Barneo Ice Camp (ENG)
ESTABLISHING CAMP
Barneo is a seasonal camp, set-up in late March every year only through a highly complex and technical series of logistics incorporating Ilyushin-76, Antonov-74 and Mi-8 flights from Moscow and Siberia, parachute and skydiver drops, specialist advisers and observers and temporary camps on the Arctic Ocean. Once the ice runway has been prepared, using tractors parachuted onto the ice, technical AN-74 flights deliver the camp infrastructure and Barneo usually opens its doors to the first passenger flight around April 4.
FACILITIES
Camp facilities include heated accommodation tents withcomfortable bedding, a large mess tent and kitchen serves regular hot meals, provides 24-hr tea, coffee and snacks and houses a souvenir store with unique Barneo, Arctic and North Pole memorabilia. A doctor resides at the camp for the season as do specialists in many fields - pilots, mechanics, engineers, communication experts, guest services general staff and explorers.
FLYING
The AN-74 flies from Longyerbyen in Svalbard, Norway around three times a week, taking passengers on a 2.5 hour flight across the Arctic Ocean to Barneo. Passengers are mostly tourists visiting the North Pole but also includes guided and private ski expeditions, scientists and media. Mi-8 helicopters fly regularly between Barneo and the North Pole as well as ferrying scientists to their local work sites.
STAFF
Barneo and the ice runway require a huge amount of maintenance and a large contingency of Russian staff can be seen shuttling between tents, taxiways and fuel depots. They make life at the camp comfortable and many of them display their artistic and musical skills through ice carving and mini concerts. One of the great characters of Barneo, himself an acclaimed polar explorer, is Dr. Victor Boyarsky, founder of Agency Vicaar and president of the Russian State Museum of Arctic and Antarctic in St. Petersburg. He has a hand-shake and a smile for everyone, even a story, delivers all safety briefings and accompanies most flights to the North Pole
HAZARDS
Polar bears, extreme cold, thin ice, large vehicles, spinning rotor blades - the Arctic Ocean is a hazardous place. It is wise to follow all instructions and not to stray onto the runway or beyond Barneo's perimeter. If in doubt ask a staff member. You will have plenty of time to explore and get to know the Arctic ice, but do it without jeopardising your safety or that of others.
END OF SEASON
In late April the warmer temperatures begin to take effect. The ice begins to melt and weaken heralding the end of Barneo's short but sweet season. Around April 25 the final passenger flight arrives to collect the last of the visitors after which the camp is dismantled and flow back to Longyearbyen where it is stored until the next year. Being part of this unique experience is seeing passion in action. It takes a special love of the Arctic to warrant the effort required to operate Barneo Ice Camp.
from icetrek.com/base-camps/barneo-ice-camp