Phil Wickens
Phil began working in Antarctica with the British Antarctic Survey in 1997. He became a member of Quark's Expedition Team in 2007. The Englishman is very partial to a good glass of port and likes to work travelers hard when hiking because he knows they will thank him for it afterwards!
What skills do you bring to the job?
"Outdoor leadership, power-boat handling, public speaking, photographer and field naturalist."
What keeps you returning to the polar regions?
"The enjoyment of helping people to experience the polar environment that I love; sometimes this can be a life-changing experience."
If you could time travel, which historic expedition would you join, and why?
"John Rymill's 1934-37 British Graham Land Expedition. This was well-planned and executed, with no serious injury or loss of life. He used a steam sailing ship and then dog-sledges to explore vast areas of the southern Antarctic Peninsula. He traversed it from west to east, charting the previously unexplored coastline of King George VI Sound and Alexander Island. I would love to have been a part of what was one of the most professionally organized Antarctic expeditions that contributed greatly towards our knowledge of the continent."
Phil's advice for Polar Travelers
"Be prepared to be bitten by the polar bug - you will want to come back for more."