..and this man is here - for the third time...
0:11:03 > 0:11:07- ..since the weather - spoiled his last two trips.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- By now, - we'd been waiting for days...
0:11:19 > 0:11:23- ..and wondering if we'd get home - by Christmas at this rate.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31- As I contemplated starting - another book, the weather improved.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44- The weather's perfect, - the plane's ready...
0:11:45 > 0:11:47- ..and we're off to the bottom - of the world.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50- The man in the fluffy hat - is from Russia...
0:11:50 > 0:11:54- ..there are two Americans, - two Englishmen and us!
0:11:54 > 0:11:56- The Welsh! Off to the South Pole.
0:12:06 > 0:12:11- As the plane prepared for take-off, - the weather changed again.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16- The wind started sweeping the snow - off the mountains.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18- It didn't last long and off we went.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38- Yes, it was cramped!
0:12:38 > 0:12:40- There was no toilet, either!
0:12:40 > 0:12:45- The journey from Patriot Hills - to the South Pole lasts six hours...
0:12:45 > 0:12:47- ..so I crossed my legs.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51- I wasn't going to use - my weeing bottle unless I had to.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53- The best thing to do was sleep.
0:13:00 > 0:13:05- After dreaming of a hot bath, - we were in sight of the South Pole.
0:13:05 > 0:13:06- We'd arrived.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13- Behind me - is the Amundsen-Scott Dome.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15- It was built in the '70s.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17- It's about to be destroyed.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21- If you visit the South Pole one day, - it won't be here.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23- This is an historic trip.
0:13:25 > 0:13:30- The flags represent the 12 countries - that make up the Antarctic Treaty.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34- It was time now - to set off for the South Pole.
0:13:34 > 0:13:39- This is the ceremonial pole where - dignitaries and politicians stand...
0:13:39 > 0:13:44- ..for photo calls to prove that - they've reached the South Pole.
0:13:44 > 0:13:49- There's no Welsh flag here, so - we've brought our own Welsh dragon.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51- We're here!
0:13:52 > 0:13:54- This building is under construction.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56- It'll look lovely - when it's finished!
0:13:57 > 0:14:01- There's a lot of mess to clear. This - wasn't what I'd expected to see.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06- This is the geographical south pole.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11- The other one's ceremonial, - this is the true South Pole.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14- One step in this direction - and I'm heading north.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18- Actually, everywhere you walk - from here is northwards.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21- Look, - I'm walking around the world now!
0:14:26 > 0:14:29- I've walked around the world.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31- Guess what!
0:14:37 > 0:14:40- I've walked around the world - the other way!
0:14:40 > 0:14:41- Good, eh!
0:14:42 > 0:14:46- 250 people, mostly scientists, - live on the South Pole.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49- 100 of them stay here - over the winter...
0:14:49 > 0:14:52- ..when it's dark - all day and all night.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57- After the break, I'll be - the other side of Antarctica.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01- Until then, - from the South Pole, goodbye!
0:15:09 > 0:15:09- 888
0:15:09 > 0:15:11- 888
0:15:17 > 0:15:22- During the commercial break, - just to confuse you...
0:15:22 > 0:15:25- ..I've reached - the other side of the world.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28- Far, far in the distance - is New Zealand.
0:15:28 > 0:15:33- I'm on my way to the Ross Sea.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37- The journey to reach the Ross Sea - is long but interesting.
0:15:37 > 0:15:42- After leaving New Zealand, we'll - pass the sub-Antarctic islands...
0:15:42 > 0:15:45- ..before crossing the - Southern Ocean to reach Cape Adare.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49- Then, we'll break through the ice - to reach Mc Murdo...
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- ..the most southerly point - you can reach by boat.
0:15:53 > 0:15:57- The journey on an ice-breaker is - very different from other cruises.
0:15:58 > 0:16:03- The Kapitan Klebnikov is a working - ship, yet still very comfortable.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09- This is my home - for the next three weeks.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13- I've never been on a cruise before, - but so far, I'm enjoying it!
0:16:14 > 0:16:18- Look, a chair that doesn't move - when it gets stormy!
0:16:18 > 0:16:22- If the weather turns, - you put your cups in these holders.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25- In the bathroom, look!
0:16:27 > 0:16:30- This is where you keep - all your toiletries.
0:16:30 > 0:16:34- They don't fall out - when the sea becomes choppy.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37- You must always keep - the toilet seat down.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40- People have lost things in the past.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43- They leave a watch on there - and... plop! Bye!
0:16:48 > 0:16:49- TOILET FLUSHES
0:16:49 > 0:16:52- The sea became rougher - in an instant.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54- Just enough to remind you...
0:16:54 > 0:16:57- ..that you were on the most - dangerous sea in the world.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01- And you can't put stabilisers - on an ice breaker.
0:17:01 > 0:17:05- We're far from New Zealand now, - out on the ocean.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10- As you can see from these books, - it's a little stormier out here.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12- I didn't sleep much last night...
