July 22nd 2023.
Pauline Bisson, 72, and Michael Steel, 40, have undertaken a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to discover Antarctica. The unlikely pair, both from Hampshire, have created a unique friendship, and are now on a mission to raise awareness of the devastating effects of climate change.
Pauline is a great-grandmother of one, and mum-of-six, and has previously gone on a range of daring adventures, including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and completing the Everest Base Camp challenge.
Their trip started in March 2023, and they flew from Punta Arenas, Chile, to the icy continent of Antarctica. Once there, they were guided by a team of polar experts, marine biologists and historians.
Pauline, who describes herself as 'addicted' to adrenaline-pumping activities, even took part in a Polar Plunge, despite being scared of water. She said: “I jumped and went right under, I drank half of the sea - it tasted salty and it was freezing! I’m terrified of water, so I didn’t take a bathing costume, but it was absolutely amazing.”
The pair witnessed some incredible sights, including penguins, falling glaciers, glacial volcanoes, humpback whales and scenic landscapes. One of their most surreal moments was at Deception Island, where they sailed past Neptune’s Bellow and discovered the remains of a whaling station.
Michael said: “It’s like going to a different planet, a completely surreal place. The geology expert told us that when the first explorers visited 150 years ago, they saw what we saw, so you’re in a time capsule.”
The pair were in awe of the natural world, but also worried about the effects of climate change, which could lead to issues within our ecosystem. They discussed the impact of this issue and noticed how the melting glaciers have put Adélie, Emperor and Chinstrap penguins at risk.
The inseparable pair first met back in 2004 at work. They didn't get on very well at first, but during a trip to Mount Kilimanjaro in 2008, they bonded over their mutual passion for adventure.
Pauline has since switched up her lifestyle for a more natural approach. She commented: “I was a person of luxury, but I was feeling sorry for myself after my husband left me when I was 51. A friend suggested I do a 100km trek across the Great Wall of China and it all started there - now I sleep on rocks and I couldn’t be happier.”
Michael admires Pauline’s tenacity and determination, and says their relationship is unique because of the age gap. Pauline, meanwhile, wants people to know that age doesn't matter - you can do whatever you set your mind to. She said: “It’s about your mindset. My children know I’m mad, but I’d rather be mad and happy, than sad and sane.”
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