Tell us about yourself and your connection to Aurora Expeditions
I co-founded Australian Himalayan Expeditions in 1975 which later became World Expeditions. Then in 1989 I created a strategic marketing & PR company and worked on several projects including BridgeClimb, Robert Swan’s 1989 ICEWALK North Pole Expedition and later Space Adventures USA. I was also the Nepalese Honorary Consul-General in Sydney from 1987-2009 and was Aurora's marketing manager from 1998 for about 5 years.
What first drew you to Aurora?
When I co-owned Australian Himalayan Expeditions we had met with Greg Mortimer and the team following their successful first Australian ascent of Everest and I recall Greg led a few treks for my trekking company in the Himalayas. In fact, after leaving my trekking company I did some publicity for Greg’s K2 Savage Mountain lecture tour. I later attended the launch party for Aurora which felt very special and exciting.
What’s a moment with Aurora that has stayed with you?
My first voyage was to the Antarctic Peninsula in Feb 1999 led by Greg. No one can prepare you for your first sighting of an iceberg and the growing sense that you are entering ‘the wild forces of nature’ as Greg stated.
On that voyage Greg had arranged to pick up Duncan Thomas (who also worked as a mountaineering guide for Aurora) following an attempt to Climb Mt Français the highest peak (of Anvers Island) at 2,822 m on the Antarctic Peninsula. Duncan and his climbing mate Dave Adams had to be at Portal Point on an exact day for the pick up. If they weren’t there Greg said, “I’ll have to turn the ship around and head back as I have a full compliment of passengers on board’. This would have meant the boys would have had to overwinter! So, in the morning when we got the news they were there it was a huge relief and we felt very proud that they had also summited Français and survived a subsequent avalanche!
Another one of my most treasured Aurora memories was accompanying Bryce Courtenay on a voyage to South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula in November 2000. In the middle of the Drake Passage, Bryce ran a remarkable three-day writing workshop for guests. It was intense but great fun, and all of our writing markedly improved.
We shared countless extraordinary experiences along the way, from paying our respects at Shackleton's grave in Grytviken to encountering immense tabular icebergs and gingerly walking among nests of the giant Albatross which was a deeply humbling experience! Looking back, those moments in Antarctica feel far more valuable than any worldly goods.
When did you feel most proud to be part of this journey?
A voyage with Greg felt like a journey with old and close friends, and in the company of like minded people with a passion for adventure, nature, wildlife and a taste for taking on a certain level of risk!
What makes Aurora different, in your eyes?
Greg and Margaret are remarkable in every way, and they have just loved sharing their passion and providing authentic, intimate and extraordinary experiences being at the core of their mission. Their genuine warmth, kindness and laid-back style is rare and long may their presence with Aurora continue.
Why do you think responsible travel matters now more than ever?
Antarctica is under siege on many fronts from climate changes to avian flu, and now the sheer numbers of ships that are going down there. This is true also of the Arctic which I visited in 2009. Therefore Aurora’s commitment to responsible travel has never been more important.
What role do you believe Aurora plays in protecting the places we visit?
Ensuring that the footprint in the destinations visited is as light as possible. Hopefully people return as ambassadors and indeed become involved in projects which are underway to implement measures in the cause of science, species preservation and research on the environment, climate, etc.
How have you seen Aurora evolve over the years?
Well the sheer luxury of the vessels for a start! We loved the old Russian ice strengthened ships but the amenities were pretty basic, and the market has opted for a taste for luxe which Aurora’s new ships provide in both style and abundance. It is a much bigger organisation as well so some of that family intimate style may inevitably become a bit diluted.
What has remained constant at its core?
The heritage continues to be honoured and the core values which Greg and Margaret and their team have shared with passengers for decades appears to still be cherished, and that is wonderful.
What do you hope Aurora continues to stand for in the next 35 years?
A culture which continues to put the passenger’s safety as a core value. And a culture which creates challenging opportunities in wild places along with environmental protocols of the highest standard.
In one sentence: what does Aurora mean to you?
Journeys to the heart of nature amid the wild forces of nature!
