Book of the month: Dixie Dansercoer & Adrien de Gerlache!
DIXIE DANSERCOER – ANTARCTICA 1897/1898-2007/2008, DIXIE DANSERCOER IN DE VOETSPOREN VAN ADRIEN DE GERLACHE – DAVIDSFONDS – 149p.
“That was then, but this is now”…history is coming back with Belgian Polar explorer Dixie Dansercoer & his new book titled “Antarctica 1897/1898 – 2007/2008 – Dixie Dansercoer in de voetsporen van Adrien de Gerlache” (Dixie Dansercoer in the footsteps of Adrien de Gerlache).
The man is so friendly, humble & Dixie is always ready to come across new Polar challenges…more info on who’s Dixie Dansercoer, click here to read my interview in French or here for the Dutch version >>
Dixie Dansercoer’s new book reflects his “love & history interest” for the Poles.
Today, he’s certainly part of Belgian’s Polar history…
In the context of the International Polar Year 07/08, remember both Alain Hubert & Dixie Dansercoer were up North between March-June 07 to achieve the so-called “The Arctic Arc” expedition. His focus is now the South Pole, the Antarctica continent.
This piece of work is a tribute to the 110th anniversary of the Belgica expedition lead in Antarctica by Adrien de Gerlache de Gomery (1897-1899). It was the first expedition ever to include scientific results (unknown plants were reported, meteorological data, composition of the sea water, new fauna specimen, …) that were later internationally recognised…read more here in French or click here to view the Dutch version – translation done here in English >>
Dixie & his crew decided to follow by sail the route (see maps at p.92-93) taken 110 years ago by Adrien de Gerlache, but also attempt to climb previously unexplored & unnamed mountains and try to gather ecological & meteorological data. Between January & February 1898 the expedition completed 20 landings on the islands along the Belgica Strait, later to be renamed the Gerlache Strait. View the beautiful picture at page 108-109 which describes the Gerlache Strait.
On the 28th of February 1898 the Belgica vessel was trapped in the ice of the Bellinghausen Sea. Despite incredible efforts from the crew to escape the icy water, the Belgica remained for 13 months frozen in the ice. It was the first time ever that anybody had over wintered in the South Antarctic.
The pictures are wonderful…with images taken from the air, breathtaking landscapes as at p. 8-9, 128…& an impressive fly jump from an iceberg by one of the crew members: Rumen Grosev… never try to imitate “Batman” folks even if the photo at page 144 looks “bloody whaouwww”. Well photographied Laurent!
Many photos are very much instructive, especially the ones which are comparing spots photographed today & 110 years ago…page 46 (departure day in Antwerp), p.90 (crew having a meal), p.91 (ice surfing), p.96 to 107 (Antarctica islands & spots)…
Dr Jozef Verlinden which wrote Adrien’ de Gerlache biography must be really pleased with all observations achieved 110 years after by Dixie Dansercoer’s expedition team.
Dixie & his mates were spotted windsurfing and kite boarding in the frigid waters near Palmer Station, an U.S. station north of the Antarctic Circle…see page 102, amazing!
The book shows that building an expedition for harsh conditions demands a crew with “motivation”, “team spirit” & “expertize”.
Well done guys…thanks to have reminded us with Polar history.
This book is really pleasant to read mixing history, education, modern sports & fun. Welcome to the Antarctica world!
May I suggest the editor to publish it too in French as this is part of the Belgian history!
