JAMES CAIRD SOCIETY SHACKLETON NEWS

ELDERHOSTEL

Details of Elderhostel Tours, which in the past have taken in South Georgia, the South Shetlands, Drake Passage and the Antarctic Peninsula aboard the Swedish icebreaker MV Polar Star are available online.

Elderhostel is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing extraordinary learning adventures for people 55 and over based in the United States, and is the world's largest educational and travel organization for adults aged 55 and over.

Elderhostel lists two study trips to Antarctica, one in 2005 and the other in 2006.

Global Holiday Traditions: A Celebration in Antarctica (Study Cruise) runs from 17 Dec 2005 to 3 Jan 2006: 'Celebrate the season learning about holiday traditions from around the world as you venture through Antarctica. This festive journey also introduces the Antarctic Peninsula and its rich natural world. Study penguins, seals, whales, birds and the nutrient-rich waters in which they feed as you move past deeply crevassed glaciers, and huge icebergs floating in fjords and sounds. Spend Christmas aboard the MV Polar Star, and ring in the New Year in Buenos Aires, "the Paris of South America." Vessel itinerary subject to local conditions, and regulations set forth by the Antarctic Treaty system.'

The Antarctic Peninsula (Adventure Afloat - Study Cruise) runs for 15 nights from 2 - 17 Feb 2006: 'Journey along the Antarctic Peninsula and, conditions permitting, to the Antarctic Circle. Our expedition takes us past majestic mountains that reach 9,000', deeply crevassed glaciers, and huge icebergs floating in fjords and sounds. Amazingly, life thrives here. Observe penguins, seals, whales, birds and the nutrient-rich waters in which they feed.'

Expeditions during 2005 also include Patagonia and Southern Argentina (Patagonia: Hiking At The End Of The Earth. Nov 2005).

Elderhostel's address is 11 Avenue de Lafayette, Boston, MA 02111-1746 (Massachusetts), USA. Tel +1-978-323-4141 Fax +1-617-426-0701 email webmaster@elderhostel.org