0:17:12 > 0:17:16- ..because I was sliding - back and forth all night.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18- A lot of people are ill now.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22- There were more people here - for supper last night...
0:17:22 > 0:17:24- ..than for breakfast this morning.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26- So far, I'm fine... just.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37- We would normally go up - to the bridge to spot birds.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41- We're not allowed up today - because it's too stormy.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45- We have to stay on the deck. - It's fun here.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51- Richard, the cameraman, - didn't agree!
0:17:51 > 0:17:52- Poor dab!
0:17:57 > 0:18:03- The Kapitan Klebnikov dropped anchor - in a bay near Enderby Island.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07- A short journey on a zodiac boat - takes us to the shore.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13- It's a small island - with an abundance of wildlife.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15- These are Hooker's sea lions.
0:18:15 > 0:18:20- To enable the scientists on - the island to recognise each one...
0:18:20 > 0:18:23- ..the small ones wear yellow hats.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27- I've never been this close - to sea lions.
0:18:27 > 0:18:32- They're noisy, they smell, - but they're fantastic!
0:18:32 > 0:18:36- To be honest, it's like being out - in Bala on a Saturday night.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40- The men are all fighting - over the women...
0:18:40 > 0:18:43- ..and the women - aren't really bothered about it.
0:18:43 > 0:18:48- I'm glad I'm not a sea lioness - because the males are so rude.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50- They don't even ask!
0:18:52 > 0:18:53- And they're ugly!
0:18:55 > 0:18:58- The little ones are a lot cuter!
0:18:58 > 0:19:01- The sea lions rule the beach...
0:19:01 > 0:19:04- ..but these creatures rule the air.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10- You know the feeling you get when - you're on a mountain in Wales...
0:19:11 > 0:19:13- ..and a jet flies past your head.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16- These albatrosses - do exactly the same thing.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20- They're huge, and they enjoy - flying past your head.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22- These aren't - the biggest albatrosses.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26- The wandering albatrosses - are the biggest...
0:19:26 > 0:19:28- ..but these are - the royal albatrosses.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32- You can tell the difference - by the colour of the tails.
0:19:33 > 0:19:38- The royal albatross has a white tail - and a black mark on its beak.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41- So, there you have it - - the royal albatross.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44- They're flirting at the moment.
0:19:44 > 0:19:49- The ones in the air are youngsters - who don't know how to flirt!
0:19:50 > 0:19:54- I'd rather be a female albatross - than a female sea lion any day!
0:19:54 > 0:19:58- Male albatrosses know - how to look after a lady.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10- Do you see the bird behind me?
0:20:10 > 0:20:16- When it opens its wings, - it's so big, its wingspan is 325cms.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19- Its beak is rather large, too.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30- On we go southwards.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33- People's stomachs - had settled down now...
0:20:34 > 0:20:35- ..and everyone was relaxed.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40- There was plenty to do on board - - a sauna and a swimming pool...
0:20:40 > 0:20:42- ..but I enjoyed talking - to the others.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47- There were people here - from all over the world.
0:20:47 > 0:20:51- Some were ornithologists, - others were historians.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55- There were many single females. - Some passengers were rich...
0:20:55 > 0:20:58- ..and some had saved for years - to realise their dream.
0:20:59 > 0:21:05- Over there, somewhere in - the distance, is our first iceberg.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10- When we heard it was there, we - all rushed to the deck like fools.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14- It's quite far away and it'll - take us a while to pass it.
0:21:14 > 0:21:18- To be honest, we won't see - that much of it when we pass it.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21- But there's another one over there!
0:21:26 > 0:21:28- No, it wasn't that big.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31- A little taster of what was to come.
0:21:31 > 0:21:36- As we saw more and more icebergs, - we had another reason to celebrate.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41- Good morning. Who would like - a hot chocolate and rum?
0:21:41 > 0:21:46- It's 2.30am and I'm drinking - hot chocolate and rum.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48- There is a reason for this.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52- We've just crossed - the Antarctic Circle line...
0:21:52 > 0:21:55- ..which means we're now - in the Antarctic.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57- What a stupid time to cross it!
0:22:03 > 0:22:06- By now, - it was getting really cold...
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- ..and it was always light. - Time meant nothing to us.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14- Soon, we had our first look - at the Antarctic...
0:22:15 > 0:22:17- ..a taste of things to come.
0:22:23 > 0:22:29- I was expecting us to break through - mounds of ice to reach Antarctica.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33- I was also expecting to reach - Cape Adare tomorrow morning.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37- But a strong wind has blown - the packed ice away.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40- We're almost there.
0:22:40 > 0:22:46- In spite of this, it's still taken - seven days to reach our destination.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50- So, there we are, - we're almost there.
0:22:50 > 0:22:51- Good, eh!
0:22:55 > 0:22:58- Next week, we'll be - breaking through the ice...
0:22:58 > 0:23:02- ..seeing hundreds of orcas, - seals and penguins...
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- ..and reaching Shackleton - and Scott's cabins.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12- S4C subtitles by Rh Sion Morgan