David Riordan
Dave is a Logistics Manager with good engine mechanic skills. He keeps the Zodiacs in working order and manages the shore landings. He has a degree in Industrial Engineering, but that didn't hold him back from interning at Walt Disney World. He worked at a ski resort in Colorado, and as a stockbroker on Wall Street. He finally found his calling when he became an Expedition Leader, guiding small groups around South America, Africa and Asia. He has traveled from Kazakh Steppe to the Sudanese Sahara to the Altiplano of Brazil. Dave has now set his compass for the polar regions.
What keeps you touring season after searon?
"The adventure, unpredictability, natural beauty and inspiration you get from traveling to destinations that challenge your beliefs and senses."
If you could time travel, which historic expedition would you join?
"In the Antarctic - I would jump at the chance to be aboard the Endurance with Ernest Shackleton. I find the hope, perserverance and ingenuity displayed by those men to be incredibly courageous and inspiring. Plus, none of them died! In the Arctic, I would sail aboard the Norge airship with Roald Amundsen. The spectacular journey over the North Pole from the air woudl be unimaginably beautiful."
Dave's advice for polar travelers.
"If you have that spark of interest, and the means to get there, go for it! We only spin around the sun so many times, you must take advantage of the time you have."