Читать книгу Polar Exploration. A practical handbook for North and South Pole expeditions онлайн

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Clearly, it is up to each individual to take responsibility and to put in place all the pieces of the puzzle in order to prevent reckless behaviour on the ice. Polar expeditions are not an exact science, and with Mother Nature being fickle and unpredictable even the most professional explorers are faced with problems that have them puzzled. But everything must be based on appropriate experience and immaculate preparation – and, once out there, sensible decision-making. Even though the complete uncertainty of the polar pioneers has long gone – replaced by the relative security of the modern era – the risk factor is still very much present.

At the top of the world – but even with modern technology, there are always risks

Novices often give themselves a false sense of protection by surrounding themselves with hi-tech communications tools such as rescue beacons, satellite telephones, GPS and other apparatus, and then rely on them totally. But it has been proven again and again that the only way to appreciate the polar regions fully is to immerse yourself in all aspects of the terrain, and make sure that you survive without the gimmicks.