The centennial anniversary of Roald Amundsen and his team reaching the Geographic South Pole on December 14, 1911 was celebrated last week with people from all corners of the Earth in attendance. Toasting a great accomplishment for Norway and humanity, the Norwegian Prime Minister, Jens Stoltenberg, Explorer, Børge Ousland and officials from the Norwegian Polar Institute and the NSF each addressed the crowd. At  – 35° C,  fingers were cold holding the camera.

Antarctica is as photogenic as it is inhospitable to human life. The effort required to get there is easily paid back in memories.

I was on this trip as a guide for PolarExplorers.com.

Ilyushin IL-76 on the blue ice runway at Union Glacier, Antarctica

Norwegian expeditioner with cognac from 1911. Mmmm.

Reflecting globe atop ceremonial South pole

Sleeping in a recreation of Amundsen's tent

Refueling at Theil Mountains fuel cache

Norwegian Prime Minister, Jens Stoltenberg and Rick Sweitzer

Re-enactment of Bjaaland's famous photo of Amundsen's team at the South Pole

Me with ice sculpture of Amundsen at the Pole

Me at the Centennial celebration

Bluebird day at the South Pole

Ilyushin back in Punta Arenas, Chile at the end of the trip