One of the most intriguing places in the world is that of the colder regions, Antarctica and the Arctic. I've not yet been, and, given my disabilities, probably won't be able to go. Therefore, I am even MORE interested in people that have traveled there - and happy to hear their stories and see their photos. At once an eerie and difficult landscape, there's something about these places that stirs the mind and soul. 

Camp tonight

We recently had the great luck to speak with Matt McFadyen, an arctic explorer extraordinaire. Matt has explored many places all over the world, and now shares his travels as a professional speaker.  When I watched his video (see below), I was so very impressed with his breadth of experience and the way that he is able to share such experiences and relate them to life as we know it. The skills that Matt has learned on his expedition are hard-won - probably more than we can ever know. Still, it is nice to sit, and listen, and learn from him. Here's what Matt had to say...

WE: Please tell us about your expeditions to Antarctica and the Arctic...

MM: In December 2003 I was the youngest in a crew of 5 that set sail from Sydney Harbour in a 43 foot yacht. We were attempting to sail 1800 Nautical Miles across the Southern Ocean bound for Commonwealth Bay Antarctica.
Over the next 6 weeks I would see some of the most extreme and some of the most beautiful places on earth. We successfully made it to Antarctica and I had 4 amazing days on land.

The return leg of the expedition would push me to my absolute limits both physically and mentally we encountered a horrendous storm 1000km from Australia where the boat was knocked upside down twice by 50 foot waves. Luckily we survived and made it back home. I guess an experience like that gave me different perspective on life and I had fallen in love not only with Antarctica but adventure and the whole idea of putting these huge expeditions together. I had decided on the way home I was going to attempt to reach the North Pole on foot. 18 months later at 24, I became the youngest Australian to reach the geographical North Pole. I have been incredibly lucky to reach the Pole 3 times. 

Rubble

Wind

WE: What interested you in such extreme adventure travel?

MM: I always wanted to travel when I was growing up, but I liked the idea of getting off the beaten track. Growing up in Sydney I was always fascinated by the ocean so naturally I wanted to sail. After reaching Antarctica that ignited my passion for the ice and I loved the idea of doing things that very few people have ever done.
I love watching these ideas and dreams start to come to life and so I guess I love the whole process, the planning that goes into an expedition.

Camp - the Morning of Day 2

Climbing rubble

WE: Please tell us about putting together an expedition team - what are you looking for, what do you need to have as a team in order to succeed in your goals?

MM: Getting the right people together is defiantly the biggest challenge. I look for people that have a real passion for what they want to achieve out there. Also people that can work under pressure and also are ready for months if not years of hard work to get an expedition off the ground. Not a lot of people see the hard work that goes on before a trip. So people that want to be part of an expedition have to really be committed.

Sunset, Longyearbyn

Sunrise

WE: How do you share your experiences with others?

MM: While I am out on an expedition, I blog live from the ice on www.mattmcfadyen.com.au. When I'm not on an expedition, I make my living as a professional speaker. I speak at events all over the world.

Heading across the ice cap

WE: What lessons for success can people take away from your experiences?

MM: I guess when I speak for organisations I use my expeditions as the engagement tool. When you scratch the surface the analogies between business and adventure are very clear. It's all about putting good teams together, proper planning for success, overcoming setbacks and adversity and hard work.

I also speak at schools all over the world and there I try to encourage young people to dream big and not be afraid to fail.

WE: What is it like, to be so far away from everything you know, comforts, safety?

MM: At times is frightening but mostly it's exhilarating. It's a beautiful existence no phones, cars, noise, none of the everyday distractions that are associated with life. All you worry about is keeping warm and keeping safe. However it's always nice to come home to family and friends and of course a shower. 

WE: Thanks so very much, Matt! Your experiences are extraordinary. I love following your blog and seeing all of the incredible places you've been.

For more information, please see:
www.mattmcfadyen.com.au

All photos courtesy and copyright of Matt McFayden.