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John Newby

Environment

The Future of The White Continent

Swoop Specialist

The bedrock of east Antarctica is more than three billion years old. Pause for a moment and say that out loud: “three billion years”. It’s difficult to imagine a time line that long, or to try to visualise what earth would have been like three billion years ago, a time when multi-cellular Read More


Antarctic / IAATO / Tourism / Wildlife
History

Pass the Penguin: Diets of the Early Explorers

Swoop Specialist

One stinging truth the study revealed was quite obvious: most heroes tend to die. Scott, Shackleton, Franklin, and my favourite, Titus Oates – who spoke the immortal last words – “I’m just going outside and may be some time”, all perished. But is it the actions of a person, or their last words that make Read More


Antarctica / History / Polar Exploration
History

A Little Piece of Antarctica in Warwickshire

Swoop Specialist

In preparing for a voyage to Antarctica, I had written the usual packing lists, read some more books about Antarctica, and checked the weather forecast plenty of times. In my research I stumbled across an intriguing story of an English church, an Antarctic voyage and Sir Robert Falcon Scott’s last ever journey. Read More


Antarctica / History
Environment

Rediscovering the Arctic: Iceland to Svalbard

Swoop Specialist

Landing in the Arctic felt cathartic: the cold chill on my face and the fresh smell of ice burn my nostrils. The cold, ice and snow are so familiar, in fact they’ve been tattooed into my memory after over a decade living in Finland. I was very much looking forward to my adventure. Read More


Arctic / History / Iceland / Svalbard / Wildlife
Culture

Polar Page Turners: John’s Recommended Reads

Swoop Specialist

So much of Antarctica literature focuses on the exploration and adventure of the white continent. With Shackleton and Scott dominating the book lists, it’s difficult to find anything written from a different perspective. But Brian Birkenstein has achieved something quite unique. Read More


Antarctica / Books / Penguins / Shackleton / Travel Tips / Wildlife
Adventure

John’s Guide to Polar Plunging

Swoop Specialist

Polar plunges are quite literally the coolest thing you can do in Antarctica. On my last voyage 48 out of 92 people jumped into the icy water; that’s quite a lot. I’m going to take some credit for that enthusiasm. I was ready for the jump well ahead of time, walking around the lounge of the Read More


Antarctica / Polar Plunge
Environment

Which Apps Should I Have for Antarctica?

Swoop Specialist

There is no denying the usefulness of apps on our smart devices. Whilst I’m sure we would all agree that too much screen time in Antarctica would be a bad thing, there are a few apps which I have personally found very useful. Read More


Antarctica / Travel Tips