It's not a trip for the faint-hearted, fusspots or the claustrophobic.
But for Adele Jackson, a 42-year-old from Clayton West, a journey to the end of the world is set to be the trip of a lifetime.
The arts officer with Kirklees Council will in a few months’ time exchange a world of meetings about regenerating culture for a more rough and ready – and much colder – world.
She is going to spend five months on a tiny island in the Antarctic Peninsula with just three other people and thousands of penguins for company and tasked with sorting post at the UK’s most remote post office.
She has had to show a ruthless streak too – beating off competition from 2,400 applicants from more than 75 countries..
Each year UK Antarctic Heritage Trust based in Cambridge selects a small team to spend five months at Port Lockroy, on Goudier Island.
Among the questions asked of candidates were: “Can you carry a big heavy box over slippery rocks and slushy snow whilst dodging penguins?” And: “Are you happy not to shower for up to a month, live in proximity to three people and 2,000 smelly penguins for five months?”
This was followed by a two-day selection process which tested candidates’ fitness, teamwork and knowledge of Antarctica.
Adele said: “I was very surprised but delighted to get through. After the two days I left feeling very unsure whether I would be selected or not. I was absolutely over the moon when I got the thumbs up.
“The Antarctic is a long-held passion of mine. I visited last year as an expedition photographer and went there earlier this year.”
The expedition will run from November to March and will see the team of three women and one man mail thousands of cards to 100 countries from 18,000 visitors on board expedition and cruise ships.
The arrival of around two cruise ships a day means there is never a dull moment and allows the team the chance to get invited on board, grab a shower and enjoy formal dining facilities.
But for the rest of the time, the team have to exist in temperatures averaging minus 10°Celsius. This week, they are expected to drop as low as minus 24°Celsius.
Adele, who has been ‘wild camping’ in the past added: “I know in part what I am letting myself in for. We’ve got that team support and we’ve got a sense of each other. They are really lovely people.
“I am really looking forward to it. It is an absolutely stunning location. It’s a really wonderful personal and professional opportunity. If you have a passion for Antarctica then it’s an absolute dream job. It will be a real adventure.
“I can distinguish between penguins. The ones on Goudier are gentoo penguins and they make the most amazing noise like a large cat’s purr.”
Camilla Nichol, Trust chief executive said: “Undertaking a season at Port Lockroy is not for the faint-hearted and the selection process is a rigorous test of all those qualities needed for life in the Antarctic.
“It was a tough decision as the field was so strong, but I am delighted that we have managed to assemble a team who we are confident will deliver another successful season at Port Lockroy”
