In true Cantabrian fashion, warm red and black socks are on standby for Michelle Bennett.
The mother of two is one of four finalists to win a trip to Antarctica as part of the Freeze Out competition, where participants answer Antarctic-themed questions.
Finalists claim to be more than ready for the 10-day adventure, scheduled to leave in March 2015.
“I’ve done a few adventurous – some say crazy – things in my life; London Marathon, Coast to Coast, bungee and hanging over the edge of the Victoria Falls,” Bennett said.
Finalist and Antarctic studies student Emma McIntosh said she was the adventurous type, having just applied for a skydiving course.
Finalists plan to document their experiences in Antarctica in a variety of ways; through social media platforms such as blogging and Facebook, and some through video.
“I have been working on time lapse videos and I think the Antarctic would be an incredible location in which to make one that would inspire people,” McIntosh said.
Finalist Jana Sladka said:
“If I travel to Antarctica, I’ll basically not stop talking about it. Although some people may get annoyed, eventually, I know I’ll increase people’s awareness.”
Finalist and University of Canterbury student Alyssa Langford wants to conduct research on how human actions affect the remote environment of Antarctica.
She had only touched snow once as a child but her experience living in Christchurch had prepared her for the cold of Antarctica.
“I live in a student flat in Christchurch. I think that says enough really,” Langford said.
After further eliminations today and tomorrow at 8am, two participants will contest Friday’s finale.
The winner will travel on the Marine Mammal Voyage, courtesy of Wild Earth Travel and One Ocean Expeditions.
_Jess Pullar for The Press
